PV installation tester and characteristic curve measuring device for commissioning, repeat testing and performance assessment of photovoltaic systems

• Testing in accordance with DIN EN 62446 (VDE 0126-23) and DIN EN 61829 (VDE 0126-24)
• Simple - operation via buttons with AUTO test sequence
• Fast - testing in a few seconds
• Safe - contacting via PV plug connector

A photovoltaic system must be safety tested and documented in accordance with DIN EN 62446 (VDE 0126-23) before commissioning and during repeat tests. Furthermore, electrical measurements are also useful after cleaning and maintenance work in order to guarantee that the photovoltaic system continues to function optimally and with as little loss as possible.

The test includes the continuity test of the protective and equipotential bonding conductors between the PV generator and the main earthing terminal, measurement of the open-circuit voltage and the short-circuit current in the PV string as well as the insulation resistance between the active DC conductors (+ / -) of the PV generator and earth. The BENNING PV 2 uses touch-protected test leads with standardised plug connectors for direct connection to PV modules or strings. The automatic test sequence warns of incorrect DC polarity and carries out all the necessary wiring for safe measurement.

Measuring the current-voltage characteristic curve on site in accordance with DIN EN 62446 (VDE 0126-23) is a practical method for assessing the performance of photovoltaic systems. The measured I-V characteristics are converted to STC conditions (Standard Test Conditions) using evaluation tools such as the BENNING SOLAR Manager PC software and the BENNING PV Link Android app, and can be compared with the manufacturer's nominal PV module data using an integrated PV module database. Deviations and reductions in performance are clearly recognised and can be documented accordingly. Furthermore, the course of an I-V characteristic curve provides helpful information about the condition of a PV system and indicates possible faults.

All these tests can be carried out easily and quickly as well as reliably and safely with the BENNING PV 2 photovoltaic installation tester and characteristic curve measuring device. This device is recommended for solar installers, photovoltaic experts and service, cleaning and maintenance teams.

Performance features

• Comprehensible and clear display of all measurement results
• Safe measuring connection even when the PV system is supplying energy
• Automatic test sequences for characteristic curve measurement with or without RISO test
• Display of Uo/c, Umpp, Is/c, Impp, fill factor (FF) and RISO with good/bad display
• Insulation measurement with 250 V, 500 V and 1000 V test voltage
• Separate insulation resistance measurement via 4 mm test leads for testing PV cables, etc.
• Automatic display of voltage polarity with acoustic/visual warning in the event of incorrect polarity
• Nullabgleich der Messleitungen, damit diese den Messwiderstand nicht beeinflussen
• Zero adjustment of the measuring leads so that they do not influence the measuring resistance
• Measured value memory for 999 displays (PV strings)
• USB interface and BENNING SOLAR Datalogger download software for downloading measured values in CSV format
• Integrated real-time clock for storing the measured values with date and time stamp
• Wireless connection "WirelessSunLink" to irradiation and temperature measuring device BENNING SUN 2
• Direct connection to all PV modules with MC4 or "Sunclix" connectors
• Easy handling for mains-independent and mobile testing
• LC display with backlight
• Automatic switch-off (individually adjustable from 1 to 10 minutes)
• The test can relate to PV modules, PV strings or the complete PV system
• Optional BENNING SOLAR Manager PC software (item no. 050423) for test report generation and characteristic curve documentation
• Free BENNING PV Link app (Android device with NFC required)

Measuring functions

• Protective conductor resistance measurement with 200 mA test current
• Open-circuit voltage measurement (Uoc) of solar modules / PV strings up to 1000 V DC
• Safe and user-friendly short-circuit current measurement (Isc) up to 15 A DC via internal circuitry
• Insulation resistance measurement between the short-circuited active DC conductors (+/-) and earth with adjustable test voltage (250 V, 500 V, 1000 V)
• Separate two-pole insulation resistance measurement via 4 mm measuring cable up to 300 MOhm
• Measurement of the current-voltage characteristic (I-V) and power characteristic (P-V)
• Display of voltage (Umpp), current (Impp) at the maximum power point (mpp) and fill factor (FF)
• Function test by current measurement up to 40 A AC / DC (optional current clamp adapter BENNING CC 3, art. no. 044038)
• Display and storage of the solar irradiation (W / m2) and the PV module / ambient temperature (optional BENNING SUN 2, art. no. 050420)

