Testing a PV system.

[pburley]

Hi guys

Just had a call from a friend who's brother as fitted a 4Kw system to his roof. He would like me to test it. I've not done any work on PV systems and not sure what tests need to be done. I first thought an installation cert should be done but after reading bit on this site im not so sure. I hold a C+G 2391 cert is this enough?

Many thanks guys.

 

[Megavolt]

Firstly did he check all panels before fitting them. Is he a spark

 

[happyhippy68]

Secondly, To benefit from the feed in tariff you will need to complete all relevant MCS paperwork & all equipment needs to be MCS certified. Is your business registered MCS?

 

[sedgy34]

TThirdly does your test equipment test upto 1000v and measure dc and amps

 

[Gavin A]

ac circuit, test as usual.

DC, test open circuit voltage & amps, then compare with the data sheets and expected values bearing in mind the light levels and temperatures of the panels - note, most MF testers for AC testing don't do DC, or ampage, either get a specialist bit of kit or multimeter that can take the anticipated DC voltage and ampage.

also test DC continuity and insulation resistance, though tbh most solar inverters already do this on start up, so if there were a problem then the inverter would have picked it up.

The main way that noobs are likely to cock up the DC citcuit IME is by not making the connectors properly either by not crimping properly, or by not tightening up the seals so that water can run into the connectors, neither of which is picked up by any testing, so a visual inspection of this wouldn't be a bad idea, or at least ask him about it - they mostly need spanners / grips to tighten properly onto 4mm2, or 2.5mm2 cable, so if he only hand tightened, there's a good chance it's not water tight unless he's got a particularly fierce grip.

 

[jason121]

One of the Suby teams installing panels, have not been carrying out the pre VOC/ISC checks before fitting on the roof. Is this mandatory test or just a good idea if there is a fault with the panel post install.

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