Installation tester and curve tracer BENNING PV 2

Installation tester and curve tracer for commissioning tests, periodic inspection and performance assessment of PV systems

Installation tester and curve tracer for commissioning tests, periodic inspection and performance assessment of PV systems

Installation tester for photovoltaic systems and curve tracer BENNING PV 2

  • testing in compliance with DIN EN 62446 (VDE 0126-23) and DIN EN 61829 (VDE 0126-24)
  • easy – operation by means of keys with AUTO testing procedure
  • quick – testing within seconds
  • safe – contacting via PV connectors

Before commissioning and for periodic inspections, a photovoltaic system must be tested and documented with regard to its perfectly safe technical condition in compliance with DIN EN 62446 (VDE 0126-23). Moreover, electrical measurements are also useful after cleaning and maintenance work in order to continue to ensure an optimum and low-loss functioning of the PV system.

The test includes continuity testing of earth connections, measurement of the open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current as well as insulating resistance measurement between active conductors (+/-) and earth. The BENNING PV 2 is provided with contact-protected PV measuring leads for direct connection to all PV modules/ strings by means of standardized PV connectors. The automatic testing procedure gives a warning in case of wrong DC polarity and automatically performs all necessary steps for a safe measurement.

On-site measurement of the current-voltage characteristic in compliance with DIN EN 62446 (VDE 0126-23) is a practical method for assessing the performance of photovoltaic systems. The measured I-V characteristics are converted to standard test conditions (STC) using evaluation tools such as the PC software BENNING SOLAR Manager and the Android app BENNING PV Link and can be compared with the nominal PV module data of the manufacturer via an integrated PV module database. Deviations and reduced performance are clearly identified and can be documented correspondingly. Furthermore, the shape of the I-V characteristic provides useful information on the status of a PV system and indicates possible errors.

The BENNING PV 2 allows to carry out the entire test safely, reliably, easily and quickly. The BENNING PV 2 is recommended for daily use by service, cleaning and maintenance teams as well as for solar panel installers and authorized experts for photovoltaics.

Features

  • clear and unambiguous display of all measurement results
  • safe measurement connection, even if the photovoltaic system is delivering energy
  • automatic test procedures for curve measurement with or without RISO testing
  • indication of Uo/c, Umpp, Is/c, Impp, filling factor (FF) and RISO with “PASS/FAIL” indication
  • insulation measurement with testing voltages of 250 V, 500 V and 1000 V
  • separate insulating resistance measurement via 4 mm measuring leads for tests of PV cables etc.
  • automatic testing procedure (open-circuit voltage 1000 V DC, short-circuit current 15 A DC, insulating resistance)
  • automatic display of voltage polarity with audio/ visual warning for reverse polarity
  • null balance of the measuring leads
  • measured values memory for 999 display indications (PV strings)
  • USB interface and download software BENNING SOLAR Datalogger for downloading measured values in CSV format
  • equipped with an integrated real-time clock which automatically adds a date / time stamp to each storage process or storage location
  • Radio connection to the optional insolation and temperature measuring instrument BENNING SUN 2
  • download software for the preparation of test certificates in MS Excel
  • ISO measuring result with “pass / fail” information
  • direct connection to all standard photovoltaic modules with MC4 or „Sunclix“ connectors
  • easy operation for network-independently and mobile testing
  • LC display with background lighting
  • automatic switch-off (individually adjustable from 1 to 10 minutes)
  • tests can refer to PV modules, PV strings or the entire PV system.
  • optional PC software BENNING SOLAR Manager (item no. 050423) for the creation of test reports and documentation of characteristics
  • free app BENNING PV Link (requires Android device with NFC)

Measuring functions

BENNING PV 2
BENNING PV 2

Legal attribution:
Android, Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google Inc.

