Welcome to the GMC Instruments China English website.
Top 10 Reasons for Periodic PV System Testing
Jim Wallace from SEAWARD Solar emphasizes why electrical safety testing for PV installations is non-negotiable.
1. Compliance with IEC 62446 Standards
IEC 62446 mandates periodic verification of existing installations, defining minimum requirements for:
System documentation
Commissioning tests
Inspection protocols
The standard also specifies how test results should be recorded and provided to consumers post-installation. Previous inspection findings and recommendations must inform subsequent verifications, with reports detailing:
✓ Fault inventories
✓ Repair recommendations
✓ Upgrade suggestions (e.g., aligning with current standards)
2. Fire Prevention
As rooftop PV installations proliferate globally (UK, Australia, U.S., France), fire incidents linked to electrical faults have risen. Regular testing of cables and components mitigates fire risks by ensuring:
Safe system operation
Early fault detection
3. Effective Grounding
Solar panels and racking systems require proper grounding to prevent:
⚡ Electric shock hazards (rare but potentially severe due to high-voltage arrays)
🔥 Fire risks from degraded grounding systems
4. Ground Fault Protection
Large PV systems with extensive underground cabling face insulation degradation risks. Poor insulation can:
Leak energy to ground
Trigger inverter shutdowns in damp conditions
Reduce operational efficiency by up to 100%
5. Environmental Degradation
PV systems endure harsh outdoor exposure. Regular testing detects:
Moisture-induced cable/connector corrosion
Performance drops
Elevated fire risks
6. Surface Contamination & Physical Damage
Pollution or debris (e.g., bird droppings) reduces efficiency. Physical damage from environmental exposure requires identification through:
Visual inspections
Electrical safety tests
7. Cable Deterioration
Common issues include:
Roof-rubbed or rodent-damaged wiring
Exposed copper conductors (shock hazard)
Periodic testing identifies degradation before failures occur.
8. Performance Validation
Post-installation verification ensures ROI on solar investments by detecting:
Wiring faults causing >30% output drops
Inefficiencies invisible to standard metering
9. Warranty Compliance
Regular testing fulfills manufacturer requirements for:
Safety certification
Maximum output guarantees
10. Customer Documentation
Complete system handover requires:
Electrical diagrams
O&M manuals
Test/commissioning data (including safety verification results)
Proactive Testing = Optimal Performance
SEAWARD Solar solutions enable:
✔ IEC-compliant inspections
✔ Early fault detection
✔ Performance benchmarking
