Overview
The Electrocorder PV-3 is a solar PV output recorder for logging solar irradiance, DC voltage and DC current from photovoltaic installations.
Use it when you need to compare PV output with available solar irradiance. The PV-3 records one irradiance channel, one DC voltage channel and one DC current channel, helping installers, renewable energy companies and site owners assess photovoltaic system performance.
Best for:
- Solar PV output checks.
- Comparing PV array output with measured solar irradiance.
- Diagnosing underperforming photovoltaic installations.
- PV commissioning, auditing and performance investigations.
- Longer-term solar output studies using external power.
Consider another model if:
- You only need solar irradiance, where the SR-1R may be simpler.
- You need DC voltage and current without irradiance, where the DC-3VA may be more appropriate.
- You only need DC voltage channels, where the DC-3V-RS may be simpler.
What you get:
- PV-3 logger in the smaller 190 x 120 x 60 mm enclosure.
- DC current sensor, voltage leads, pyranometer, USB lead, 12 Vdc power supply, carry case, batteries, user instructions and free Electrosoft analysis software.
- A combined PV output and irradiance logger for photovoltaic performance checks.
Set up the logger in Electrosoft, install the voltage/current measurement points and position the pyranometer, then start recording. When enough data has been captured, connect the logger to a PC by USB and use Electrosoft to view, save, export and report on the results.
Applications
Typical applications: The PV-3 is intended for PV performance investigations where electrical output and solar irradiance need to be recorded together.
What the PV-3 records:
- Solar irradiance up to 2,000 W/m2.
- One DC voltage channel up to 300 Vdc.
- One DC current channel.
- PV output trends for comparing generated power with available sunlight.
Why constant sampling matters: many instruments only take periodic snapshots. The Electrocorder continuously samples throughout the averaging period, helping capture short events, changing loads and trend data that can otherwise be missed.
The logger can record for extended periods using the included power supply. Recording duration also depends on the selected averaging period and site setup.
The logger is designed to be installed by a competent person, generally an electrician or engineer. The pyranometer should be positioned to represent the solar conditions affecting the PV installation being assessed.
Related application guides:
- Solar PV, Battery Storage and DC Loggers: for solar irradiance, PV output, DC voltage/current and battery-system studies.
Case Studies
These related Electrocorder case studies, application pages and articles show how this type of logging is used in practical investigations.
Solar Photovoltaic Auditing
A solar PV application page showing how recorded irradiance, DC voltage and DC current can support PV performance assessment.
Battery Storage Systems
A related knowledge page for sites where PV output and battery storage behaviour may need measured evidence.
Battery Storage System Issues
An article discussing battery storage issues that can overlap with PV generation and DC system measurement.
Application Notes
A collection of Electrocorder application notes covering practical logging uses across voltage, current, energy and specialist measurements.
Resources
Documentation:
Download the PV-3 datasheet and user instructions for detailed technical information, installation guidance and operating instructions.
 |
Datasheet |
|
EC SP 110 Pyranometer Datasheet |
|
User Instructions (English) |
Free Electrosoft PC software
Electrosoft is compatible with Windows 11 down to Windows 7. It lets you view and zoom current, power and energy graphs, export data to Microsoft Excel, email results to colleagues, and print or save reports as PDF files with your company logo.
Electrosoft includes statistics, load balancing, tariff and costing analysis, annual CO2 and energy usage projections, logger management and calibration management tools. Sample files are included so you can try the software without having a logger connected.
 |
Download Electrosoft PC software |
Features
When to choose the PV-3
Choose this model when the key question is whether a PV installation is producing the expected output for the available solar irradiance.
Compare with related Electrocorder models
If only irradiance is required, consider the SR-1R. If DC voltage and current are needed without irradiance, consider the DC-3VA. For DC voltage-only logging, consider the DC-3V-RS.
Key features:
- Records solar irradiance, DC voltage and DC current.
- Supports PV performance and output investigations.
- Includes pyranometer for irradiance measurement.
- Useful for PV auditing, commissioning and troubleshooting.
- Constant sampling to reduce the risk of missing short-duration or changing output events.
Measurement note
The PV-3 is a specialist PV logging product. Correct sensor placement and safe DC measurement connections are important for meaningful results.
Included with your solar PV irradiance, DC voltage and DC current logger:
- PV-3 logger in the smaller 190 x 120 x 60 mm enclosure.
- DC current sensor, voltage leads, pyranometer, USB lead, 12 Vdc power supply, carry case, batteries, user instructions and free Electrosoft analysis software.
- A combined PV output and irradiance logger for photovoltaic performance checks.
Shipping and origin details:
- Harmonised Code: 9030.3901.00 (electronic datalogger).
- Origin: Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.
- Packaged dimensions: approximately 2.5 kg, 30 x 25 x 17 cm.
Determining product order codes:
To specify your Electrocorder select various codes and enter into the boxes in order to create an accurate product code. For example: PV-3-HD-IP65-SET.
FAQ
What does the PV-3 record?
It records solar irradiance, one DC voltage channel and one DC current channel.
Why measure irradiance as well as PV output?
Irradiance provides context for whether the PV output is reasonable for the sunlight available at the time.
How is PV-3 different from SR-1R?
The SR-1R records solar irradiance only. The PV-3 records irradiance plus DC voltage and current.
Can it be used for PV troubleshooting?
Yes. It is intended for PV output checks, auditing and performance investigations.
What software is used to analyse the data?
Electrosoft PC software is used to configure the logger, download recorded data, view graphs, export data and create reports.