Scope of delivery of the BENNING PV 2
Scope of delivery of the BENNING PV 2
BENNING SOLAR Manager screenshot
Optional accessories – PC software BENNING SOLAR Manager
  • protective earth conductor resistance measurement with test current of 200 mA
  • open-circuit voltage measurement (Uo/c) of the solar modules or PV strings up to 1000 V DC
  • short-circuit current measurement (Is/c) via an internal circuit up to 15 A DC without any danger for the user
  • insulating resistance measurement between the shorted DC conductors (+/-) and earthing with adjustable test voltage (250 V, 500 V, 1000 V)
  • separate two-pole insulating resistance measurement via 4 mm measuring line up to 300 MOhms
  • measurement of the current-voltage characteristic (I-V) and the power characteristic (P-V)
  • indication of voltage (Umpp), current (Impp) at the maximum power point (mpp) and filling factor (FF)
  • functional test via current measurement up to 40 A AC / DC (by means of current clamp adapter BENNING CC 3, item no. 044038)
  • the BENNING PV 2 is able to receive the measured values (insolation, PV module / ambient temperature and date / time stamp) of the insolation and temperature measuring instrument BENNING SUN 2 (optional, item no. 050420) via radio connection

Current situation in the market

The technology of photovoltaic modules and the structure of PV strings has changed significantly in recent years. In addition to the higher performance and efficiency of the panels, cell technology and module architecture have also changed. High-performance PV modules of the latest module technology are largely based on the N-type topology. These have the desired high efficiencies (>20 %), but have high intrinsic capacities. These intrinsic capacitances are not specified by module manufacturers. The transient short-circuit currents (Isc_cap) occurring in the short-circuit test can exceed the short-circuit current specified in the PV module data sheet many times over and cannot be measured with normal ammeters / current clamps due to the short discharge time.

Due to the circuit design, the BENNING PV 2 limits the peak current. However, the connected power / energy (due to the module capacitance, the transient short-circuit current and the string voltage) significantly exceeds the characteristic values of the tester.

Measuring channels:

C1 = String voltage (500V)
C2 = Short-circuit current reference (max. 135A)
C3 = Short-circuit current (max. 139.7A)
F1 = Function C1*C3 for power calculation (max. 61kW)

The BENNING PV 2 from model year 2024 are equipped with a pre-test to determine the capacitive energy of the string for self-protection against excessive current peaks. If the BENNING PV 2 detects a string with excessive intrinsic capacitance, the measurement is aborted with the error message HiSc or HiCu (>15.00 A).

Measurement of a 500V string with current modules with short cable length
Measurement of a 500V string with current modules with short cable length

BENNING SOLAR Manager (optional PC software)

  • The PC software BENNING SOLAR Manager used with the BENNING PV 2 allows the creation of test reports and documentation in compliance with the standards DIN EN 62446 (VDE 0126-23) and DIN EN 61829 (VDE 0126-24). The measured I-V characteristics and power characteristics of the BENNING PV 2 can be converted to standard test conditions (STC) and can be compared with the manufacturer’s nominal specifications via an integrated PV module database (050423).

BENNING SOLAR Datalogger (download software)

  • download of measured values from the BENNING PV 2 in CSV format
  • further processing of measured values possible in MS Excel®
  • available free of charge as download

BENNING PV Link app

  • requires Android devices with NFC interface
  • presentation of the measured I-V (current-voltage) characteristic and of the P-V (power-voltage) characteristic in a curve diagram
  • conversion to standard test conditions (STC) and comparison with the nominal characteristic specified by the PV module manufacturer via an integrated PV module database
  • documentation of the performance data of the PV generator indicating Pmpp, Uo/c, Umpp, Is/c, Impp, filling factor, temperature and insolation
  • photo function for the documentation of material defects and identification of the measuring point
  • curve data can be stored for each project and can be exported as PDF test report via e-mail
  • available free of charge for the BENNING PV 2 in the Android Playstore
I-V characteristic
I-V characteristic
P-V characteristic
P-V characteristic
PDF test report for PV generator
PDF test report for PV generator

Scope of delivery

  • transport/ storage case
  • measuring leads with probe tip (L = 1.2 m, red/black)
  • crocodile clips (red/black)
  • PV measuring leads for MC4 connector (red/black)
  • PV measuring leads for Sunclix connector (red/black)
  • download software
  • micro USB cable
  • 6 x 1.5 batteries type AA (IEC LR6)

