Pv panel tester…..which is best…?

[Kuma]

Which "ali"? Alibaba or Aliexpress? There seem to be more posts about problems with Aliexpress than there are with Alibaba. I've purchased two sets of LiFePO4 cells through Alibaba, but nothing through Aliexpress so I have no first hand experience with that platform.

aliexpress. Never tried alibaba. The prices can change often so it takes time, perhaps days, if youre trying to get the very best price. And be mindful that many sellers offer free shipping, coupons... and others do not.

 

[robbob2112]

Crossing my finger and knocking on wood, so far aliexpress has delivered everything and I didn't need any returns which is where I think things would fail.

 

[MattiFin]

Which "ali"? Alibaba or Aliexpress? There seem to be more posts about problems with Aliexpress than there are with Alibaba. I've purchased two sets of LiFePO4 cells through Alibaba, but nothing through Aliexpress so I have no first hand experience with that platform.

Amazon is not as good option around here: 128 orders from Aliexpress totalling about 3000 usd, couple of scammers but newer lost my money totally.
Mostly small bits and trinkets that are otherwise difficult to source, but also several DVM's , lathe&mill DRO, thermal camera, clamp meters etc.

But it is still Turkish Basaar.
Don't go for the cheapest seller. If one seller is unreasonably cheap skip that. instead look for sellers with +90% positive feedback.
Check the 1-star reviews if everything looks too good to be true.
For example 2TB sd card for 10 usd is not realistic

 

[robbob2112]

I don't think I would ever place an order over about $100 for fear of that. Could claw back with the credit card company if needed, but still.

 

[timselectric]

I have had no issues with AliExpress, so far.
And I have made some over $1k purchases.

 

[robby]

It looks like the same kit as I have.

@timselectric I was thinking of getting the 1600W version.
Tim just to verify, it is just a quick ramp up sampling each time you press the button?
How accurate is it based on your other measurements of Imp and Vmp?
What does manual MPPT actually do?
It would be cool if someone used a Fluke Clamp meter with FC logging to see the current and voltage graph changing as it goes through the measurement. I was thinking of building my own, but at the price of these meters it makes no sense.

 

[timselectric]

@timselectric I was thinking of getting the 1600W version.
Tim just to verify, it is just a quick ramp up sampling each time you press the button?
How accurate is it based on your other measurements of Imp and Vmp?
What does manual MPPT actually do?
It would be cool if someone used a Fluke Clamp meter with FC logging to see the current and voltage graph changing as it goes through the measurement. I was thinking of building my own, but at the price of these meters it makes no sense.

If I remember correctly,
Manual, takes a measurement each time you push it.
Auto, takes a new measurement every X number of seconds.
Accuracy seems to be pretty good. Compared to other testing and what the SCC reports.

 

[robby]

If I remember correctly,
Manual, takes a measurement each time you push it.
Auto, takes a new measurement every X number of seconds.
Accuracy seems to be pretty good. Compared to other testing and what the SCC reports.

Thanks. Hearing it from you makes me feel more confident in buying it.

 

[timselectric]

Thanks. Hearing it from you makes me feel more confident in buying it.

It's very handy. Everyone should have one.

 

[Texas-Mark]

I bought the 1600w model, because panels are only going to get bigger.

That's fine, but be aware of the voltage limitations of these testers. They really are meant for single panel testing, not strings of large panels,

 

[timselectric]

That's fine, but be aware of the voltage limitations of these testers. They really are meant for single panel testing, not strings of large panels,

Correct, they are for single panel assessment.
Hopefully no one would think differently.
Although I have tested 2 panel strings, for small projects.
Just stay within it's limits, and you will be fine.

 

[Texas-Mark]

Correct, they are for single panel assessment.
Hopefully no one would think differently.

Then one could ask why one would need a 1600W version. How many 1600 watt panels are there (or likely to be due to size)? Now, I do use mine on some parallel strings (that fall under the voltage limit).

 

[timselectric]

Then one could ask why one would need a 1600W version. How many 1600 watt panels are there (or likely to be due to size)? Now, I do use mine on some parallel strings (that fall under the voltage limit).

Actually the 1600w version is rated for multiple panels. (I just checked)
Up to 60v and 60a.
I purchased the higher rated version, because I have seen the lower rated ones burn up (on other members), when connected to the larger panels currently available.