PV Analyzer Support

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about the PV Analyzer

DOWNLOADS

For PVA-1500S/V2/V3/V4/T/HE, PVA-1000S, PVA-600+

The PVA documentation is included in the software and accessed from the “Help” menu. You can use the links below if you want to download the documentation separate from the software.

The Data Analysis Tool (DAT) is an Excel program that is recommended for validating results in the field, analyzing large PVA data sets, and for generating professional reports of your measurement results. For more info about the DAT go here.

Note: the DAT works best with MS Excel and Windows 10 or Windows 11 operating system fully updated. The source (“exported”) data also needs to be local on the PC. IF you get run-time errors, please update Windows, re-install MS Office, and install/repair vc/redist x64.exe (see link below). Contact Solmetric Support for assistance.

Note: The PV Analyzer application and the Data Analysis Tool work best with Microsoft Windows 10 or 11 with ALL recommended Updates installed, including the latest Visual C++Redistributable x86 and x64 updates from option for each. If they are missing, please install them via these links:

Office DB Engine (Install if missing in Apps, and/or PVA app crashes on module database or array tree edits):

Office DB Engine (Install if missing in Apps, and/or PVA app crashes on module database or array tree edits):

For PVA-600

For assistance using the PVA software or DAT, please contact Solmetric Technical Support at 707-823-4600 or [email protected]

The PVA documentation is included in the software and accessed from the “Help” menu. You can use the links below if you want to download the documentation separate from the software.

For assistance using the PVA software or DAT, please contact Solmetric Technical Support at 707-823-4600 or [email protected]

PV Analyzer Report Templates:

Some of your customers may also want a summary of your interpretation of the measures I.V curves and your recommendations for repairs of future services. The templates below provide a convenient format for that purpose. The Excel template is also useful as a “Punch list” for specifying follow-up troubleshooting and retesting of PV circuits.

MS Word template for summarizing your data analysis

MS Excel template for summarizing your data analysis

APPLICATION NOTES/ARTICLES

This article provides an excellent introduction to I-V curve tracers for use in commissioning, auditing and troubleshooting PV arrays.

Poor PV source performance hurts the bottom line. Fortunately, performance problems show up in the measured I-V curve. This article describes the six ways that measured I-V curves can deviate from normal curve shape and provides an Array Troubleshooting Flowchart to help you identify the most likely causes.

This Commissioning Guide outlines methods to use during commissioning to characterize and maximize PV system performance.
Slides from the expert training on how to effectively and safely use the PV Analyzer. Topics include PVA hardware and
software, as well as PV module and system performance concepts. Voice-over version coming in June.

The PV Analyzer user saves the I-V curve measurement of a PV string by just touching the corresponding branch of a graphical ‘array tree.’ This Application Note describes use of the Array Navigator, including the Symmetrical Tree Builder, that lets you quickly customize your array tree and name the layers to exactly match the engineering drawings. This improves the reliability of the measurement process in the field and assures that the measurement results will be correctly labeled in your final report.

Harnessing is a strategy for reducing the number of combiner boxes and associated feeder runs, as well as the number of string home run conductors, by paralleling strings upstream of the combiner. This note describes two strategies for setting up your Project in the PVA Analyzer software for measuring and evaluating the performance of harnessed arrays.
Care must be taken when selecting what I-V curve measurement architecture to use when measuring high efficiency modules and strings. This app note discusses the challenges and how the Solmetric PV Analyzer avoids the pitfalls.

Informational Videos

PVA Data Analysis Tool Quick Start

PVA-600: Intro to I-V Curve Measurements

PVA-600: Setting up the Software and Model

PVA-600: Setting up the I-V Measurement Unit