Perfectly complemented by

For complete measurement and documentation of PV strings and PV modules in compliance with the applicable standards, we recommend the following optional accessories:

  • Insolation and temperature measuring instrument BENNING SUN 2 (050420)
    The BENNING PV 2 is able to receive the measured values (insolation, PV module / ambient temperature) of the insolation and temperature measuring instrument BENNING SUN 2 via radio connection. The measured values are required for the measurement of an I-V characteristic. For this purpose, the BENNING PV 2 has to be coupled with the BENNING SUN 2 once.
  • PC software BENNING SOLAR Manager (050423)
    The PC software used with the BENNING PV 2 allows the creation of test reports and documentation in compliance with the standards DIN EN 62446 (VDE 0126-23) and DIN EN 61829 (VDE 0126-24). The measured I-V characteristics and power characteristics of the BENNING PV 2 can be converted to standard test conditions (STC) and can be compared with the manufacturer’s nominal specifications via an integrated PV module database.
  • temperature sensor with suction cup for BENNING SUN 2 for attachment to the rear of the PV module (050424)
  • PV module holder for BENNING SUN 2 for safe attachment to the PV module (050425)
  • AC/DC current clamp adapter BENNING CC 3 (044038)
    For being connected to the BENNING PV 2. The measured AC/DC current values can be stored in the memory of the BENNING PV 2 and can be recalled.
  • BENNING TA 5 40 m measuring lead, winder and strap, for the measurement of protective and bonding conductors, connection via 4 mm safety socket/ plug (044039)
  • test badges „next test“, 300 pieces (756212)
  • bag with neck strap for BENNING PV 2 (050426), allows hands-free working on measuring points that are dangerous or difficult to access

Further information on accessories can be found at "Accessories for PV measuring instruments".

  BENNING PV 2
indication graphic display (illuminated)
protective conductor resistance 0.05 Ω – 199 Ω
testing current ± 200 mADC
open circuit voltage (Uo/c) 5 V – 1000 VDC
short-circuit current (Is/c) 0.5 A – 15 ADC *
insulation resistance (Riso) 0.2 MΩ – 199 MΩ
testing voltage 250 V, 500 V, 1000 VDC
insulation resistanced (2-pin) 0.05 MΩ – 300 MΩ
AUTO measurement 1 +/-, Uo/c, Is/c, Riso
AUTO measurement 2 Characteristic (I-V, P-V)
AUTO measurement 3 Measurement 1 + 2
DC string current/AC current 0.1 A – 40 AAC/DC (by means of BENNING CC 3)
insolation 100 W/m² - 1250 W/m² (by means of BENNING SUN 2)
PV module/ambient temperature - 30 °C - + 125 °C (by means of BENNING SUN 2)
voltage (2-pin) 30 V - 440 V AC/DC
measured value memory 999 data record
interface USB/radio/NFC
scope of delivery carrying case, measuring leads, crocodile clips, MC4 and sunclix measuring leads, batteries, USB cable, download software
item no. 050422

Technical changes, model or color modifications, mistakes and delivery facilities without notice! No responsibility for literal mistakes.

* Modern PV modules can have high capacities due to their technology. These generate a high discharge current when the short-circuit measuring circuit is connected, which can exceed the maximum rated current in the PV panel data sheet many times over. Before carrying out the short-circuit current measurement, the PV 2 checks whether the measurement can be carried out safely. If the capacitance is too high, the PV 2 cancels the measurement with the message HiSc or HiCu.

