Do you have to test Solar PV installations ???

[@Fritsvrolijk]

Thanks Pro and Regards from Holland

[@billsbasementworkshop1902]

Hi Matk, Thanks for another informative video. I wonder if you could do one on how to test the solar Pv whilst doing an EICR. For someone like me who is new to testing I think it would be something that would not only probably save lives, but also stop any possible damage to the panels from the IR testing. Once again thanks for the video.

[@electrician247]

Hey Bill, I have a few more solar testing videos on the way! Thanks

[@Sparkybyfifty]

I really like the MFT pro and other TIS kit. They break the mould and go down their own form factor route. Shame the earth resistance three lead spoke test can’t be done on the ‘older’ pro.

[@petertallowin6406]

It's a pleasure to watch your content dude. You take great pride in your work and it shows. Do you think that there is an increase in Solar installations as a direct link to EV's? Or is it because power requirements for the modern home have changed considerably along with power prices?

[@electrician247]

I think both play a part. Definitely a demand from EV owners who then see/monitor consumption etc. Its the journey we are on as a society so the curve is upwards.

[@Bitmap888]

Great video very helpful , Just took on my first pv job, 650 x 550w panels half way through just 2x inverters and g99 to fit on roof the rest x300 panels are carports 6 inverters , Was looking at test equipment to help make the testing process more efficient.

[@electrician247]

The newer PV check pro plus kit from TIS would be what you need mate. Combines my 2 testers into one product. That’s a big 1st job btw, respect!

[@Bitmap888]

@@electrician247 thanks for the info I will check , yes definitely jumped in the deep end so far all good , weather has been tough and total weight of system approx 20T I underestimated the graft , also no trolleys were allowed so all manual L shaped roof and guess what every thing was put one end and it’s just 2 of us, it’s a floating k2 system , next challenge is getting strings to the 6 canopies furthest canopie approx 200mtrs, all underground ducts. I appreciate your videos and reviews very helpful.

[@yngndrw.]

Hello Mark, interesting video as always. I'm curious about the criteria you use when selecting solar panels, especially for something like this where it's a custom-built structure for the panels. (We've currently got a planning application in for a ground-mount array but it didn't occur to us that we could build a shed and include a nice sheltered place for the inverter and batteries!) Anyway the panels you've used look to have an efficiency of 21.8% if I've found the correct ones, so I'm wondering why you went for that over say the Longi HiMo6 HTH 435W panels which have an efficiency of 22.3% (Therefore they are more space efficient) and appear to be substantially cheaper (Less than half the price) with a similar warranty? (Slightly longer product warranty, slightly shorter performance warranty) Is there another criteria I've overlooked?

[@electrician247]

It's all about maximising the roof space to the array output. The neo are great low irradiation for max gen periods. They also have a low ish VOC with high ish ISC so paired with the right inverter can generate longer and with more output. All of the manufacturers use different base lines and tolerances in the figures presented so I take them all with a pinch of salt tbh. Personally I wouldn't focus on the efficency more so the size of the structure you want and generation output per panel, matched to the otomisers and then inverter to reduce losses in those areas. Cost wise Jinko are super competitive and it depends on your wholesale arrangement but looking just now the 470W jinko is around the same price as a 435W longi. While the roof is angled specifically for our array we were working within the sizing the customer provided and this represents the best long term value from that. It was designed by both myself and a wholesale rep and thankfully we both came to the same conclusion. Always a good sign. The Jinko win out in the case based on the above but also the resistance to the environmental conditions. As this is an agricultural area with lots of dust/pollen it was the right product for us at all levels but this was a heavy weight in its favour beyond much of the competition. Efficiency levels are improving every month and that's great but the overall panel package is important and then again the equipment it's paired up with. Hope that helps. Cheers mate.

[@yngndrw.]

@@electrician247 Sorry you're right, I somehow managed to find the most expensive retailer possible when looking at the prices of the 470W Jinko panels! And ahh I see, I thought the roof had been sized to the panels rather than the other way around - That makes a lot of sense now. I've always found it strange that there's such a range of sizes available rather than there being a proper standard for the physical size. Your response is really helpful as you've pointed out quite a few other considerations to look at so thank you for that. I certainly hadn't considered environmental conditions but that is something we'll need to look out for in our location.

[@hvaccuffingit6471]

What are the legal tests and documentation to comply with Regulation 29 EAWR? What competency do you need?

[@muaythai9366]

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