Solmetric PVA-1500S User manual

Solmetric PV Analyzer I-V Curve Tracer
PVA-1500S with SolSensor 300
PVA-1000S with SolSensor™
PVA-600+with SolSensor™
User’s Guide

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© Copyright Solmetric Corporation, 2010 – 2018
All Rights Reserved. Reproduction, adaptation, or
translation without prior written permission is prohibited,
except as allowed under copyright laws.
Part No. 600-90001
Version 4.0
June 2018
Printed in USA
Solmetric Corporation
www.solmetric.com
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
End User Software License and Hardware
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iii
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Contents
1 GETTING STARTED ........................................................................................................................................ 1-1
OVERVIEW ............................................................................................................................................................. 1-1
COMPUTER MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS .................................................................................................... 1-2
EQUIPMENT ............................................................................................................................................................ 1-2
Curve Tracer Equipment (PVA-1500S, PVA-1000S, PVA-600+) .................................................................... 1-3
SolSensor Equipment ........................................................................................................................................ 1-3
SPECIFICATIONS ..................................................................................................................................................... 1-4
PVA-1500S Specifications ............................................................................................................................... 1-4
PVA-1000S Specifications ............................................................................................................................... 1-5
PVA-600+ Specifications .................................................................................................................................. 1-6
SolSensor 300 Specifications ............................................................................................................................ 1-7
SolSensor (Original) Specifications .................................................................................................................. 1-9
SAFETY AND REGULATORY .................................................................................................................................. 1-11
PVA-1500S Safety and Regulatory ................................................................................................................ 1-11
Warnings, Cautions, and Notes .................................................................................................................. 1-11
Declaration of Conformity.......................................................................................................................... 1-11
Cleaning...................................................................................................................................................... 1-11
Instrument Markings .................................................................................................................................. 1-11
PVA-1000S Safety and Regulatory ................................................................................................................. 1-12
Warnings, Cautions, and Notes .................................................................................................................. 1-12
Declaration of Conformity.......................................................................................................................... 1-12
Cleaning...................................................................................................................................................... 1-12
Instrument Markings .................................................................................................................................. 1-12
PVA-600+Safety and Regulatory .................................................................................................................... 1-13
Warnings, Cautions, and Notes .................................................................................................................. 1-13
Declaration of Conformity.......................................................................................................................... 1-13
Cleaning...................................................................................................................................................... 1-13
Instrument Markings .................................................................................................................................. 1-13
SolSensor 300 Safety and Regulatory ............................................................................................................. 1-14
Warnings, Cautions, and Notes .................................................................................................................. 1-14
Declaration of Conformity ......................................................................................................................... 1-14
Cleaning...................................................................................................................................................... 1-14
Instrument Markings .................................................................................................................................. 1-15
SolSensor (original) Safety and Regulatory .................................................................................................... 1-15
Warnings, Cautions, and Notes .................................................................................................................. 1-15
Declaration of Conformity ......................................................................................................................... 1-15
Cleaning...................................................................................................................................................... 1-16
Instrument Markings .................................................................................................................................. 1-16
PRECAUTIONS ...................................................................................................................................................... 1-17
PVA-1500S Precautions ................................................................................................................................. 1-17
Using PV Connector Saver Jumpers........................................................................................................... 1-17
PV/Electrical Safety Precautions ................................................................................................................ 1-17
Battery Precautions ..................................................................................................................................... 1-19
Measuring High-Efficiency PV Modules ................................................................................................... 1-19
PVA-1000S Precautions ................................................................................................................................. 1-19
Using PV Connector Saver Jumpers........................................................................................................... 1-19

