What is the seaward Guide to solar PV Testing?

The Seaward Guide to Solar PV Testing seeks to offer guidance to PV system technicians and engineers to identify exactly what electrical testing is needed to fulfil their obligations to the customer and also to satisfy the various industry standards (including NABCEP) and best working practices available.

What is a good test voltage for a PV module?

For example, consider a single-ended test of a PV string with Voc of 475V and a PV module maximum system voltage spec of 1000V. Setting the meg tester’s test voltage to 500V will keep all points in the circuit below 1000V.

How do you test a PV module?

Connect the meg tester’s positive test lead to the negative bus. Apply the test voltage and wait for the meter to settle. Record the results. PV modules typically leak much more current than the home run conductor insulation, unless the conductors are damaged. This can hide the variation of insulation resistance of the conductors.

Do PV system commissioning standards require performance testing?

This best practice guide is PV System Commissioning or re-Commissioning Guide Supplement to characterize and maximize PV system performance. If a PV system is commissioned using industry standards, then it should produce as much energy as was expected, right? No, PV industry commissioning standards do not call for performance testing.

Do PV industry standards include performance testing?

PV industry standards for commissioning do not include performance testing. The National Electric Code and the IEC commissioning standard (IEC62446) mention nothing about performance testing.

How do you test a PV array?

This is done using a fine spray and may involve blending the water with a surfactant. This technique is outside the scope of the Guide, but wet meg testing is described in ASTM E2047 Standard Test Method for Wet Insulation Integrity Testing of PV Arrays.