PV Analyzer I-V Curve Tracers

Below are specifications for the PVA models. For more details about each model or to place an order, click on the model of interest at the top or bottom of the table.

	PVA-1000S	PVA-1500V4	PVA-1500T	PVA-1500HE (avail May '23)	HE Upgrade * (avail June '23)
Voltage Range (Voc)	20 to 1000V DC	20 to 1500V DC
Voltage Accuracy	+/-0.5% +/-0.25V
Current Accuracy	+/-0.5% +/-40mA
I-V Trace Points	100 or 500
I-V Sweep Duration	0.05 to 2s, typically 0.2s for PV strings
Maximum Current
Module Eff <19%	20A/30A DC	30A DC
Module Eff ≥19%	10A DC **			30A DC
Measurement Throughput
Sweep-to-Sweep Delay (@Voc<1350V)		<18 seconds	<9 seconds
Max # Sweeps per Hour (@Voc=1350V)		200	400
Max PV Megawatts measured per hour ***		2.6 MW/hr	3.5 MW/hr
Thermal Capacity--# I-V measurements before PVA must cool-down ***
77°F ambient, 18s sweep-to-sweep delay		800	unlimited
77°F ambient, 9s sweep-to-sweep delay		N/A	unlimited
113°F ambient, 18s sweep-to-sweep delay		225	450
113°F ambient, 9s sweep-to-sweep delay		N/A	330
Irradiance Accuracy	+/-2% (typical)
Wireless Sensor Range	300 ft
Operating Temperature	0 to 45°F (ambient)
I-V Unit size	17” x 8.5” x 6”			21” x 8.5” x 6”
I-V Unit weight	14 lbs			16 lbs
Interface to tablet or laptop	Wireless USB dongle (included)	WiFi
Charging/charged LED	no	yes
In-the-field firmware update-ready	no	yes
Price	$5695	$11,325	$12,645	$15,995	contact us *
Order or learn more	PVA-1000S	PVA-1500V4	PVA-1500T	PVA-1500HE

* Upgrades to a PVA-1500HE are available for any PVA-1500V4 or PVA-1500T purchased on or after June 1, 2022. Upgrades require a return to factory. The cost of the upgrade depends on the age and whether it's a V4 or T. Contact us for a quote or to arrange for an upgrade.

** High efficiency modules have high capacitance which can cause a large in-rush current when I-V curves are measured. The PVA is designed to tolerate a certain level of in-rush current. But if it is large enough, it can trigger an over-current warning in the PVA-1000 and PVA-1500V4/T that prevents the measurement from completing. For this reason, it is recommended that strings of modules with efficiencies ≥ 19% be limited to less than 10A (or else be measured with the PVA-1500HE). The in-rush current is increased by higher efficiency, higher current strings, higher voltage strings, higher bifaciality, and higher irradiance. For example, a 1350V string of bifacial 21% efficiency modules with Isc of 18A at irradiance around 1000W/m2 will likely cause the over-current warning. Lower string voltages can allow currents higher than 10A, even with high efficiency modules, so breaking-up strings to reduce voltage and adjusting tracker orientation for lower irradiance can be an I-V measurement solution in most cases. The PVA-1500HE is designed to accommodate strings up to 30A even with module efficiencies ≥19%. For more information on high efficiency modules, see the Solmetric app note I-V Curve Tracing of High Efficiency PV Modules

*** Assumes reference PV system with Voc = 1300V, Vmp = 1100V, Imp = 25A, 16 strings per combiner, 5min to move to next combiner with no measurements. No direct sunlight on I-V unit.

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