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PV/Electrical Safety Precautions ................................................................................................................ 1-20
Battery Precautions ..................................................................................................................................... 1-21
Measuring High-Efficiency PV Modules ................................................................................................... 1-21
PVA-600+ Precautions .................................................................................................................................... 1-21
Using PV Connector Saver Jumpers........................................................................................................... 1-21
PV/Electrical Safety Precautions ................................................................................................................ 1-22
Battery Precautions ..................................................................................................................................... 1-23
Measuring High-Efficiency PV Modules ................................................................................................... 1-23
SolSensor and SolSensor 300 Precautions ...................................................................................................... 1-24
Covering the Irradiance Sensor .................................................................................................................. 1-24
Cleaning the Irradiance Sensor ................................................................................................................... 1-24
Battery Precautions ..................................................................................................................................... 1-24
INSTALLATION PROCEDURE ................................................................................................................................. 1-25
I-V Measurement Unit Installation Procedure ................................................................................................ 1-25
Hardware Installation ................................................................................................................................. 1-25
Software Installation ................................................................................................................................... 1-25
Updating the PV Equipment Databases ...................................................................................................... 1-29
SolSensor Installation Procedure .................................................................................................................... 1-29
CHARGING THE BATTERY .................................................................................................................................... 1-30
Charging the Battery on the PVA-1500S I-V Measurement unit ................................................................... 1-30
Charging the SolSensor 300 Battery ............................................................................................................... 1-30
Charging the Battery on the PVA-1000S and PVA-600+ I-V Measurement Unit .......................................... 1-31
Charging the SolSensor Battery of the Original SolSensor ............................................................................ 1-32
YOUR WIRELESS NETWORK ................................................................................................................................. 1-32
Your PVA-1500S/SolSensor 300 Wireless Network ...................................................................................... 1-32
Your PVA-1000S/600+/SolSensor Wireless Network .................................................................................... 1-33
2 SETTING UP AND USING THE I-V MEASUREMENT UNIT AND SOLSENSOR ................................. 2-1
SYSTEM CONTROLS AND SETTINGS ........................................................................................................................ 2-1
Operational States of the PVA-1500S I-V Measurement Unit ......................................................................... 2-2
SETTING UP THE I-V MEASUREMENT UNIT ............................................................................................................ 2-4
SETTING UP SOLSENSOR ........................................................................................................................................ 2-4
MOUNTING SOLSENSOR TO A PV MODULE FRAME ................................................................................................. 2-5
OPTIMIZING WIRELESS TRANSMISSION RANGE ....................................................................................................... 2-9
MOUNTING SOLSENSOR ON A TRIPOD .................................................................................................................... 2-9
CONNECTING TO THE SOLAR PV EQUIPMENT ...................................................................................................... 2-11
POWERING-UP THE I-V MEASUREMENT UNIT ...................................................................................................... 2-13
I-V MEASUREMENTS ............................................................................................................................................ 2-14
SWEEP DISABLED ................................................................................................................................................. 2-14
OVER-TEMPERATURE PROTECTION ..................................................................................................................... 2-14
Thermal Capacity of the PVA-1500S ............................................................................................................. 2-15
Operating Under High-Temperature Conditions............................................................................................. 2-15
OVER-VOLTAGE PROTECTION ............................................................................................................................. 2-15
PVA-1500S Over-voltage Protection .............................................................................................................. 2-15
PVA-1000S Over-voltage Protection .............................................................................................................. 2-16
PVA-600+ Over-voltage Protection ................................................................................................................ 2-16
OVER-CURRENT PROTECTION .............................................................................................................................. 2-16
REVERSE POLARITY PROTECTION ........................................................................................................................ 2-16

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3 SOFTWARE OVERVIEW ................................................................................................................................ 3-1
USING PROJECTS .................................................................................................................................................... 3-1
USING THE SYSTEM TREE ...................................................................................................................................... 3-2
MAIN SCREEN OVERVIEW ...................................................................................................................................... 3-2
MENU BAR ............................................................................................................................................................. 3-3
File Menu .......................................................................................................................................................... 3-3
Browse Project ............................................................................................................................................. 3-3
Recent Projects ............................................................................................................................................. 3-3
Export Trace for Active Measurement ......................................................................................................... 3-3
Export Traces for Entire System .................................................................................................................. 3-3
Export Meg Test Data .................................................................................................................................. 3-4
New Project .................................................................................................................................................. 3-4
Selecting your PV Module ....................................................................................................................... 3-9
Creating the System Tree ....................................................................................................................... 3-10
Using the Symmetrical Tree Builder ...................................................................................................... 3-11
CLONING, MODIFYING, AND REUSING A PREVIOUS PROJECT ............................................................................... 3-13
Properties Menu .............................................................................................................................................. 3-13
View Menu ..................................................................................................................................................... 3-14
Trace view options... .................................................................................................................................. 3-14
Show Meg Test Tab .................................................................................................................................... 3-14
Utility Menu .................................................................................................................................................... 3-14
Help Menu ...................................................................................................................................................... 3-17
USING THE TAB SCREENS..................................................................................................................................... 3-18
Traces Tab....................................................................................................................................................... 3-18
Table Tab ........................................................................................................................................................ 3-22
History Tab ..................................................................................................................................................... 3-24
Meg Test Tab .................................................................................................................................................. 3-25
DESCRIPTION OF THE EXPORTED I-V DATA FILE ................................................................................................. 3-26
BASIS OF PV PERFORMANCE PREDICTIONS .......................................................................................................... 3-31
SolSensor Irradiance Calibration .................................................................................................................... 3-31
Irradiance Measurement .................................................................................................................................. 3-31
Prediction of PV Performance ........................................................................................................................ 3-32
Translation of Measured Values to STC ......................................................................................................... 3-32
Measurement of Isc .......................................................................................................................................... 3-32
4 MAKING MEASUREMENTS........................................................................................................................... 4-1
INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................................................... 4-1
BEFORE YOU GO TO THE FIELD TO MAKE MEASUREMENTS ..................................................................................... 4-1
Charge the equipment ....................................................................................................................................... 4-1
Check that you are using the latest PVA software ............................................................................................ 4-1
Create a Project in the PVA software. .............................................................................................................. 4-1
Make sure you have all your equipment ........................................................................................................... 4-2
Assure adequate irradiance for your measurements .......................................................................................... 4-2
MAKING MEASUREMENTS IN THE FIELD ................................................................................................................ 4-2
Place the I-V Unit near the PV circuits to be measured .................................................................................... 4-2
Connect the test leads to the PVA ..................................................................................................................... 4-2
Launch the PVA software ................................................................................................................................. 4-3
Load your Project .............................................................................................................................................. 4-3

