PCE Instruments PCE-PVA 100, PCE-PVA 100-SPM 1-KIT, PCE-PVA 100-ICA Users guide

© PCE Instruments

PCE-PVA 100 Solar Measuring Device

User Manual

User manuals in various languages (français,

italiano, español, português, nederlands, türk, polski,

русский, 中文) can be found by using our

product search on: www.pce-instruments.com

Last change: 24 May 2024

v1.0

English

© PCE Instruments

Contents

1 Safety notes ........................................................................................... 1

2 Specifications ........................................................................................ 2

3 Delivery scope ....................................................................................... 2

4 Device description ................................................................................ 3

4.1 Display description ........................................................................................................... 5

4.2 Connections ..................................................................................................................... 6

5 Switch the meter on and off ................................................................. 6

6 Set zero point ........................................................................................ 7

7 Wiring diagram ...................................................................................... 8

8 Make a measurement ............................................................................ 8

8.1 Settings ............................................................................................................................ 9

8.2 Automatic total measurement ..........................................................................................10

8.3 Manual total measurement ..............................................................................................10

8.4 Single-point measurement ...............................................................................................11

9 Data recording ..................................................................................... 11

10 Clear memory ...................................................................................... 11

11 Replace battery ................................................................................... 12

12 Replace fuse ........................................................................................ 12

13 Software ............................................................................................... 13

13.1 Display measured values ................................................................................................14

13.2 Settings ...........................................................................................................................14

13.3 General view of all measurements ..................................................................................15

14 Contact ................................................................................................. 16

15 Disposal ............................................................................................... 16

© PCE Instruments

1

1 Safety notes

Please read this manual carefully and completely before you use the device for the first time. The
device may only be used by qualified personnel and repaired by PCE Instruments personnel.
Damage or injuries caused by non-observance of the manual are excluded from our liability and
not covered by our warranty.

• The device must only be used as described in this instruction manual. If used otherwise,
this can cause dangerous situations for the user and damage to the meter.

• The instrument may only be used if the environmental conditions (temperature, relative

humidity, …) are within the ranges stated in the technical specifications. Do not expose

the device to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, extreme humidity or moisture.

• Do not expose the device to shocks or strong vibrations.

• The case should only be opened by qualified PCE Instruments personnel.

• Never use the instrument when your hands are wet.

• You must not make any technical changes to the device.

• The appliance should only be cleaned with a damp cloth. Use only pH-neutral cleaner,

no abrasives or solvents.

• The device must only be used with accessories from PCE Instruments or equivalent.

• Before each use, inspect the case for visible damage. If any damage is visible, do not

use the device.

• Do not use the instrument in explosive atmospheres.

• The measurement range as stated in the specifications must not be exceeded under

any circumstances.

• Ensure that the fans are not covered and can cool completely.

• Non-observance of the safety notes can cause damage to the device and injuries to

the user.

We do not assume liability for printing errors or any other mistakes in this manual.
We expressly point to our general guarantee terms which can be found in our general terms of

business.

© PCE Instruments

2

2 Specifications

DC voltage

Measurement
range

Resolution

Accuracy

0 ... 10 V

0.001 V

±1 % ±(1 % of Vopen ±0.1 V)

10 ... 60 V

0.1 V

±1 % ±(1 % of Vopen ±0.1 V)

Vopen: open voltage measurement on a solar module

Direct current

Measurement
range

Resolution

Accuracy

0.01 ... 10 A

1 mA

±1 % ±(1 % of Ishort ±9 mA)

10 ... 12 A

10 mA

±1 % ±(1 % of Ishort ±0.09 A)

Ishort: short-circuit current of a solar cell

Further specifications

Adjustable photovoltaic
surface

0.001 ... 9999 m²
Adjustable light intensity

10 ... 1000 W/m²

Display

4.8" LC display

Fuse

F250 V, 12 A

Data memory

100 measurements

Storage rate

0 ... 99 minutes

Battery life

approx. 400 linear measurements from 60 ... 0 V and 0 ... 12 A

Power supply battery

11.1 V, 3400 mAh lithium battery

Power supply mains
adaptor

primary: 100 ... 240 V AC 50/60 Hz
secondary: 15 V DC / 3A

Degree of pollution

2

Temperature coefficient

0.1 % of the measurement range / °C at temperatures <18 °C
/ 64 °F and >28 °C / 82 °F

Operating conditions

5 ... 50 °C, <85 % RH, non-condensing

Storage conditions

-20 ... 60 °C / -4 ... 140 °F, <75 % RH, non-condensing

Dimensions

257 x 155 x 57 mm / 10.1 x 6.1 x 2.2 in

Weight

1160 g / 2.6 lbs

3 Delivery scope

1 x solar measuring device PCE-PVA 100
1 x optical USB cable
1 x battery
1 x software CD
1 x pair of Kelvin clamps
1 x pair of safety test leads (100 mm)
1 x mains adaptor
1 x user manual

© PCE Instruments

3

4 Device description

© PCE Instruments

4

No.