Current situation in the market

BENNING SOLAR Manager (optional PC software)

• PC software BENNING SOLAR Manager, enables the BENNING PV 2 to generate test reports and documentation in accordance with the standards DIN EN 62446 (VDE 0126-23) and DIN EN 61829 (VDE 0126-24). The determined I-V characteristics and power characteristics of the BENNING PV 2 can be converted to STC conditions and compared with the nominal manufacturer specifications via an integrated PV module database (050423).

BENNING SOLAR Datalogger (download software)

• Download the measured values from BENNING PV 2 in csv format
• Further processing of measured values in MS Excel® possible
• Included free of charge (CD-Rom) and available for download

BENNING PV Link app

• Android device with NFC interface required
• Display of the measured I-V characteristic curve (current-voltage) and the P-V characteristic curve (power-voltage) in a characteristic curve diagram
• Conversion to STC conditions (Standard Test Conditions) and comparison with the nominal characteristic curve of the PV module manufacturer via an integrated PV module database
• Documentation of the PV array's performance data with details of Pmpp, Uoc, Umpp, Isc, Impp, fill factor, temperature and solar irradiation
• Photo function for documenting material defects or identifying the measuring point
• Characteristic data can be saved on a project-specific basis and exported by e-mail as a PDF test report
• Available free of charge in the Android Playstore for BENNING PV 2

The perfect addition:
 We recommend the following optional accessories for standardised and complete measurement and documentation of PV strings and modules:

• Irradiation and temperature meter BENNING SUN 2 (050420)
• The BENNING PV 2 can receive the measured values (solar irradiation, PV module/ambient temperature) from the BENNING SUN 2 irradiation and temperature measuring device by radio. The measured values are required for the measurement of an I-V characteristic curve. To do this, the BENNING PV 2 must be coupled with the BENNING SUN 2 once.
• PC software BENNING SOLAR Manager (050423)
   The PC software enables the BENNING PV 2 to generate test reports and documentation in accordance with the standards DIN EN 62446 (VDE 0126-23) and DIN EN 61829 (VDE 0126-24). The determined I-V characteristics and power characteristics of the BENNING PV 2 can be converted to STC conditions and compared with the nominal manufacturer specifications via an integrated PV module database.
• Suction cup temperature sensor for BENNING SUN 2 for mounting on the back of the PV module (050424).
• PV module bracket for BENNING SUN 2 for secure attachment to the PV module (050425).
• AC/DC current clamp adapter BENNING CC 3 (044038)
   For connection to the BENNING PV 2. The measured AC/DC current values can be stored in the memory of the BENNING PV 2 and called up again.
• 40 m measuring lead BENNING TA 5 (044039) with practical rewinder and wrist strap. Connection via 4 mm safety test socket/plug (044039).
• Inspection stickers "next test", 300 pieces (756212)
• Shoulder bag for BENNING PV 2 (050426), enables hands-free work at hard-to-reach and dangerous measuring points

Subject to technical changes, model and colour deviations, errors and delivery options. We accept no liability for printing/typographical errors.

* Modern PV modules can have high capacities due to their technology. These generate a high discharge current when the short-circuit measuring circuit is connected, which can exceed the maximum rated current of the PV panel many times over. Before carrying out the short-circuit measurement, the PV 2 checks whether the measurement can be carried out safely. If the capacitance is too high, the PV 2 cancels the measurement with the message HiSc or HiCu.