module testing? does everyone really do it?!

Promised I'd show you all a photo sometime so here it is: our Rapid Response Panel Test Rig

We're still looking for reasonably priced USB connected meters, till then, this has to suffice:




In individual panel test mode, hook the two long leads up to the panel, the top (clamp) meter is set to read Volts, so gives us VoC, press the button, the bottom meter is a 20 Amp, (up to 60V DC) through meter, so we then get the instantaneous ISc, Scan the Panel Barcode into the spreadsheet, and manually enter the Irradiance meter reading, then next panel.

In String test mode, hook the two long leads up to the string MC4's (or adapters if SMA Sunnyclic), you need to swap the meters round as our clamp meter only reads up to 600V DC and the bottom meter won't take >60V DC in direct current mode, however it will read up to 1000V DC!

So connect the bottom meter up to the Voc connectors, disconnect the clamp meter and put it round one of the long cables, and there you go, a one handed string test meter setup.

It may not be worthwhile doing the latter bit if you've only got a couple of strings, however when you've got 15 of them at 840V a time, it's a safer way!

ha ha!! do you store it like that???

have you got an ann summers rig kit worcester!!

i cover the panel when unplugging after the test unlike the guy did on the nic eic test.

@1billy wiz

Open circuit it before you pull the plugs and you don't need to cover the panel.

The push button does the short circuit. It's not a push on, push off. It's just two pole push to make, so both +ve and -ve are open circuit in the 'rest' state, push the button and it makes the circuit to the ammeter, you could use just a cable loop and a clamp meter to do the Isc, it just easier having a through meter.

When you've got 200 + panels to test you'll soon see why this bit of kit is essential - you'll never make that mistake!

We NEVER short circuit panels or strings directly. For String tests we either use the isolator at the inverter end post install, or on the big strings running at nearly 1000V and 6 Amps, we use our old one as prevously described, it's just too slow and dangerous to do it any other way. When you've got loads of panels to test, and you could accidentaly leave it closed, hence short circuited you'll get a good flash and you'll only do it the once.

Here's the old test rig:


It was just a pain to keep unplugging the meter and opening and closing the isolator to swap between Voc and Isc.

i dont have that equipment.i do the panels individually with the ammeter boo hoo!! from the inverter end you can close the circuit & use the rotary obviously to take the readings. it's just im on my second job & ive been left on my own & he's on holiday & he did show me briefly last time.

i need to invest into that kit as for the barcode i peeled off the module label instead of jotting it all down as they stick perfectly on our sheet's.

thank's for sharing this great advice, i appreciate it upmost!

So if you peeled off the barcode label, what's left on the panel? !

The above is nothing special at all, in fact it isn't even the minimum you need to do an install ... (properly...)

sorry mate haha!! i peeled of the system details rather then write & fill out.the label on the boxing lol!!my bad.

I agree we test every oanel before we install them it Would be interesting to see spreadsheet or be able to work on an ipad with the scanner on ipad........ Instead of masses of paper......

@Rseelectrical - Seaward Solarlink test kit? Stores up to 200 sets of test/environmental data for upload to PC