List of Essential Test Measuring Instruments for Solar Technical Professionals
All operations and maintenance technicians look for reliability in their tools and instruments. That is the most important thing for these workers because, if the equipment breaks, the professionals will be unable to complete the job
Solar technicians need an assortment of instruments that are compatible with different components of a solar power system.
A list of Solar-specific tools are listed that should be a part of every solar professional's toolkit.
Digital multimeter
A digital multimeter is a great instrument for detecting the voltage. A necessity for measurement is a broad operating temperature range. Accurate, with a high range of measurements and able to withstand falls or spills are all necessary for the proper use of an industrial-strength T-RMS Multimeter.
Test leads, preferably made of silicon, are required for high voltage testing. Magnetic holsters that have probes holders will make one-handed operations easier.
Clamp Meter
For industrial or commercial solar technicians, a clamp meter is the most important and modern troubleshooting tool.
A reliable and accurate clamp meter measures the AC/DC load current. Ideally, it should be able to measure up to 1000A in both ranges through the jaws and up to 3000A through flexible clamp for inverters, breakers, combiner boxes and disconnects. It should also be able to measure up to 1500V AC and 2000V DC for photovoltaic cells as well as the loads and line frequency in circuits.
For safety, a solar clamp meter with data logging and bluetooth can be used to monitor measurements from a safe distance. This is reliable for ensuring higher safety.
CAT III 1000V certification is the minimum requirement and provides extra benefits; CAT IV 600V brings higher current measurements, with photovoltaic measurements.
Solar Power Meter
Solar Power Meters are tools that help Solar Technicians in measuring and monitoring energy, efficiency and placement of various systems.
Solar panels should be positioned and angled in the most efficient location during installation. Solar panel installers and maintenance teams need to measure and compare solar intensity at various points in order to ensure that the panels are placed at the best location and angle.
A solar power meter helps determine the amount of sunlight or solar energy received by a given area. This can help decide optimum placement of solar panels.
To power your devices, you need to find a solar power meter that is made with rugged use in direct sunlight. You should look for an instrument that has high accuracy and rapid accuracy.
Insulation Tester
Digital Insulation Testers test the resistance of insulation. They are suitable for Solar technicians and professionals, as they need to test high voltage equipment like cables, switchgear, motors, conductors, etc. Insulation Testers help with many different tests; including identifying power quality failures, breakdowns in equipment and more.
Bluetooth allows technicians to access and transfer data remotely, transcribers are not required, and they also share real time trends with other technicians.
Non-contact Infrared Thermometer
This tool uses a laser to make measurements of surface temperature on Solar cells and panels, making it an ideal option when working in hard to reach areas.
A device's accuracy in temperature measurement is influenced by its ability to emit infrared energy. Infrared thermometers used should be calibrated for the PV modules radiation.
You should use an infrared thermometer that both has adjustable emissivity and are accurate from certain distances.