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Insert the wireless USB adapter (PVA-1000S and PVA-600+) ........................................................................ 4-3
Mount SolSensor ............................................................................................................................................... 4-3
Attach SolSensor’s thermocouple ..................................................................................................................... 4-3
Turn on the I-V Measurement Unit, and connect wirelessly to your PC .......................................................... 4-4
Turn on SolSensor ............................................................................................................................................ 4-4
Prepare the PV source circuits for measurement .............................................................................................. 4-4
Connect the test leads to the PV equipment ...................................................................................................... 4-4
Select the first PV circuit to be measured ......................................................................................................... 4-5
Make your first measurement ........................................................................................................................... 4-5
Select the next PV circuit and take another measurement ................................................................................ 4-6
View the consistency of your data before moving on ....................................................................................... 4-6
From time to time, back up your data ............................................................................................................... 4-7
5 TROUBLESHOOTING PVA OPERATION ................................................................................................... 5-1
TROUBLESHOOTING USING STATUS MESSAGES ..................................................................................................... 5-1
TROUBLESHOOTING BY SYMPTOM ......................................................................................................................... 5-4
6 MEASURING IRRADIANCE, TEMPERATURE, AND TILT ..................................................................... 6-1
INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................................................... 6-1
MEASURING IRRADIANCE WITH SOLSENSOR ......................................................................................................... 6-3
SolSensor irradiance sensor .............................................................................................................................. 6-3
Preliminary Irradiance ...................................................................................................................................... 6-3
SolSensor Precautions ....................................................................................................................................... 6-3
Covering the Irradiance Sensor .................................................................................................................... 6-3
Cleaning the Irradiance Sensor ..................................................................................................................... 6-3
Orienting and mounting the irradiance sensor .................................................................................................. 6-4
Albedo effects ................................................................................................................................................... 6-4
Diffuse light ...................................................................................................................................................... 6-4
DETERMINING IRRADIANCE FROM THE MEASURED I-V CURVE ............................................................................. 6-5
Entering Irradiance Manually ........................................................................................................................... 6-5
MEASURING PV MODULE BACKSIDE TEMPERATURE WITH A THERMOCOUPLE ..................................................... 6-6
Selecting a thermocouple wire gauge ............................................................................................................... 6-7
Selecting a thermocouple tip ............................................................................................................................. 6-7
Selecting a tape for thermocouple attachment .................................................................................................. 6-7
Attaching the thermocouple to the module backside ........................................................................................ 6-8
Choosing a location to mount the thermocouple on the module or array.......................................................... 6-8
MEASURING PV MODULE TEMPERATURE WITH AN INFRARED THERMOMETER ....................................................... 6-9
DETERMINING CELL TEMPERATURE FROM THE MEASURED I-V CURVE .............................................................. 6-10
USING SMARTTEMP TO MEASURE CELL TEMPERATURE ...................................................................................... 6-11
7 INTERPRETING MEASURED I-V CURVES ................................................................................................ 7-1
INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................................................... 7-1
INPUTS TO THE PV MODEL ..................................................................................................................................... 7-1
I-V CURVE TERMINOLOGY .................................................................................................................................... 7-2
Performance Factor ........................................................................................................................................... 7-2
Fill Factor .......................................................................................................................................................... 7-2
THE SHAPE OF A NORMAL I-V CURVE ................................................................................................................... 7-3
INTERPRETING I-V CURVES ................................................................................................................................... 7-4
1. NOTCHES OR STEPS ............................................................................................................................................ 7-6

