Solmetric PVA-1500V2 Reference guide

Quick Reference Card
PVA-1500V2/V3/V4/T & SolSensor 300V2
For use with PVA PC software version 4.0 and later
WARNING - Risk of electrical shock. To be used only by qualified
personnel. Use Personal Protective Equipment. Isolate PV circuit to be
tested from inverter & other PV circuits. Use only PVA-1500 test leads.
I-V Measurement Unit specifications
Measurement ranges: 20 to 1500V DC, 0 to 30 A DC (high efficiency modules
limited to single strings)
Operating temperature: 0 to 45oC (32 to 113oF)
Test Lead and Clip specifications
Measurement ranges: 1500V DC Max, 30 A DC Max
Operating conditions: Temperature 5 to 40C. Humidity –see User Guide.
Caution Use only the test leads & Dolphin clips provided with the PVA-1500.
Inspect before each use. If damaged, replace them before further use.
Caution Keep PV connectors, test leads, and equipment clean
Caution Keep the PV connector-saver jumpers attached to the I-V Unit’s main
leads at all times. Replace them after each 100 connections.
Warning Do not touch white 'eye' of irradiance sensor. Cover when not in use.
Clean only with distilled water and clean, soft cloth, no soaps.
Battery Run Time: I-V Unit & SolSensor: 8hr continuous use. Charge nightly.
Network Connection: Select “pva1500_yyyyyy”from PC’s Wi-Fi network list.
SolSensorTM will automatically connect via I-V unit.
I-V Unit LED
I-V Unit State
Pushbutton
Off
Off
Press once to turn on
Rapid flashing
Attempting to reconnect the
I-V Unit with the PC
Press 3x to turn off.
Steady ON
Connected to PC, sweep
enabled
Press once to pause, or
3x to turn off.
Very slow
flashing
Paused (will turn off
automatically in 15 minutes
Press once to enable
sweep, or 3x to turn off.
Slow flashing /
Steady ON
Battery charging / charged
Five flashes,
pause, repeat
Re-pairing with SolSensor.
See User Guide to
initiate re-pairing
To turn off I-V Unit: In any state, press the pushbutton 3x
To reset I-V Unit or SolSensor: Hold pushbutton down 12 seconds & release
®

Measurement Example - Testing strings at a fused combiner box:
1. Turn on the I-V Unit. Blinking LED indicates searching for PC.
2. Connect your PC to the I-V Unit’s Wi-Fi hot spot. LED glows steadily.
3. Start the PVA software. In 20 seconds, status indicator shows “Ready”.
4. Mount SolSensor to PV module frame, uncover irradiance sensor, plug
thermocouple into T1 socket, and attach tip to module backside. Turn
SolSensor ON. Sensor readings appear in PVA screen within 60 seconds.
5. Open your Project from the File menu or create a new Project.
6. Open the DC disconnect to isolate combiner box from rest of system.
7. Lift all fuses to de-energize the combiner box’s buss bars.
8. Clip the PVA’s test leads to the combiner box’s buss bars.
9. Insert the fuse for the string to be measured.
10. Press Measure Now to take an I-V trace. When trace and tree appear,
highlight the string number and click Assign and Save.
Troubleshooting I-V Unit & SolSensor Operation:
Segmented or incomplete I-V trace: Just take a fresh trace. Can occur on
first test after I-V Unit is turned on, or if PV source changes substantially.
“Searching for I-V Unit” or “Searching for SolSensor” message: Equipment
may be out of wireless range or may have turned itself off after extended
inactivity (15 min). Improve line of sight, raise instruments above metal
surfaces, or move equipment closer together.
Wireless connection briefly drops out: The network should restore in 1-2
minutes. If not, re-connect your PC to the I-V Unit Wi-Fi hotspot.
“Disabled” message:Click the status indicator for more information. Clear
the underlying condition, (over-voltage, -current, -temp, low battery) and
reset I-V Unit or charge the battery.
Software updates: www.solmetric.com/downloads-pva.html
Technical Support: Phone: [phone] Ext 2, suppo[email protected]
Copyright 2022 Solmetric Corp. All rights reserved. Printed January 2022