Seaward PV:1525-IV Solar PV Tester & I-V Curve Tracer

Seaward PV:1525-IV Solar PV Tester & I-V Curve Tracer

The Seaward PV:1525-IV Solar PV Tester & I-V Curve Tracer is a next-generation, compact, and field-ready solution that carries out advanced diagnosis, performance analysis, and full lifecycle PV (photovoltaic) system testing. It is used by installers and O&M engineers working on residential, commercial, and larger critical systems to verify electrical safety and performance on PV installations up to 1500V DC and 25A.

The PV:1525-IV streamlines commissioning, inspection, troubleshooting, and maintenance while verifying both electrical safety and system performance that are in line with international standards such as IEC 62446 and EN 61557. It comes with an integrated I-V curve tracing function that expands its capabilities beyond standard testing, making it the go-to choice for identifying faults, diagnosing underperformance, and validating maximum power output.

Comprehensive Electrical Safety Tests

The PV:1525-IV performs ground continuity, insulation resistance, open-circuit voltage, and short-circuit current measurements with high accuracy. Open-circuit voltage testing ranges from 5.0V DC to 1500V DC with 0.1V resolution, while short-circuit current measurement spans 0.50A DC to 25.00A DC with 0.01A resolution, supporting systems up to 37.5kW. Insulation resistance testing offers selectable voltages of 250V, 500V, 1000V, and 1500V DC, with a measurement range of 0.05MΩ to 300MΩ, allowing fast detection of insulation faults. Continuity testing is performed with a test current above 200mA, covering a range from 0.05Ω to 199Ω for reliable earth verification.

What sets the PV:1525-IV apart is its advanced I-V curve tracing capability. The tester displays a full graphical I-V curve directly on screen and calculates key performance parameters, including maximum power point voltage (Vmpp), maximum power point current (Impp), and fill factor. This provides a detailed understanding of PV string performance, enabling engineers to pinpoint inefficiencies and verify system output with confidence.

Software and Connectivity

The PV:1525-IV features integrated Bluetooth connectivity, allowing seamless and efficient data transfer to the Seaward PV mobile app. The app supports result tagging, cloud syncing, and wireless firmware updates to keep the unit updated with the latest features and improvements.

With the app, users can view I-V and power curves in full colour and high definition directly in the field, supporting fast and accurate visual analysis. This helps identify common issues such as shading, defective cells, or poor electrical connections. Using irradiance and temperature data from the Seaward SS200LR, the app allows for I-V curve correction to standard test conditions (STC: 1000 W/m², 25°C), enabling more accurate comparisons with the manufacturer's data

Design and Usability

The PV:1525-IV has been carefully designed with user experience in mind, featuring an intuitive interface, illuminated function buttons for guided navigation and testing as well as better visibility in low-light conditions, a 3.5-inch colour display, and built-in memory that can store up to 1000 test records.

Unlike earlier models that relied on AA batteries for power, the PV:1525-IV uses a rechargeable 11.55V 2930mAh LiPo battery, giving users hours of extended operation on the go. This is a standalone unit that is supplied with a LiPo battery pack, charging cradle, and test lead sets. It does not include a carry case or software. However, the PV1500 Clamp and the SS200LR are available separately and can be added as optional accessories.

Part number: 601A915

Seaward PV:1525 and PV2525-IV Comparison Table

Key Features

• Compliant with IEC 61557 & IEC 62446 standards
• Displays a graphical IV curve displayed on screen
• Calculates maximum power point voltage, maximum power point current, and fill factor
• Measures open-circuit voltage of up to 1500V DC, with 0.1V resolution
• Measures short-circuit current of up to 25A DC, with 0.01 A resolution and 37.5kW max power
• Has insulation test voltages of 250V, 500V, 1000V, and 1500V DC with a range of up to 300MΩ
• Has Earth continuity test current greater than 200mA, with a range from 0.05Ω to 199Ω and a resolution of 0.01Ω
• Measures 0.1A – 40A AC/DC operating current via PV:1500 Wireless Clamp
• Has an operating power of 0.50kW to 40kW with 0.01kW resolution
• Bluetooth data transfer to new Seaward PV Mobile App
• Wireless firmware updates via the app
• Intuitive colour display
• Illuminated function buttons for guided navigation and testing
• Manual mode for diagnostic testing
• Alerts user to dangerous voltages at terminals
• Prevents testing if input voltage ≥ 30V AC/DC is detected
• Stores up to 1000 test results with location/tagging support
• Powered by 11.55V 2930 mAh LiPo Battery Pack
• Auto power down function