Handheld instruments
S
eaward Electronic has expanded its PV testing offering with the launch of the PV:1525-IV, introducing IV curve tracing capability and completing the PV:1525 Series - a range of PV installation testers for 1500 V systems, combining electrical commissioning tests and IV curve tracing within a single platform. Built for residential and commercial rooftop solar systems, the PV:1525 Series combines essential electrical commissioning tests with a single, intuitive workflow. With the addition of IV curve tracing, installers and O&M professionals can now move from core safety testing through to advanced performance analysis using the same platform. The Series supports open-circuit voltage (Voc) measurements up to 1500 V DC, short-circuit current (Isc) up to 25 A, insulation resistance testing to 1500 V DC, and continuity measurements. This makes it well suited to today’s higher-voltage residential and commercial rooftop systems, where traditional 1000 V tools may no longer be sufficient. The PV:1525-IV extends the series with IV curve tracing for performance analysis, enabling installers and O&M professionals to move beyond basic safety checks and gain deeper insight into system performance. With both models built on the same intuitive workflow, users can choose the level of capability that matches their application, from fast commissioning through to detailed performance analysis.
Nathan Barwell, head of product management at Seaward, says: “Installers need tools that work the way they do on site. With the PV:1525 Series, our focus has been on simplifying PV commissioning, reducing the number of tools required, and giving installers confidence that their testing is complete, compliant and ready for handover.
“With IV curve tracing integrated, the PV:1525-IV 50
PV TESTER WITH INTEGRATED IV CURVE TRACING
allows installers to assess module and string performance directly during commissioning,” adds Barwell, “this makes it possible to identify deviations from expected performance at an early stage, without the need for additional test equipment.” Modern PV commissioning places increasing demands on installers, from tighter schedules to greater safety considerations when working on live systems. The PV:1525 Series has been developed
to support a clear, logical testing workflow, helping reduce the risk of errors while keeping testing simple and repeatable across installations. A key benefit for installers is the tester’s integrated Dynamic Surge Suppression System, which actively manages inrush current during short- circuit testing. High inrush current can place stress on both equipment and installations. The PV:1525 Series monitors and suppresses inrush current, allowing installers to safely test with confidence even on high-capacity PV arrays without risk of damage to the instrument.
Integrated Bluetooth connectivity enables real-time documentation of test results on site. Over-the-air updates ensure the instrument can be kept up to date without downtime, helping protect long-term investment. Barwell concludes: “The PV:1525-IV has been recognised as a finalist in The smarter E Award 2025 for innovation in photovoltaics. This recognition reflects the development of a solution that combines on-site testing with detailed performance analysis.”
Seaward Electronic
www.seaward.com
May 2026 Instrumentation Monthly
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