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Array Is Partially Shaded, or non-uniform soiling or debris is present ............................................................. 7-8
PV Cells Are Damaged ..................................................................................................................................... 7-8
Cell String Conductor Is Short Circuited .......................................................................................................... 7-8
2. LOW CURRENT ................................................................................................................................................... 7-8
Uniform soiling ................................................................................................................................................. 7-9
Strip shade ........................................................................................................................................................ 7-9
Dirt dam ............................................................................................................................................................ 7-9
Module Degradation ......................................................................................................................................... 7-9
Incorrect PV Module Is Selected for the PV Model ......................................................................................... 7-9
Number of PV Strings in Parallel Is Not Entered Correctly in the Model ...................................................... 7-10
Irradiance Changed Between Irradiance and I-V Measurements .................................................................... 7-10
Irradiance Sensor Is Not Oriented in the Plane of Array ................................................................................ 7-10
Albedo Effects (reflection) Contribute Additional Irradiance ........................................................................ 7-10
Irradiance Is Too Low, or the Sun Is Too Close to the Horizon ..................................................................... 7-10
Manual Irradiance Sensor Is Not Accurate ..................................................................................................... 7-11
3. LOW VOLTAGE ................................................................................................................................................. 7-11
PV Cell Temperature Is Hotter than the Measured Temperature .................................................................... 7-11
One or More Cells or Modules Are Completely Shaded ................................................................................ 7-12
One or More Bypass Diodes Are Conducting or Shorted ............................................................................... 7-12
4. ROUNDER KNEE ................................................................................................................................................ 7-12
5. STEEPER SLOPE IN HORIZONTAL LEG ................................................................................................................ 7-13
Shunt Paths Exist In PV Cells or Modules...................................................................................................... 7-13
Module Isc Mismatch ....................................................................................................................................... 7-14
Tapered shade or dirt dam ............................................................................................................................... 7-15
6. LESS STEEP SLOPE IN VERTICAL LEG ................................................................................................................. 7-15
PV Wiring Has Excess Resistance or Is Insufficiently Sized ......................................................................... 7-15
Electrical Interconnections in the Array Are Resistive ................................................................................... 7-16
Series Resistance of PV Modules Has Increased ............................................................................................ 7-16
8 TRANSLATION OF I-V DATA TO STANDARD TEST CONDITIONS ..................................................... 8-1
PARAMETER DEFINITIONS ...................................................................................................................................... 8-1
DEFINITION OF THE TRANSLATION PROCESS ........................................................................................................... 8-2
Figures
FIGURE 1. WELCOME SCREEN ................................................................................................................................... 1-25
FIGURE 2. PREREQUISITES DIALOG ........................................................................................................................... 1-26
FIGURE 3. INSTALLATION DEFAULT LOCATION DIALOG ............................................................................................ 1-26
FIGURE 4. INSERT WIRELESS USB ADAPTER DIALOG ................................................................................................ 1-27
FIGURE 5. INSERT WIRELESS USB ADAPTER (PVA-600+ AND PVA-1000S ONLY) .................................................. 1-27
FIGURE 6. INSTALLATION COMPLETE DIALOG ........................................................................................................... 1-28
FIGURE 7. LAUNCHING THE PVA SOFTWARE............................................................................................................ 1-28
FIGURE 8. SPLASH SCREEN ....................................................................................................................................... 1-28
FIGURE 9. THE SOFTWARE USER INTERFACE SHARED BY THE
PVA-1500, PVA-1000S (SHOWN HERE), AND PVA-600+ ...................................................................... 1-29
FIGURE 10. DIRECTORY STRUCTURE OF PVA SOFTWARE ......................................................................................... 1-29
FIGURE 11. BATTERY CHARGER CONNECTOR ON THE I-V MEASUREMENT UNIT ...................................................... 1-30

