The PCE-IT55 Photovoltaic Meter determines insulation resistance up to a maximum of 2000 MΩ (for auxiliary voltages of 250, 500 and 1000 V).
- Measuring ranges AC voltage: 0 ... 750 V
- Resolution AC voltage: 1 V
- Accuracy AC voltage: ± 1.2% ± 10 dgts
- Complies with IEC1010-1, CAT III 1000 V
- Large display with backlight
- Individual measurement and duration measurement
Considering the effects and risks of nuclear power and the currently still common fuels such as coal, oil, gas and wood for the generation of electrical energy and heat, the use of renewable energies is becoming increasingly important. 
The technology for using the solar energy is now so well developed and widespread that the solar systems are often not only more environmentally friendly in production and operation than conventional energy generation in a long-term comparison, but also considerably less expensive.
Solar systems can basically be divided into thermal solar systems and photovoltaic systems. Whereas in thermal solar systems water is heated by the sun and then used for heating or hot water, photovoltaic systems generate electricity with the help of the photoelectric effect due to the sunlight.
To ensure that the modules of a solar system are positioned and aligned in the best possible way for the intended purpose, a special photovoltaic meter can be used to determine the solar radiation incident at the intended location during the planning phase. In cases where the mounting position cannot be freely selected, the possible solar yield for a specific module area can be calculated with the help of the radiation intensity determined by the Photovoltaic Meter. For the planners and installers of the solar systems, but also for the operators of larger systems, the photovoltaic meter is almost always a useful investment.
Measurements during the development and manufacture of the photovoltaic modules
There is a constant search for ways to manufacture high-performance photovoltaic modules from easily accessible materials at low cost. A photovoltaic meter is used on the prototypes to determine how effectively the developed models convert the incident solar energy into electrical current. There are already investigations with materials that are also able to use the UV light. Also during the quality assurance of photovoltaic modules produced in series the measurements are carried out with a suitable solar measuring device. The measurements are intended to ensure that only flawless modules leave the factory and that the defects in the manufacturing process are immediately detected and eliminated.
Measurements in the planning phase of solar systems
In most cases, both thermal solar systems and photovoltaic systems are to be installed on the available sites in such a way that the modules receive as much solar radiation as possible overall or at certain time points. Not only the compass direction and the inclination of the modules play a role, but also the shading by the surroundings. Since there are several choices for the position of a system, the solar yields of the different options can be determined with the Photovoltaic Meter. The area size of the system can be well adapted to the desired yield by the measurements if additional influences such as the changing position of the sun during the course of the day and season and the usual weather-related failures are taken into account.
Measurements during the installation and maintenance of the photovoltaic systems
The installation, modification, operation and testing of the photovoltaic systems are subject to certain regulations. These do not exclusively serve to protect persons and property and to ensure the functionality and performance of the electrical systems. The photovoltaic systems that feed the generated electricity into the network of the regional energy supplier must not endanger its grid security.
The mandatory rules to be observed include the following VDE standards:
With the photovoltaic meter for power measurement, not only the power values of a photovoltaic module can be determined during the check at the installation site. From the measured values shown in the graph, it is also quickly recognisable whether and in which area the cells of the tested module are defective.
The requirements for the solar measuring device are largely determined already by the measuring purpose and the demands of the user. 
During the development and production of photovoltaic modules, many measurements are carried out in the same place and under constant ambient conditions in temperature-controlled indoor rooms. Under these measuring conditions, the results can usually be sent directly to a computer and conveniently evaluated and processed on its screen.
The photovoltaic meter for outdoor measurements, on the other hand, is exposed to different weather conditions and must be designed in such a way that it can be easily operated and read when used at changing locations. Prior to the installation of the solar systems, during the on-site measurements it primarily goes about the potential solar yield. During and after the construction, various measurements are also necessary to determine the safety and performance of the photovoltaic systems. Often, several device models with different specifications are used for this purpose.
Important features of the photovoltaic meter for measuring solar irradiation
This type of the photovoltaic meter measures the light intensity of the solar radiation hitting the sensor. The measurement results serve either as a basis for deciding on the location, orientation and area size of a solar system or as a starting value for specific power measurements on photovoltaic modules. When selecting a device model, the following should be considered:
Important features of the photovoltaic meter for testing PV systems and individual photovoltaic modules
The installers of the photovoltaic systems can use the device models for the prescribed checks for commissioning that simplify the correct measurement and documentation. This type of the photovoltaic meter can, of course, also be used for regular repeat inspections. Some of the models are also equipped with special functions for carrying out and evaluating power measurements on the photovoltaic modules.
When deciding on a device model, it is essential to check whether it makes more sense to purchase a single photovoltaic meter with which both the safety tests and the power measurements can be carried out or to use several different devices that can also be used independently of each other. Attention should be paid to the following features when comparing the devices:
