Tools and Techniques for Photovoltaic Systems and Solar Arrays

re: Tools and Techniques for Photovoltaic Systems and Solar Arrays by JWx

JWx — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 14:38:43 GMT

there is a problem with the quiz - warranty period from the manufacturer's website (and newark link) is flagged as wrong (even in Chrome)

re: Tools and Techniques for Photovoltaic Systems and Solar Arrays by P2STEM24

P2STEM24 — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 15:08:25 GMT

Enjoyed the session and the great Q/A session to close it out. In my opinion, though, the more interactivity and engagement, the better. Would a live chat window be helpful non-Q/A feedback - or better to stick with the Q/A form?

re: Tools and Techniques for Photovoltaic Systems and Solar Arrays by obones

obones — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 15:12:15 GMT

Nice webinar, I learned quite a few things, even if the most advanced sections won't ever apply to my home installation.

re: Tools and Techniques for Photovoltaic Systems and Solar Arrays by ralphjy

ralphjy — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 15:13:46 GMT

Nice presentation. Most recent new residential installations in my area are now using panels with micro inverters.

re: Tools and Techniques for Photovoltaic Systems and Solar Arrays by MechWarrior

MechWarrior — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 15:13:52 GMT

We are so fortunate (and grateful) to have an expert from Fluke give us his “tricks of the trade”! We definitely need to do more of these. As someone looking to get started in this industry, I found this to be a very informative crash course. Thank you!

re: Tools and Techniques for Photovoltaic Systems and Solar Arrays by MechWarrior

MechWarrior — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 15:22:45 GMT

For the next one, it would be great to have it last longer (I know, his time is valuable and the webinar was free…). I think we would have all benefited from being able to ask more questions. Also, a list of links would be helpful too (for example, when he talks about PPE, have a link of all the PPE that the tech was using).

re: Tools and Techniques for Photovoltaic Systems and Solar Arrays by beacon_dave

beacon_dave — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 17:47:17 GMT

Another interesting webinar hosted by the element14 team.

We have a 52-acre solar photovoltaic farm nearing completion here on campus so it's interesting to see some of the tools and techniques used to commission and maintain them along with some of the faults encountered.

re: Tools and Techniques for Photovoltaic Systems and Solar Arrays by MechWarrior

MechWarrior — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 04:23:02 GMT

Do we know who won the contest?

re: Tools and Techniques for Photovoltaic Systems and Solar Arrays by JoRatcliffe

JoRatcliffe — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 11:29:46 GMT

Hi everyone, I'm very happy to announce the winners today of the Fluke webinar contest! Congratulations to:

JWx
P2STEM24
anniel747
obones
MechWarrior

Well done to everyone who tuned in to the webinar, submitted questions, took part in the quiz and left comments. Winners, watch out for a message soon

re: Tools and Techniques for Photovoltaic Systems and Solar Arrays by JoRatcliffe

JoRatcliffe — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 09:32:29 GMT

Hi everybody, the host Will White and I wanted to follow up on this event with the answers to some of the questions I don't think we were able to get to during the session. Without further ado, let's get to it!

Q: Is electroluminescence better than IR for solar modules in terms of micro-cracks and bad-cell testing?
A: Yes, electroluminescence (EL) testing will show cracks in cell in more detail than a thermal image would. The challenge with EL testing is that the equipment is expensive and it is labor intensive to deploy in the field. Thermal imaging may show major damage but doesn't have the fine detail that EL testing provides.

Q: Question about data connections – How do I test for example RS485 links between inverters in the field? I have seen badly made data cabling resulting in intermittent communication problems, maybe different connector tolerances between different manufacturers?
A: Fluke Networks has an array of products that can provide this type of testing. We can connect you with a Fluke salesperson who can provide more information.

Q: Can Fluke thermal imaging tools (like the iSee or on the top end, the Ti480 Pro) assist in energy efficiency and cost reduction initiatives through detection of both leaks and thermal anomalies?
A: Absolutely, thermal imaging is an excellent way to improve efficiency in buildings and other systems. One way is to look for cold air entering the building which will show up in different ways in the thermal image.

Q: As an individual with a small 8 panels installation, which processes and tools would you recommend I use to make sure my system is working properly? Would using the data from the monitoring system (Enphase Envoy) enough?
A: The nice thing about having a monitoring system is it will tell you when things go wrong. The limitation of those systems is they will rarely give you the cause of the issue. This is where troubleshooting with Fluke tools comes into play. Module level monitoring from companies like Enphase will pinpoint the exact module or inverter that's having issues which allows you to go to that location and use other tools like the SMFT-1000 to diagnose the cause of the issue.

Q: Can you explain the short to ground feature?
A: I assume you're asking about the insulation resistance test option. In this method, the positive and negative ends of a PV module or string of modules is connected (short-circuited) in the SMFT-1000. The tool then tests between the shorted circuit, and the ground to test the insulation resistance. This is the preferred method of testing strings of PV modules because it eliminates voltage potential between the PV string, and the ground (there's no voltage in a short-circuited string).