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FIGURE 12. CHARGER CONNECTED ........................................................................................................................... 1-31
FIGURE 13. BATTERY CHARGER CONNECTOR ON THE I-V MEASUREMENT UNIT ........................................................ 1-31
FIGURE 14. CHARGER CONNECTED ........................................................................................................................... 1-32
FIGURE 15. THE WIFI NETWORK OF THE PVA-1500S, SOLSENSOR 300, AND YOUR PC. .......................................... 1-33
FIGURE 16. NETWORK ICON ..................................................................................................................................... 1-34
FIGURE 17. NETWORK DIAGRAMS ............................................................................................................................ 1-34
FIGURE 18. LED-ILLUMINATED BUTTON SWITCH (SHOWN FOR THE PVA-1500S I-V MEASUREMENT UNIT). ............ 2-1
FIGURE 19. SOLSENSOR MOUNTED ON THE FRAME OF A PV MODULE......................................................................... 2-5
FIGURE 20. SOLSENSOR'S TOOL LANYARD SECURED TO A RACKING MEMBER. ........................................................... 2-6
FIGURE 21. SOLSENSOR CORRECTLY SEATED ALONG THE UPPER HORIZONTAL LEG OF THE MODULE FRAME. ............ 2-6
FIGURE 22. TIP OF FRAME CLAMP PROPERLY SEATED ON INSIDE SURFACE OF MODULE FRAME .................................. 2-7
FIGURE 23. THERMOCOUPLE PLUGGED INTO THE TC1 CONNECTOR. .......................................................................... 2-7
FIGURE 24. LOCATING THE THERMOCOUPLE TIP ON A SINGLE FREE-STANDING MODULE. ........................................... 2-8
FIGURE 25. SOLSENSOR PUSHBUTTON WITH LED LIT. LED BLINKS UNTIL
WIRELESS NETWORK IS ESTABLISHED, AFTER WHICH IT REMAINS ON........................................................ 2-9
FIGURE 26. TRIPOD MOUNTING SETUP ...................................................................................................................... 2-10
FIGURE 27. EXAMPLE OF I-V MEASUREMENT UNIT TEST LEADS CLIPPED
TO THE BUSS BARS OF A PV COMBINER BOX ........................................................................................... 2-12
FIGURE 28. POWERING-UP THE I-V MEASUREMENT UNIT ........................................................................................ 2-13
FIGURE 29. PVA SOFTWARE MAIN SCREEN ................................................................................................................ 3-2
FIGURE 30. FILE MENU............................................................................................................................................... 3-3
FIGURE 31. THE SITE INFO SCREEN OF THE NEW PROJECT WIZARD ........................................................................... 3-4
FIGURE 32. ROOF AZIMUTH TOOL .............................................................................................................................. 3-5
FIGURE 33. ROOF AZIMUTH TOOL WITH THE IMAGE OF A ROOFTOP PV SITE.............................................................. 3-5
FIGURE 34. FINDING THE AZIMUTH VALUE USING THE ROOF MEASUREMENT TOOL ................................................. 3-6
FIGURE 35. FINDING YOUR SITE’S LATITUDE AND LONGITUDE USING THE OFFLINE LIST FEATURE. ........................... 3-7
FIGURE 36. CONTROLS IN THE SITE INFO SCREEN, SET FOR A FIXED ARRAY WITH 180-DEGREE AZIMUTH. ................. 3-7
FIGURE 37. SETTINGS FOR A HORIZONTAL SINGLE-AXIS TRACKING SYSTEM. ............................................................. 3-8
FIGURE 38. THE TIME ZONE CONTROL IN THE SITE INFO SCREEN. ............................................................................... 3-8
FIGURE 39. THE PV MODULE SCREEN OF THE NEW PROJECT WIZARD. ...................................................................... 3-9
FIGURE 40. SELECTION OF THE PV MODULE’S MANUFACTURER AND
MODEL NUMBER, AND CORRESPONDING LIST OF MODULE PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS. .......................... 3-9
FIGURE 41. ARRAY NAVIGATOR WITH SYMMETRICAL TREE BUILDER.
THIS IS THE FINAL STEP IN CREATING A PROJECT. ................................................................................... 3-10
FIGURE 42. FINISHED ARRAY TREE FOR A UTILITY PV FIELD. ................................................................................... 3-10
FIGURE 43. THE DEFAULT SYSTEM TREE IN THE SYMMETRICAL TREE BUILDER. ...................................................... 3-11
FIGURE 44. CONTROLS FOR EDITING THE STRING WIRING PROPERTIES OF YOUR ARRAY TREE. ................................. 3-12
FIGURE 45. DIRECTORY STRUCTURE USED BY THE PVA SOFTWARE ......................................................................... 3-13
FIGURE 46. PROPERTIES MENU................................................................................................................................. 3-14
FIGURE 47. UTILITY MENU, USED TO CONTROL HOUSEKEEPING FUNCTIONS. ........................................................... 3-14
FIGURE 48. HELP MENU ........................................................................................................................................... 3-17
FIGURE 49. TRACES TAB, SHOWING THE MEASURED I-V CURVE AND
THE EXPECTED LOCATIONS OF ISC, MAXIMUM POWER POINT, AND VOC................................................. 3-18
FIGURE 50. TABLE TAB ............................................................................................................................................. 3-23
FIGURE 51. HISTORY TAB ......................................................................................................................................... 3-24
FIGURE 52. MEG TEST TAB ....................................................................................................................................... 3-25
FIGURE 53. HEADER INFORMATION SECTION OF THE EXPORTED CSV FILE ................................................................ 3-27
FIGURE 54. THE MEASUREMENT VS. MODEL SECTION OF THE EXPORTED CSV FILE .................................................. 3-27
FIGURE 55. THE SOLSENSOR MEASUREMENTS SECTION OF THE EXPORTED CSV FILE ............................................... 3-28

