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Testing Equipment & Safety

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Module 3 · Testing Equipment & Safety

Module 3: Testing Equipment and Safety

Module 3 covers the tools and safety needed to test the solar system.

Module 3 · Testing Equipment & Safety

Testing on a Regular Basis

Testing helps you find problems early and confirm the system runs at full potential.

Module 3 · Testing Equipment & Safety

Hand Tools

Using the proper tools for the job is critical.

Module 3 · Testing Equipment & Safety

Screw Drivers

Use insulated screwdrivers to help prevent electric shock or short outs.

Module 3 · Testing Equipment & Safety

Wrenches and Sockets / Driver

Use insulated wrenches and sockets to help prevent electric shock or short outs.

Module 3 · Testing Equipment & Safety

Pliers

Use insulated pliers to help prevent electric shock or short outs.

Module 3 · Testing Equipment & Safety

Wire Cutters and Strippers

Always make sure the wire is never energized before cutting or stripping.

Module 3 · Testing Equipment & Safety

MC-4 Crimpers and Disconnect Tool

Wire color: red for positive, black for negative.

Module 3 · Testing Equipment & Safety

Micro-Inverter Attachment Tool

This prevents unintended separations coming apart by accident.

Module 3 · Testing Equipment & Safety

Torque Wrenches

Set to the maker's point so fasteners are not under- or over-tightened.

Module 3 · Testing Equipment & Safety

Multimeters

Key tool when diagnosing, commissioning, or evaluating a system.

Module 3 · Testing Equipment & Safety

Multimeters - Testing Voltage

Face the panel perpendicular to the sun; check VOC on the back sticker.

Module 3 · Testing Equipment & Safety

Multimeters - Testing Amperage (Current)

Slide listing steps to test a panel's short circuit current with a multimeter, including moving the red probe to the amperage terminal and probing the positive and negative MC4 connectors. — How to measure a panel's short circuit current (Isc) with a multimeter.

Set the meter to amps and test in direct sunlight - the reading should be close to the Isc on the panel label.

Module 3 · Testing Equipment & Safety

Multimeters - Testing Continuity

Slide explaining the digital multimeter continuity test, which beeps when a circuit is complete, with a photo of a multimeter. — The continuity test beeps when a circuit is complete and the wire is good.

A beep means a complete circuit - no beep means a break in the wire or connection.

Module 3 · Testing Equipment & Safety

Determining Wattage (Power) of a Panel

Slide showing that panel wattage equals Volts times Amps, next to a photo of a solar panel specifications label. — Watts = Volts x Amps; compare your result to the panel's spec label.

Watts = Volts x Amps - your measured wattage should be close to the value on the back label.

Module 3 · Testing Equipment & Safety

Using a Clamp Meter

Clamp around a single conductor and start at the largest range if the circuit values are unknown.

Module 3 · Testing Equipment & Safety

What is a Megger Tester

Slide describing a megger tester, an instrument that measures insulation resistance, with a photo of a handheld megger reading 200. — A megger measures insulation resistance and high resistance values a normal ohm meter cannot.

Use a megger to check insulation resistance and electrical leakage in a wire.

Module 3 · Testing Equipment & Safety

IV Curve Testing

Power = Current x Voltage - the MPP shifts with sun, temperature and panel age, so it must be tracked continuously.

Module 3 · Testing Equipment & Safety

PV Safety

Make sure power is isolated or turned off before servicing a system.

Module 3 · Testing Equipment & Safety

Breakers, Fuses & Disconnects

Slide on breakers, fuses and disconnects, showing photos of a breaker, fuses and a disconnect switch. — Fuses and breakers protect wires from too much current.

Rate the fuse or breaker below the wire (e.g. a 20 amp wire uses a 15 amp breaker).

Module 3 · Testing Equipment & Safety

Devices That Isolate Power

These devices stop too much power from being fed through the wires.

Module 3 · Testing Equipment & Safety

Cleaning Solar Modules

Inspect for debris and clean with mild detergent or plain water.

Module 3 · Testing Equipment & Safety

Thanks

Thanks! Questions? Email asenia@jazzsolar.com or jon@jazzsolar.com.