Key

Description

1 No function

2 No function

3 Set zero point for voltage and current
4 Audible alarm for insufficient power

5 Change graphical view
P-V
P-I
P-V-I (both graphics)

6 One-point test based on the settings and voltage measurement

7 Manual scan based on the settings

8 Automatic scan

9 LC display

10 Open and close settings

11 Graphics: Move cursor to the left
Menu: Reduce value

12 Menu: Parameter upwards

13 Menu: Parameters downwards

14 Graphics: Move cursor to the right
Menu: Increase value

15 No function

16 No function

17 Press briefly: Start and stop data logging
Long press: Delete data memory

18 Show and hide grid

19 Change graphical view
I-V
V-I

20 Switch on and off

© PCE Instruments

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4.1 Display description

No.

Description

1

Connection for the optical USB cable

2

Tripod

3

Battery

4

Screw for the battery holder

5

Mains adaptor connection

© PCE Instruments

6

4.2 Connections

No.

Description

1

Voltage input

2

Power input

3

Voltage output

4

Current output

5 Switch the meter on and off

To switch the meter on or off, briefly press the key once. If the meter overheats, it should
remain active until it has cooled down.

© PCE Instruments

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6 Set zero point

The zero point of the test leads should be reset before a measurement. To do this, short-circuit

all measuring connections and press the key. “ZERO CAL ..." appears on the display. As
soon as the message disappears, a normal measurement can be started.

© PCE Instruments

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7 Wiring diagram

The meter is connected according to the following connection diagram:

8 Make a measurement

During the measurement, make sure that the fans are not covered to ensure sufficient cooling
capacity. If the meter overheats, this is indicated by "Overheated:cooling". As long as this
message is displayed, no measurement can be carried out. If the instrument is switched off during
the cooling phase, you must wait at least three more minutes until cooling is complete. It is
therefore advisable to allow the meter to cool down first before switching it off.

The mains adaptor must not be connected to the meter during a measurement.

© PCE Instruments

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8.1 Settings

To make settings, briefly press the key once to open the settings. Use the arrow keys to
select the desired parameter and you can edit it directly. The value is adopted directly. Press the

key again to return to measurement mode.

Menu

Description

Time Delay before scan

Waiting time between individual measurements

Sampling Time of Datalogging

Storage rate in minutes

Current Range of Scan begin

Initial current value for "Scan" mode
Note: If this value is higher than Ishort, no
measurement is possible.

Current Range of Scan end

Final current value for "Scan" mode

Area of Solar Cell of Panel

Surface area of the solar cells

Irradiance

Light intensity in W/m²

Single test point

Setting the measuring point of the single-point
measurement

Alarm of Low Power

Setting the alarm limit value when the power falls
below the limit.
Maximum value: 500 W

Year/Month/Date/Hour/Minute/Second

Setting the date and time. Minutes and seconds
cannot be set

© PCE Instruments

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8.2 Automatic total measurement

This measurement gives you a rough overview of the solar cell.
To carry out an automatic measurement, press the key. Connect the test lead before the

measurement.

8.3 Manual total measurement

After the automatic measurement, you can enter the start and end values of the current
measurement in the settings and start a measurement. Once the settings have been made, the

measurement can be started using the key.
Note: If the short-circuit current exceeds the set measurement range, a measurement is not
possible.

© PCE Instruments

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8.4 Single-point measurement

The single-point measurement is useful when the values for a specific current value need to be
determined. This has the advantage that the measurement can be carried out quickly. The
measuring point is selected in the settings. Once the measuring point has been set, the

measurement can be carried out using the key. The measurement result is shown at the
bottom right of the display.

TestP
TestV
TestA

9 Data recording

To start data recording, briefly press the key once. The meter now automatically carries out
the automatic measurement at the set measurement interval. To cancel data logging, press the
key again.

10 Clear memory

To clear the entire memory, first switch off the meter. Then press and hold the key and
then press the key to switch on the meter. You will hear a long beep. Now release all

keys. The memory is deleted and you can resume operation.

© PCE Instruments

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11 Replace battery

To replace the battery, disconnect the meter from all test leads and switch it off. You can then
loosen the battery using the battery compartment screw. Once you have loosened the screw, you
can remove the battery with its housing and replace it by a new one. Pay attention to the connector
plug. Once you have replaced the battery and refitted it securely, you can use the meter again.