Further Information

Brochures
Instruction manuals
Case studies
FAQ
Price lists
Test protocolls
Software
Videos

Technical Support
(After Sales Service)

Phone+49 2871 93 555
Emailhelpdesk@benning.de

Returns Management, Calibration, Repairs
Phone+49 2871 93 554
Emailreturns@benning.de

Your contact person in Germany

The delivery takes place only by wholesaler.
Our agencies (* with warehouse) for the customer topologies Electrical Wholesalers (EGH) and Hardware Wholesalers (PVH):

Baden-Württemberg (EGH/PVH)
Herzog Industrievertretung GmbH
adress

Fritz-Karl-Henkel-Str. 12-16
D-67454 Haßloch

Bavaria (EGH/PVH)
ELKA Krischke Elektrotechnik
adress

Wettersteinstr. 12
D-82024 Taufkirchen

Berlin, Brandenburg (EGH/PVH)
SKE Steffen Klewe
Elektrotechnische Handelsvertretung
adress

Teltower Damm 214
D-14167 Berlin

Bremen, Niedersachsen (West) (EGH)
Bremen, Niedersachsen (PVH)

BENNING GmbH & Co. KG
adress

Münsterstr. 135 - 137
D-46397 Bocholt

Hamburg (EGH/PVH)
Lower Saxony (Center/East) (EGH)

TBB-Technischer Bedarf Böttcher GmbH
adress

Gänseweide 7
D-21379 Lüdersburg

Hesse (EGH / PVH)
Ronny Münch
adress

Jägerstr. 3
D-35099 Burgwald

Mecklenburg-West Pomerania (EGH/PVH)
SKE Steffen Klewe
Elektrotechnische Handelsvertretung
adress

Teltower Damm 214
D-14167 Berlin

North Rhine-Westphalia
BENNING GmbH & Co. KG
adress

Münsterstr. 135 - 137
D-46397 Bocholt

Rhineland- Palatinate, Saarland (EGH/PVH)
Herzog Industrievertretung GmbH
adress

Fritz-Karl-Henkel-Str. 12-16
D-67454 Haßloch

Saxony (EGH/PVH)
Udo Wendelmuth
adress

Erfurter Str. 61
D-99195 Schwansee

Saxony-Anhalt (North/Center) (EGH/PVH)
SKE Steffen Klewe
Elektrotechnische Handelsvertretung
adress

Teltower Damm 214
D-14167 Berlin

Saxony-Anhalt (South) (EGH/PVH)
Thuringia (EGH/PVH)

Udo Wendelmuth
adress

Erfurter Str. 61
D-99195 Schwansee

Agencies abroad

(* EGH = for Electrical Wholesaler, PVH = for Hardware Wholesalers)

Austria
BENNING GmbH Elektrotechnik und Elektronik
tel

+43/ (0) 2242-32416-0

adress

Eduard-Klinger-Str. 9
3423 St. Andrä-Wördern

Belgium (EGH*)
Drugmand & Meert / EMAS / Gecom
tel

+32 (0) 22 51 60 60

fax

+32 (0) 22 52 22 66

adress

De bavaylei 110
1800 VILVOORDE

Belgium (PVH*)
P.J. Timmerman & Fils N.V.
tel

+32 (0) 23 77 71 66

fax

+32 (0) 23 77 94 58

adress

Koning-Albertstraat 3 - 7
1600 SINT-PIETERS LEEUW

Bulgaria
Contragent 35
tel

+3 59 42 60 01 45

fax

+3 59 42 60 01 29

adress

Industrialna Str.
6000 STARA ZAGORA

China
BENNING Power Electronics (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
tel

