Pacific Power Source’s SmartTS-PV automates IEEE 1547.1 compliance testing for solar inverters and V2G systems

Pacific Power Source has introduced the SmartTS-PV Inverter Test System, a comprehensive compliance testing platform designed for solar inverters, electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) with vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capabilities, and other distributed energy resources. The system supports devices requiring certification to standards such as IEEE 1547.1, UL 1741 SB, and EN50549, which are critical for grid-tied equipment. Developed in collaboration with QualityLogic and Tektronix Elektro-Automatik, the SmartTS-PV is now available on the market, aiming to streamline the certification process for manufacturers and testing laboratories. The significance of the SmartTS-PV system is particularly notable in the context of bidirectional charging technology. UL 1741 SB certification, increasingly mandated for V2G-capable chargers, demands rigorous testing of grid support functions including voltage and frequency ride-through, reactive power control, and anti-islanding protection. These tests require a highly synchronised environment where grid events, device responses, and measurement capture are precisely coordinated. By integrating an AC grid simulator, DC power supply and load, measurement hardware, and QualityLogic’s automated software, the SmartTS-PV platform automates this complex process, reducing human error and improving efficiency. One of the most compelling advantages of the SmartTS-PV system is the dramatic reduction in testing time. While manual Nationally Recognised Testing Laboratory (NRTL) procedures can take between eight to twelve weeks, the automated platform cuts actual test time to approximately 32 hours. Steve Kang, General Manager of Smart Energy at QualityLogic, highlighted that the combination of automated pass/fail analysis with Pacific Power Source’s hardware removes integration challenges for manufacturers, accelerating time to certification and market entry. The SmartTS-PV system is targeted at a broad range of stakeholders, including string, central and hybrid inverter manufacturers, energy storage developers, test laboratories, utilities, and certification bodies. By offering a unified testing solution that meets multiple regulatory standards, the platform promises to alleviate a significant bottleneck in the deployment of grid-tied renewable energy and V2G technologies. This innovation could play a key role in supporting the wider adoption of clean energy systems and smart grid integration in the UK and beyond.