xi
FIGURE 56. MODEL DETAILS SECTION OF THE EXPORTED CSV FILE .......................................................................... 3-29
FIGURE 57. THE VOLTAGE, CURRENT, AND POWER DATA FROM THE I-V MEASUREMENT ......................................... 3-30
FIGURE 58. RESULTS OF AN I-V CURVE MEASUREMENT ............................................................................................. 4-5
FIGURE 59. STATUS INDICATOR .................................................................................................................................. 5-1
FIGURE 60. DEFINITION OF THE FILL FACTOR. ........................................................................................................... 7-3
FIGURE 61. A NORMAL I-V CURVE FOR THE PARALLEL COMBINATION OF TWO STRINGS OF EIGHT
175-WATT MODULES, SHOWING CONFORMANCE WITH FIVE POINTS PREDICTED BY THE PV MODEL. ........ 7-3
FIGURE 62. DEVIATIONS IN THE SHAPE OF THE I-V CURVE FALL INTO ONE
(OR A COMBINATION) OF THESE SIX CATEGORIES ...................................................................................... 7-5
FIGURE 63. THE EFFECT OF PARTIAL SHADING ON A STRING I-V CURVE. .................................................................... 7-6
FIGURE 64. THE SHADING IMPACT OF PLACING A BUSINESS CARD ON A SINGLE CELL IN A STRING OF FIFTEEN 180-WATT
MODULES .................................................................................................................................................. 7-7
FIGURE 65. THE EFFECT OF INTENTIONALLY SHADING ENTIRE MODULES IN
DIFFERENT COMBINATIONS, IN TWO PARALLEL-CONNECTED STRINGS ...................................................... 7-7
FIGURE 66. MEASUREMENT WITH LESS STEEP THAN PREDICTED SLOPE IN THE VERTICAL LEG OF THE I-V CURVE. ... 7-11
FIGURE 67. I-V CURVE MEASUREMENT SHOWING ROUNDER KNEE THAN PREDICTED BY THE PV MODEL. ................ 7-12
FIGURE 68. AN I-V CURVE SHOWING STEEPER SLOPE IN THE HORIZONTAL LEG OF THE I-V CURVE. ......................... 7-13
FIGURE 69. MEASUREMENT WITH LESS STEEP SLOPE IN THE VERTICAL LEG OF THE I-V CURVE. .............................. 7-15
Tables
TABLE 1. PVA-1500S ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS .................................................................... 1-4
TABLE 2. PVA-1000S ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS .................................................................... 1-5
TABLE 3. PVA-600+ ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS ....................................................................... 1-6
TABLE 4. SOLSENSOR 300 SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................................ 1-7
TABLE 5. SOLSENSOR SPECIFICATIONS ....................................................................................................................... 1-9
TABLE 6. DIRECT AND INDIRECT WIRELESS LINKS BETWEEN PC, PVA, AND SOLSENSOR ........................................ 1-35
TABLE 7. I-V OPERATIONAL STATES OF THE PVA-1500S .......................................................................................... 2-2
TABLE 8. I-V OPERATIONAL STATES OF THE PVA-1000S & 600+ .............................................................................. 2-3
TABLE 9. UTILITY MENU DESCRIPTION ..................................................................................................................... 3-15
TABLE 10. HELP MENU DESCRIPTION ........................................................................................................................ 3-17
TABLE 11. TRACES TAB DESCRIPTION ...................................................................................................................... 3-19
TABLE 12. TABLE TAB DESCRIPTION ........................................................................................................................ 3-23
TABLE 13. MEG TEST TAB DESCRIPTION................................................................................................................... 3-25
TABLE 14. DESCRIPTION OF THE HEADER INFORMATION SECTION OF THE EXPORTED CSV FILE ............................... 3-27
TABLE 15. DESCRIPTION OF THE SOLSENSOR MEASUREMENTS SECTION OF THE EXPORTED CSV FILE ...................... 3-28
TABLE 16. DESCRIPTION OF THE MODEL DETAILS SECTION OF THE EXPORTED CSV FILE ......................................... 3-29
TABLE 17. SENSOR CHOICES ...................................................................................................................................... 6-2

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1 Getting Started
1-1
1 Getting Started
Overview
This User Guide covers the PVA-1500S, PVA-1000S, and PVA-600+ I-V Measurement
Units and SolSensor.
The Solmetric PV Analyzer is a portable electrical test instrument designed for
commissioning and troubleshooting PV arrays. It measures the current-voltage (I-V)
curves of PV modules and strings and immediately compares the results to the
predictions of built-in PV models. Measurement results are easily saved for future
reference and analysis. The I-V Measurement Unit and associated sensor unit are
controlled wirelessly by your tablet or notebook PC. Wireless interfaces allow you to
move around in the immediate work area without the trip hazards associated with hard-
wired interconnections.
Irradiance, PV module temperature, and PV module tilt are measured by SolSencer, a
wireless PV reference sensor that streams this data to your PC. Sensor measurements are
triggered simultaneously with the I-V curve measurement.
The current-voltage (I-V) curve of a PV module, string, harness, or array provides a
detailed description of its energy conversion ability. The curve nominally ranges from the
short circuit current (Isc) at zero volts, to the open circuit voltage (Voc) at zero current. At
the ‘knee’ of a normal I-V curve are the maximum power current and voltage (Imp, Vmp),
the point at which the array generates maximum electrical power. All of these important
voltages and currents are captured when the I-V curve is measured. The detailed shape of
the curve between these points gives additional information about the health of the PV
module, string, or array under test.
The value of a measured I-V curve is greatly increased when it can be compared with a
predicted I-V curve derived from an accurate PV model. Models take into account the
specifications of the PV modules, the number of modules in series and strings in parallel,
and the losses in system wiring. Other data used by the models include the irradiance in
the plane of the array, the module temperature, and array orientation.
The PC software that controls the PV analyzer contains a powerful Array Navigator tool
for saving and managing your measurement data. The New Project Wizard guides you in
setting up the PV model and customizing the Array Navigator to your project.
The PC software can also save insulation resistance data collected by a separate
insulation resistance tester. This data is stored and managed using the same type of array
tree touch interface as the I-V measurement results.

