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Photovoltaic systems

Fast and reliable fault detection.

With thermal imagers from Testo.

Reliable and efficient operation of photovoltaic systems.

Due to the energy transition, the number of photovoltaic systems on the roofs of private homes and commercial buildings is increasing rapidly. To ensure that solar cells, modules and other electronic components work efficiently outdoors in the long term, regular monitoring is essential.

Installation errors, weather influences and wear can cause defects in modules and components such as inverters, that considerably reduce energy output. Infrared thermography can be used to detect such problems quickly, precisely and reliably.

A thorough inspection is particularly important for large systems such as solar parks, as even a single defective solar cell can affect the yield of the entire system. Thermal imagers from Testo offer the ideal solution for this – especially for module connections and components that are difficult to access. This ensures that your PV system delivers its maximum output in the long term.

Detect thermal anomalies on photovoltaic systems quickly, safely and reliably

  • occurs when an inactive cell continues to be supplied with power by the active cells, e.g. due to lightning or hail.

  • the cell then converts this energy into heat.

  • The resultant “hotspots” could even destroy the module.

  • Overheated cells can be identified very easily with the thermal imager

Product recommendation and application example

testo 883

Find out more

testo 883 thermal imager

  • Reliable fault diagnosis due to high image quality with resolution up to 640 x 480 pixels and NETD < 40 mK

  • Correct alignment and viewing angle thanks to manual focus and interchangeable telephoto lens

  • High functionality through simple operation and solar mode

Application example

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Application example Ensure efficiency of solar parks

  • Challenges and possible solutions when inspecting large photovoltaic systems with a thermal imager

Checklist for testing PV systems with a thermal imager

  • When to check

  • What needs to be checked

  • Environmental and measurement conditions

  • Positioning of the imager

  • Error patterns and causes

How does a thermal imager help?

Shooting from a long distance with telephoto lens

Thermal imagers and more for solar systems

testo 883-1

To the product

testo 883-1 thermal imager kit:

  • high image quality with resolution up to 640 x 480 pixels and NETD < 40 mK

  • manual focus and interchangeable telephoto lens

  • Simple operation and solar mode

testo 890 thermal imager

  • high image quality with resolution up to 1280 x 960 pixels and NETD < 40 mK

  • Three lenses included: standard, 25° and telephoto lens

  • Panoramic image assistant for combining individual images

testo 770-3

To the product

TRMS clamp meter testo 770-3

  • Easy to operate thanks to the fully retractable pincer arm

  • Automatic detection of AC/DC, resistance, continuity, diode and capacitance

  • Wireless transmission of measured values to the testo 883 clamp meter

testo Thermography App

Smart as thermography can be

- Stream thermal images live from the imager to smartphones or tablets

- Analyze thermal images quickly while on site

- Add measuring points or comments

- Create reports quickly and send them by e-mail

To Google Play
To the App Store

Report wizard

Send e-mail

Share thermal images

Thermal image analysis

Second Screen

Applications, functions and further information on Testo thermal imaging cameras

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