How NOT to Test Your Solar Installation! - PV Checks

Testing a solar panel installation can be complex, but we've found a solution to simplify the process. Introducing the TIS PV Checks Multi-function solar tester. This compact test system allows you to simultaneously test polarity, insulation resistance, short circuit current, and irradiance. You can ensure your system functions correctly by inputting the solar panel data.

In this thorough review, Gordon Routledge will guide you through the functions of the tester and show you how to test a solar panel installation effectively.

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00:00 How not to perform a short circuit test
00:20 Introducing the PV Checks Multifunction Solar Tester
00:39 What tests are required?
01:17 Test lead connections
01:49 Help screen
02:24 Connecting current clamp
03:09 Performing IVCK test
03:25 Polarity test
03:59 Solar testing to STC values
05:05 Irradiance meter
05:19 Inputting solar panel data
06:50 Positioning irradiance meter
07:27 IVCK test to STC values
07:54 Solar string test failure
08:21 Wireless options
08:51 Maximum ratings
09:31 Problems!
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#solarpanelinstallation #solarinstallation #testequipment

[TobeWilsonNetwork]

Gotta be honest, the real money seems to be in making these single-application testing apparatuses and printing regulation books.

[WindyJAMiller]

15 amps max, if thats short circuit current then the tester is already out of date, most panels are above that already and only going to get higher.

[sunsynk]

Nice piece of kit but 15 Amp is too low most of our inverters are rated at min 22 amp maybe they can supply a shunt to increase the I Max test. Also note, both V-max and V min are very important to the performance of the Inverter.

[Chris-hyjy]

Is it just me that thinks these tests are unnecessary? Most installations these days are done using optimisers or micro inverters which give you all the data you need to see if your array is performing well. All the test equipment companies must be happy with these regs. It's almost like they're scratching each other's backs! Oh what a conspiracy theorist I am!

[davideyres]

This is precisely why I shudder when I see some of the US YouTube channels that talk about DIY solar. Standard mains is one thing but solar is a whole other ball game and I’m not convinced that it’s as well understood in the sparky industry as it should be.

[Kidthatlikestech]

Do solar panels that are this big require series based connections? What is the voltage and amperage that these types of solar panels deliver?
I’m still very young and would like to learn more about electricity.

[michaelnicholas]

Can we use a mega tester for IR
Dc clamp meter and DC voltage indicator for testing.

[ladams]

Not much discussion on domestic mounting bonding ! ?

[Harrycowlton]

Great vid. But I much prefer micro inverters, they I believe are the future.

[gino]

My seaward pv150 requires an earth connection so I always connect a cable to the rails and bring it to the earth point at the location of the Inverter. But as I am aware the rail only needs to be earthed if it's within 1m of a valux window on the roof . So touch voltage as a person could touch the rail or solar pannel. Correct me if I am wrong please.

[retrozmachine]

Interesting to see them release a meter that's only rated to 1kV. Still, lots of arrays will be covered by that voltage but many countries either already permit higher or are moving to it. Personally 1kV or more on the roof gives me the heebie geebies.

[lmschellenberg]

Great video! Food for thought - BS7671 recommends Riso testing at higher than 500V if your system voltage is higher, which is normally the case in a commercial scale install. The latest version (2018) of BS EN 62446 goes further to recommend Riso test voltage is higher than 1.25x string Voc under STC. This results in a recommended test voltage of 1000V or even 1500V for any commercial-scale installation with the same 1 megaohm pass criteria.