The Benefits of IV Curve Tracing Webinar

The Benefits of I-V Curve Tracing In
Solar PV
Michael Middlemast
Business Development Manager for Renewables
What is I-V Curve Tracing in Solar PV?
The electrical power produced by a solar PV cell or module is a function of the current (I) and voltage (V) characteristics.
Measuring the relationship between current and voltage whilst varying the electrical load connected to the PV cell or module
from open circuit to short circuit produces a characteristic current vs voltage (I-V) curve as shown below.
The points where the curve meets the current and voltage axis are the short circuit current Is/c and open circuit voltage Vo/c
respectively.
Power is the product of voltage and current and so the power vs
voltage curve shown can be generated from the measured voltage and
current data.
The power vs voltage curve shows the point at which the power is a
maximum (Pmax). The corresponding maximum power point Mpp is
shown on the I-V curve.
Loading the PV module such that the current is Impp and voltage is
Vmpp will operate the PV module at the maximum power point ( Mpp)
and result in the maximum power generation.
michaelm@seaward.co.uk
What is the Fill Factor?
Fill factor (FF) is the ratio of the actual maximum obtainable power, represented by the dark blue box, to the
product of short circuit current Is/c and open circuit voltage Vo/c, represented by the light blue box.
𝐼𝑚𝑝𝑝 ∗ 𝑉𝑚𝑝𝑝 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝐴

𝐹𝐹 = =
(𝐼𝑠/𝑐 ∗ 𝑉𝑜/𝑐) 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝐵
The Fill Factor is essentially a measure of the efficiency of a PV

module, the theoretical maximum value depending on factors
such as the type of silicon used to construct the module.
However, deviation from the expected value or changes in Fill

Factor can provide an indication that a fault is present.
• Great for comparing curve shapes

• Gives valuable hints on series or shunt resistance
Understanding Datasheet Curves
Solar module datasheets show I-V curves
that give an indication of the maximum
power output of the module.
They often show several curves that

indicate performance at varying irradiance
and temperature levels.
By comparing these curves to our

measured curve transposed to STC
(standard test conditions) we get a good
indication of predicted performance vs
actual performance.
An example of a typical solar module datasheet
When to use I-V Curve Tracing
Pre-installation Stage
Testing the modules prior to installation
saves time in the long run
It also gives you an indication of the
power output prior to installation so you
can monitor the LID effect (light induced
degradation)
This gives piece of mind to your clients

and saves you money and time on trouble
shooting at a later date.
Commissioning Stage
Taking an I-V curve of an array at the
commissioning stage gives us a bench mark
for future comparisons.
Helps us to diagnose issues before going

off site An example of a linear performance warranty from Trina Solar
The PV200 from Seaward can perform all

required solar PV commissioning tests
included in IEC 61829 and IEC62446
Operations and Maintenance Stage
I-V curve tracing is the most powerful tool in the PV
operations and maintenance engineers arsenal.
Quickly trouble shoot loss in generation by

interpreting the I-V curve of an array.
Test at a string level to identify issues on a modular level.
Send reports from the field back to the office in an

instant with the PV200 from Seaward
Advantages over displays
The shape of the I-V curve provides a visual indication of the performance of a module or string...
But real time monitoring systems, such as an

inverter screen, a personal display unit or a
generation meter only give us the total output.
While a good first indication that something is

wrong, they do not give you detailed
information about the problem.
But how do we interpret the curve?

Interpreting the I-V Curve
Reduced Current
Operator Error
Wrong modules selected
Wrong information entered
Irradiance Measurement Issues

