Application Note

4 Fluke Corporation Troubleshooting photovoltaic systems: three typical problems
Fluke Corporation
PO Box 9090, Everett, WA 98206 U.S.A.
Fluke Europe B.V.
PO Box 1186, 5602 BD
Eindhoven, The Netherlands
For more information call:
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In Europe/M-East/Africa [phone] or
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In Canada (800)-36-FLUKE or
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©2011 Fluke Corporation.
Specifications subject to change without notice.
Printed in U.S.A. 3/2011 4014760A A-EN-N
Modification of this document is not permitted
without written permission from Fluke Corporation.
Fluke. Keeping your world
up and running.
®
indicates current inverter and
system performance. Remem-
ber that the 381 clamp meter
produces a true-rms reading;
you can use the voltage and cur-
rent to measure and record the
kilowatt (kW) output. If possible
use the inverter display to show
the current total kilowatt hours
(kWh). You can then write down
this value and compare it to the
one recorded during the last
inspection.
If the inverter is not producing
the right amount of power there
may be a number of problems,
all of which can be easily
checked with the 381 meter:
• blown fuse
• tripped breaker
• broken wires
Also, use the 381 clamp meter
to measure the output ac side of
the inverter, because the load
on the inverter might have a
current demand that’s too high.
Your choice then is to reduce
the loads or install a larger
converter.
With the power off, check for
and repair any ground faults
before starting the inverter
again.
Remember that the inverter
may be tied into the local utility.
The ac current output from the
inverter fluctuates with the level
of solar input on the array. The
inverter maintains the correct
output voltage and phase to the
utility. Any voltage problems
from the utility may cause the
inverter to shut down. In this
event contact the utility for
repairs.