+86 (0) 10 61 56 85 88

fax

+86 (0) 10 61 50 62 00

adress

Tongzhou Industrial Development Zone
No.1-B BeiEr Street
101113 BEIJING

Czech Republic (EGH*)
EST Elektro - System -Technik s.r.o.
tel

+42 02 66 09 07 11

fax

+42 02 66 09 07 17

adress

Pod pekarnami 338/12
190 00 PRAHA 9 VYSOCANY

France
AGéCOM Diffusion
tel

+33 (0) 3 88 19 70 10

fax

+33 (0) 3 88 19 02 73

adress

6, rue de Londres
CS 60090 Mommenheim
67173 BRUMATH CEDEX

France
BENNING Conversion d'énergie
tel

+33 (0) 2 32 25 23 94

fax

+33 (0) 2 32 25 08 64

adress

43, avenue Winston Churchill
27404 LOUVIERS

Greece
V.KAFKAS S.A.
tel

+30 / 21 63 00 30 00

fax

+30 / 21 63 00 31 00

adress

1 klm Markopoulou Aven.
19002 Paiania Attiki

web

www.kafkas.gr

Hungary
BENNING Kft.
tel

+36 (0) 33/ 50 76 00

fax

+36 (0) 33/ 50 76 01

adress

Ringló út 99
1221 BUDAPEST

Netherlands (EGH*)
Amwittools BV
tel

+31 (0) 1 72 53 84 33

fax

+31 (0) 1 72 53 06 55

adress

Harsweg 22
2461 EZ Ter Aar

Netherlands (PVH*)
ITECE Holland B.V.
tel

+31 (0) 1 72 53 84 33

fax

+31 (0) 1 72 53 06 55

adress

Harsweg 22
2461 EZ Ter Aar

New Zealand
EUROTEC LIMITED
tel

+64/ 9/ 5 79 19 90

fax

+64/ 9/ 5 25 33 34

adress

750, Great South Road
1061 PENROSE, AUCKLAND

Poland
"LL" Spolka z ograniczona
tel

+48/ 7 13 98 08 00

fax

+48/ 7 13 98 08 02

adress

odpowiedzialnoscia sp. k.
dawniej Lange Lukaszuk Sp. j
ul. Wrocławska 43, Byków
55-095 MIRKOW

Romania
BENNING Power Electronics ROM SCS
tel

+40 (0) 2 55 20 60 96

fax

+40 (0) 2 55 51 66 08

adress

Str. Lunca Grofului, Nr. 4
327055 BUCHIN

Russia
OOO BENNING Power Electronics Ltd.
tel

+7 4 95/ 9 67 68 50

fax

+7 4 95/ 9 67 68 51

adress

ul. Planetnaya, 11
125167 MOSCOW

Serbia
Anderba d.o.o.
tel

+381/ 11 76 78 09

fax

+381/ 3 29 21 77

adress

Ljube Stojanovica 36/III
11000 BEOGRAD

Slovakia
BENNING Slovensko s.r.o.
tel

+421 (0) 2 44 45 99 42

fax

+421 (0) 2 44 45 50 05

adress

Kukuricná 17
83103 BRATISLAVA

Spain
BENNING c.d.e. SA
tel

+34 91 6 04 81 10

fax

+34 91 6 04 84 02

adress

C/Pico de Santa Catalina 2
Pol. Ind. Los Linares
28970 HUMANES

South Africa
Hellermann Tyton (Pty) Ltd
tel

+27 11 8 79 66 20

fax

+27 11 8 79 66 03

adress

Private BAG X 158
2128 RIVORIA

Sweden (EGH*)
OEM Automatic AB
tel

+46/ 75/ 2 42 41 00

fax

+46/ 75/ 2 42 41 19

adress

Fredriksbergsgatan 2
573 92 TRANAS

Switzerland
BENNING Power Electronics GmbH
tel

+41 (0) 44 / 8 05 75 75

fax

+41 (0) 44 / 8 05 75 80

adress

Industriestrasse 6
8305 Dietlikon

Switzerland
RECOM ELECTRONICS AG
tel

+41 (0) 44 / 7 87 10 00

fax

+41 (0) 44 / 7 87 10 05

adress

Samstagernstrasse 45
8832 Wollerau

Your contact persons

Where are you from? Select your country of origin from the list below, to quickly find your personal contact person.

BENNING Subsidiaries - Find your contact person by clicking on the corresponding flag.

GER BENNING Elektrotechnik und Elektronik GmbH & Co. KG
Technical Support
tel

+49 2871 93555

addressfactory I Münsterstr. 135-137 factory II Robert-Bosch-Str. 20 46397 Bocholt Germany
ESP BENNING Conversión de Energía S.A.
tel

+34 91 / 6 04 81 10

addressC/Pico de Santa Catalina 2 Pol. Ind. Los Linares 28970 Humanes, Madrid Spain