Irradiance meter not mounted
correctly
Uniform Soiling
When the modules are soiled equally
Reduced Voltage
Possible shorted bypass diodes
When combined with other deviations

this could point to potential induced
degradation (PID)
The could be especially true if we also

have a reduced fill factor.
Stepped I-V Curve
This is when we see notches or steps in the

curve.
Could be spotted shading on the modules.
Potential shorted bypass diodes.
Microcracks in the cells are the most common

cause of this curve.
Selective Shading Technique
• Trace the curve of the
entire array, this gives you
the problem curve, but
does not identify which
module is faulty
• Partially shade one module

at a time. This will reduce
the power of the curve but
the faulty shape will
remain.
• When the curve returns to

a natural shape, you have
isolated the faulty module
in the array.
Introducing the PV210 PV Test Kit
Features:
 Memory for up to 999 test results
 Lightweight, handheld and fast, accurate testing
 Simple push button operation
 All-in-one commissioning tests and I-V curve tracing, in
accordance with international standards IEC 62446 and IEC
61829
 Instantly view detailed I-V curves in the field using the
Android PVMobile App
 Instantly send data from the field back to the office using
Android PVMobile App
 Tests individual PV modules or strings
 Clear results display, even in direct sunlight
 Wirelessly receives irradiance and temperature
measurements from Survey 200R
 Compatible with SolarCert Elements v2 software
Comprehensive Solar PV testing…
Electrical/Analysis Test Functions:
I-V curve tracing, in accordance with IEC 61829
Earth/ground continuity
Insulation resistance (auto short circuit test and point-to-point)
Voltage measurement
Open circuit voltage up to 1000VDC
Maximum power point voltage up to 1000VDC
Short circuit current up to 15ADC
Maximum power point current up to 15ADC
Fill factor
Operating current (using supplied current clamp)
DC power
Solar Cert Elements V2.0
 Easily create site reports and analyse curve data.

 Organise by plant hierarchy and compare multiple strings at once
Solar Survey 200R
A unique irradiance meter with added features such as a digital compass,
inclinometer and thermometer. A great tool for site surveying,
commissioning and an integral part of the I-V curve tracing process.
• Irradiance (in W/m2 or BTU/hr-ft2)
• Roof orientation and pitch
• Ambient and panel temperature (in °C or °F)
• Complete with a on board datalogging mode for 5000 records
 Highly accurate measurement of irradiance using a monocrystalline PV cell –

more accurate than using a photodiode
 Suitable for both photovoltaic and solar thermal installations
 Compare system performance against long-term irradiance variation
World Leading Electrical Test Equipment from Seaward
Seaward has over 70 years experience in the design manufacture of market-leading

electrical test equipment. Seaward’s unrivalled range of electrical test equipment serves a
wide variety of safety testing and precision measurement applications.
For 25 years Seaward has been developing market-defining portable appliance testers,
software and accessories for the PAT testing market.
The Cropico and Clare ranges of precision instruments and industrial electrical test
equipment bolster Seaward’s product offering and demonstrate the result of 70 years of
technical expertise across a number of industries including manufacturing, utilities and
aerospace.
The market-defining range of solar PV test equipment makes meeting IEC 62446 and other
PV test and documentation requirements faster, safer and easier. From solar site-
survey to commissioning tests, PV system maintenance and PV system certification,
Seaward Solar has it covered.
Thank you

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The Benefits of I-V Curve Tracing In

𝐼𝑚𝑝𝑝 ∗ 𝑉𝑚𝑝𝑝 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝐴

The Fill Factor is essentially a measure of the efficiency of a PV

However, deviation from the expected value or changes in Fill

• Great for comparing curve shapes

They often show several curves that

By comparing these curves to our

This gives piece of mind to your clients

Helps us to diagnose issues before going

The PV200 from Seaward can perform all

Quickly trouble shoot loss in generation by

Test at a string level to identify issues on a modular level.

Send reports from the field back to the office in an

But real time monitoring systems, such as an

While a good first indication that something is

But how do we interpret the curve?

Irradiance Measurement Issues

Possible shorted bypass diodes

When combined with other deviations

The could be especially true if we also

This is when we see notches or steps in the

Could be spotted shading on the modules.

Potential shorted bypass diodes.

Microcracks in the cells are the most common

• Partially shade one module

• When the curve returns to

 Easily create site reports and analyse curve data.

 Highly accurate measurement of irradiance using a monocrystalline PV cell –

Seaward has over 70 years experience in the design manufacture of market-leading

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