1 Getting Started
1-2
NOTE Version 4.x PVA software, which supports the PVA-1500S and SolSensor 300, will not
operate the PVA-1000S, PVA-600+, or earlier hardware.
Version 4.x software will not add new measurements to a Project created on version 3.x
software. However, version 4.x software will open version 3.x Project files, and will
display and export their data.
Version 4.x and 3.x PVA software is not compatible with the Solmetric Wireless Sensor
Kit, the predecessor of SolSensor.
Version 3.x PVA software will not open projects that were created with version 2.x
software.
When your PVA software has a wireless connection to a PVA-600+ I-V Unit, the
software does not allow taking fresh measurements (or recalling measurements from) a
project created for the PVA-1000S. The same restriction applies in the other direction;
when your PVA software has a wireless connection to a PVA-1000S I-V Unit, the
software does not allow taking fresh measurements (or recalling measurements from) a
project created for the PVA-600+.
Computer Minimum System Requirements
 Test and Supported Operating System: Windows 10®, Windows 8®,
Windows 7® (32 and 64-bit versions), and Windows Vista® (32-bit versions
only)
 At least one USB port.
 Display Resolution: 1024 X 600 (minimum)
 Processor Speed: >1 GHz, 1.5 GHz recommended. A Windows Experience
Index (Processor component) of 2.3 or greater is recommended. This value is
available on your PC's Control Panel under "Performance Information and
Tools".
 RAM: > 1 GB minimum, 2 GB recommended
 Available Disc Space: 100 Mbytes or more
Systems that do not meet these requirements may not operate correctly.
Equipment

1 Getting Started
1-3
Curve Tracer Equipment (PVA-1500S, PVA-1000S, PVA-600
+
)
 I-V Measurement Unit
 Soft Case
 Wireless USB Adapter (not required or provided with PVA-1500S)
 PVA Software Application (available at http://www.solmetric.com/downloads-
pva.html)
 AC Wall Plug Charger
 MC-4 to MC-4 Connector-Saver Cable (2)
 Test leads, MC-4 to 4mm banana plug with plug-on alligator clips (for PVA-
1000S and PVA-600+, 1 set)
 Test leads, MC4-EVO2 to 4mm banana plug with plug-on alligator clips (for
PVA-1500S, rated to 1500 volts, 1 set)
 MC-4 connector tool
 User’s Guide — (available in the HELP menu of the PVA software and from
http://www.solmetric.com/downloads-pva.html).
 Quick Reference Card
SolSensor Equipment
 SolSensor unit (The PVA-1500S operates with the SolSensor 300).
 K-type thermocouple temperature sensors (2)
 Wireless USB Adapter (not required or included for PVA-1500S)
 Soft Case
 Module Frame Clamp
 AC Wall Plug Charger
 Adhesive discs for thermocouple attachment (50)
 SolSensor tool lanyard
 Irradiance sensor cleaning supplies (micro-fiber cloth and distilled water spray)

1 Getting Started
1-4
Specifications
PVA-1500S Specifications
Safety Rating: Measuring Category CAT III 1500V.
Table 1. PVA-1500S electrical and mechanical specifications
Parameter Specification
Voltage range 0 – 1500 V
Current range 1 0 – 30 A
Voltage accuracy (0 to 45C) ±0.5% ±0.25 V
Current accuracy (0 to 45C) ±0.5% ±0.04 A
Voltage resolution 25 mV
Current resolution 2 mA
Measurement cycle time 6-23s typical measurement-to-measurement
(depending on voltage) 2
I-V sweep duration 3 0.05 - 2s. Typically 0.2s for PV strings.
Number of I-V trace points 100 or 500 (user controlled)
Wireless range (direct to PC, open line of sight) 100m US only. (Range for Europe pending
evaluation at European mandated maximum
radiated power level).
Operating temperature range -10 to +45ºC
Storage temperature range -20 to +65ºC
Operating humidity <90% RH, non-condensing. Avoid exposing a
cold instrument to warm and humid air as
condensation will result. Store the instrument in
the same conditions in which it will be used.
Battery charging time 6 hr.
Battery run time 8 hours
Protective features Over-voltage, over-current, over-temperature,
reverse polarity
PV connector Staubli MC4-EVO2

