Solmetric PVA-1000S, User Manual

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1 Getting Started
1-23
WARNING Do not remove instrument covers. There are no user serviceable parts within.
Operation of the instrument in a manner not specified by Solmetric may result in
personal injury or loss of life.
•
Do not use the I-V Unit if it is damaged. Always inspect for damage before
using.
•
Keep PV connectors away from soil and dirt. Always inspect PV connectors for
damage and dirt before connecting. Do not use if damaged.
•
Do not use the I-V Unit if it is performing abnormally. Contact Solmetric for
guidance or return the I-V Unit to the factory for service.
Battery Precautions
CAUTION The PVA-1000S contains a small lithium battery and should not be disposed of with
general refuse. Dispose of the battery in accordance with all local codes and regulations
for products containing lithium batteries. Contact your local environmental control or
disposal agency for further details.
WARNING Only use the battery charger supplied by Solmetric.
Measuring High-Efficiency PV Modules
High-efficiency PV modules produce a short but intense inrush current at the start of the
I-V measurement. In extreme cases this inrush current can trigger the I-V Measurement
Unit's over-current protection circuit, causing the I-V Unit to internally disconnect from
the PV source circuit and temporarily enter the over-current "Disabled" mode. Also, the
I-V Unit can be damaged by severe overcurrent.
PVA-600 + Precautions
Using PV Connector Saver Jumpers
PV connectors, regardless of manufacturer, are not designed for large numbers of
connection/disconnection cycles. For this reason, the PVA-600
+
is shipped with
connector-saver jumpers attached to its own PV connectors. The connector-saver jumpers
are intended to take wear and tear, greatly extending the life of the PV connectors on the
test leads and the PVA-600
+
itself. Leave the connector-saver jumpers connected to the
PVA-600+’s primary PV leads at all times.. Make all your PV circuit and test lead
connections/disconnections to the connector-saver jumpers, not to the PVA-600
+
connectors.