12 Replace fuse

To replace the fuse, the test leads must first be disconnected from the meter. The meter must
then be switched off and the battery removed. The housing must now be opened to access the
fuse. There are two screws to loosen at the top on the back and two screws in the battery
compartment. The housing can then be lifted. Pay attention to the battery cable when opening.
The fuse is located above the sensor system. Replace the fuse with a 15A / 250V fuse. Then re­assembe the meter. It can then be used again.

© PCE Instruments

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13 Software

To transfer the measured values from the meter to the PC, first install the software and the
corresponding driver. You can download these here if necessary:

https://www.pce-instruments.com/deutsch/download-win_4.htm

To ensure proper use of the software, we recommend that you always install and start the
software with administrator rights.

After installation, you can connect the USB cable to the PC and the meter and read out the
measured values.

Symbol

Function

Connect to the meter

Reset view

Call up saved measurement

Save the raw data

Save measured values as csv or tab file

Print current view

Set the date and time in the meter

Mirror the current image from the meter on the PC (no live view)

Transfer saved measurement data to the PC

Delete memory

Perform automatic measurement

Perform automatic measurement with quantity

Perform manual measurement

© PCE Instruments

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13.1 Display measured values

All measurements can be viewed individually in the "Information" window.
The characteristic curve is displayed in the first area. From there, each individual measuring point
can be approached using the mouse. The respective measured values are displayed in the third
area. The axes can be adjusted if required. The measured values are displayed in the second
area. In the fourth area, you can switch between the individual measurements.

13.2 Settings

Measurement settings can be made in the "Parameter" field. “Load" transfers the current settings
from the measuring device to the software. A specific value is transferred with "Apply". "Apply All"
transfers all settings.

© PCE Instruments

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13.3 General view of all measurements

All measurements are summarised in the "Overall" field. All measured values are displayed
graphically in the first area. All measured values for the selected measurement are displayed in
the second area.

© PCE Instruments

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14 Contact

If you have any questions, suggestions or technical problems, please do not hesitate to contact
us. You will find the relevant contact information at the end of this user manual.

15 Disposal

For the disposal of batteries in the EU, the 2006/66/EC directive of the European Parliament
applies. Due to the contained pollutants, batteries must not be disposed of as household waste.
They must be given to collection points designed for that purpose.

In order to comply with the EU directive 2012/19/EU we take our devices back. We either re-use
them or give them to a recycling company which disposes of the devices in line with law.

For countries outside the EU, batteries and devices should be disposed of in accordance with
your local waste regulations.

If you have any questions, please contact PCE Instruments.

© PCE Instruments

17

PCE Instruments contact information

Germany France Spain

PCE Deutschland GmbH PCE Instruments France EURL PCE Ibérica S.L.
Im Langel 26 23, rue de Strasbourg Calle Mula, 8
D-59872 Meschede 67250 Soultz-Sous-Forets 02500 Tobarra (Albacete)
Deutschland France España
Tel.: [phone] Téléphone: [phone] Tel. : [phone]
Fax: [phone] Numéro de fax: [phone] Fax: [phone]
[e-mail] [e-mail] [e-mail]
www.pce-instruments.com/deutsch www.pce-instruments.com/french www.pce-instruments.com/espanol

United Kingdom Italy Turkey

PCE Instruments UK Ltd PCE Italia s.r.l. PCE Teknik Cihazları Ltd.Şti.
Trafford House Via Pesciatina 878 / B-Interno 6 Halkalı Merkez Mah.
Chester Rd, Old Trafford 55010 Loc. Gragnano Pehlivan Sok. No.6/C
Manchester M32 0RS Capannori (Lucca) 34303 Küçükçekmece - İstanbul
United Kingdom Italia Türkiye
Tel: [phone] Telefono: [phone] Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone] Fax: [phone] Faks: 0212 705 53 93
[e-mail] [e-mail] [e-mail]
www.pce-instruments.com/english www.pce-instruments.com/italiano www.pce-instruments.com/turkish

The Netherlands United States of America Denmark

PCE Brookhuis B.V. PCE Americas Inc. PCE Instruments Denmark ApS
Institutenweg 15 1201 Jupiter Park Drive, Suite 8 Birk Centerpark 40
7521 PH Enschede Jupiter / Palm Beach 7400 Herning
Nederland 33458 FL Denmark
Telefoon: [phone] USA Tel.: [phone]
[e-mail] Tel: [phone] [e-mail]
www.pce-instruments.com/dutch Fax: [phone] www.pce-instruments.com/dansk
[e-mail]
www.pce-instruments.com/us