• Insulation Resistance tests. Another very important test, the IR test (short for Insulation Resistance) provides evidence that the cable work is intact and there are no current leakages between one of the live circuits and earth. These tests too need to be documented and results provided in the customer documentation

• Short-circuit tests: not mandatory under the current standards however it is recommended to be done especially where there are multiple strings connecting to a single circuit.

Testing & commissioning

Testing and Commissioning is a critical phase of the project prior to handover. AS/NZS 5033 is quite specific in the mandatory tests that must (shall) be carried out prior to deeming the system complete. This tests include:

• turning off and on the roof-top dc isolators under load. This is a cumbersome test as it requires the system to be turned on, be under load and the switches then turned off one by one (most systems have multiple strings with each having a switch). The reason for this test is to ensure that if there is weak component in the switch then it is better it fails while the electrician/installer is present rather than later. Every iEnergytech systems is subjected to this test which is documented.

• IV tests: again, not mandatory but a very accurate means of confirming that a system is running optimally before handover.

• Infra-red tests (recommended) confirm that there are no hot spots in the panels that may have come about during transport and installation.

• Other mandatory tests include: Open circuit voltage; polarity; inverter shut-down and restart times, etc.