1 Getting Started
1-5
Parameter Specification
Weight 4 6.6 kg (including soft case, test leads & charger)
Height 38 cm (not including primary PV leads)
Width 20 cm (not including handle)
Depth 13 cm (not including gear pouch)
1 Conventional PV modules and strings may be measured in parallel, up to the current
limit specified here. High-efficiency modules should NOT be measured in parallel.
2 Time between pressing "Measure Now" and display of measurement result.
3 Automatically selected. Measurement sweep time depends upon the characteristics of
the test device (PV module, string, or array) electrical characteristics.
4 The measurement is controlled via wireless link from the user's tablet or notebook PC.
PVA-1000S Specifications
Safety Rating: Measuring Category CATIII 1000V.
Table 2. PVA-1000S electrical and mechanical specifications
Parameter Specification
Voltage range 0 – 1000 V
Current range 1 0 – 20 A
Voltage accuracy (0 to 55C) ±0.5% ±0.25 V
Current accuracy (0 to 55C) ±0.5% ±0.04 A
Voltage resolution 25 mV
Current resolution 2 mA
Measurement duration 4s (typical) 2
I-V sweep duration 3 0.05 - 2s. Typically 0.2s for PV strings.
Minimum recommended repetition rate: 15s
Number of I-V trace points 100 or 500 (user controlled)
Wireless range (direct to PC, open line of sight) 100m US only. (Range for Europe pending
evaluation at European mandated maximum
radiated power level).

1 Getting Started
1-6
Parameter Specification
Operating temperature range -10 to +65ºC
Storage temperature range -20 to +65ºC
Operating humidity <90% RH, non-condensing. Avoid exposing a
cold instrument to warm and humid air as
condensation will result. Store the instrument in
the same conditions in which it will be used.
Battery charging time 6 hr.
Battery run time 12 hours of continuous operation; more than
1000 measurement sweeps
Protective features Over-voltage, over-current, over-temperature,
reverse polarity
PV connector MC-4
Weight 4 5.4 kg (including soft case, test leads & charger)
Height 38 cm (not including primary PV leads)
Width 20 cm (not including handle)
Depth 13 cm (not including gear pouch)
1 Conventional PV modules and strings may be measured in parallel, up to the current
limit specified here. High-efficiency modules should NOT be measured in parallel.
2 Time between pressing "Measure Now" and display of measurement result.
3 Automatically selected. Measurement sweep time depends upon the characteristics of
the test device (PV module, string, or array) electrical characteristics.
4 The measurement is controlled via wireless link from the user's tablet or notebook PC.
PVA-600
+
Specifications
Safety Rating: Measuring Category CATIII 600V.
Table 3. PVA-600+ electrical and mechanical specifications
Parameter Specification
Current Measurement Range1 0 to 20 A dc
Voltage Measurement Range (Voc) 20 to 600 V dc
Load Type Capacitive (3 capacitance values, automatically
selected)

1 Getting Started
1-7
Parameter Specification
Measurement Sweep Time2 50 ms to 240 ms
Measurement Points per Trace (typical) 100
Wireless Communications Range 10 m typical, open line of sight
Battery Life ≈20 hours (normal use)
Charging Time 6 hours
Operating Temperature +0 to +50ºC
Storage Temperature -20 to +60ºC
Operating Humidity The normal humidity range is 80% relative
humidity for temperatures up to 31ºC,
decreasing linearly to 50% at 40ºC. Higher
humidity levels should not affect the
performance or safety of the PVA-600+.
PV Connectors3 MC-4
Weight 9.2 lbs (not including weight of the soft case)
Height 15 in
Width 8 in
Depth 5 in
1 Conventional PV modules and strings may be measured in parallel, up to the current
limit specified here. High-efficiency modules should NOT be measured in parallel.
2. Automatically selected. Measurement sweep time depends upon the characteristics of
the test device (PV module, string, or array) electrical characteristics.
3 At ends of the primary test leads permanently attached to the I-V Measurement Unit.
SolSensor 300 Specifications
Table 4. SolSensor 300 specifications
Parameter Specification
Irradiance
Sensor type Silicon photodiode with corrections for
temperature, spectral, and angular effects
Measurement range 100 – 1,500 W/m2

1 Getting Started
1-8
Parameter Specification
Accuracy Typically, ±2% when used to predict the
performance of well characterized poly- and
monocrystalline PV modules in mid-day direct sun
conditions. Contact Solmetric Application
Engineering for more information on accurate
irradiance measurements.
Resolution 1 W/m2
Measurement interval 0.1 s (Measurement bandwidth approximately
10 Hz)
Temperature
Sensor type Type K thermocouple. Two inputs.
Measurement range 0 – 100ºC
Accuracy Typically, less than 2C including inherent
thermocouple limitations
Resolution 0.1ºC
Measurement interval 1 s
Tilt
Sensor type Electronic
Measurement range 0 – 90 deg from horizontal
Accuracy ±2 deg typical (0-45 deg)
General
Measurement synchronization with I-V
curve
Typically, less than 1s
Wireless range (open line of sight) 10m US only. (Range for Europe pending
evaluation at European mandated maximum
radiated power level).
Operating temperature range -10 to 45ºC
Storage temperature range -20 to 65ºC
Operating humidity <90% RH, non-condensing. Avoid exposing a cold
instrument to warm and humid air as condensation
will result. Store the instrument in the same
conditions in which it will be used.
Battery charging time 6 hr.