Metrel MI3116 Photovoltaic & Electrical Installation Tester

The Metrel MI3116 Photovoltaic & Electrical Installation Tester is an advanced photovoltaic and electrical installation tester built to work on modern PV systems operating up to 1500 VDC. It simplifies complex testing by combining insulation resistance and I/U curve measurements, reducing time on site while maintaining the accuracy required for high-efficiency PV modules.

The MI3116 includes a wireless Wi-Fi remote unit that allows real-time measurement and logging of irradiation and cell temperature, providing more precise diagnostics and better insight into system performance under actual operating conditions. The built-in Auto Test function for Category 1 testing streamlines workflows, while the intelligent correction feature lets users adjust previously incorrect parameters across individual results or entire test groups without repeating the tests.

Operating it is easy thanks to a responsive colour touchscreen which lets users configure tests, capture results, and review data in both numerical and graphical formats. A memory organiser and PV module database handler make it easy to manage large datasets, while AUTOSEQUENCE functionality reduces manual intervention during repetitive testing.

The MI3116 supports a full suite of essential PV measurements, including insulation resistance up to 1500 V, I/U characteristics, Isc and Uoc testing, polarity checks, and continuity of protective conductors. It also enables accurate acquisition of irradiation and module temperature, ensuring reliable performance verification. Support for bifacial modules makes it suitable for newer, high-efficiency installations.

For enhanced reporting and data management, the MI3116 integrates with SW 1201 Metrel Electrical Safety Manager (MESM). This software allows users to predefine test structures, upload and download results, analyse I/U curves, and generate professional reports with ease, ideal for compliance and documentation.

Two configurations are available to suit different needs. The standard set includes the analyser, PV remote unit, reference cell, temperature sensor, and a comprehensive range of leads, probes, and accessories for immediate deployment. The bifacial set, on the other hand, expands on this with additional equipment for accurate testing of bifacial modules, making it a strong choice for advanced solar installations.

The analyser features a robust design with IP54 protection (when closed), making it suitable to use in demanding environments. It includes a high‑resolution 4.3” colour display, reliable Li‑Ion battery power, and compliance with key standards such as EN 62446 and EN 61557. With support for microSD storage up to 512 GB, USB and RS232, plus Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, it offers flexible data handling both on site and in the office.

Key Features

• Insulation and I/U measurement of 1500 V PV systems in one instrument
• Suitable for testing high‑efficiency PV modules
• Capacitive measurement method
• Wireless (Wi-Fi) remote unit for measuring and logging irradiation and cell temperature of PV modules
• Auto test for Category 1 tests
• Calculation of STC values and comparison with nominal data
• Correction of previously incorrectly entered parameters on already executed measurement or a group of measurements
• Controlled via a colour touch screen, allowing test setup, measurement execution, result storage, and review (numerical or graphical)
• Memory organiser, group operations, and search functionality
• PV modules database handler
• AUTOSEQUENCE functionality
• SW 1201 Metrel Electrical Safety Manager (MESM) for predefined structures, data transfer, I/U curve analysis, database exploration, and professional report generation