Fluke steps up in solar solutions, acquiring T&M leader Solmetric

Fluke Corporation, a subsidiary of Fortive Corporation and a prominent global leader in test and measurement instruments, has recently made a significant acquisition. The company has acquired Solmetric, a California-based firm that is renowned as a market leader in the development of high-precision solar test and measurement products. This strategic move by Fluke is a testament to its commitment to investing in the electrification of the world and expanding its presence in the solar solutions sector.

The acquisition of Solmetric represents a crucial milestone in Fluke’s journey, further strengthening its position in the solar industry. It has augmented Fluke’s already impressive portfolio of solutions for solar technicians by introducing the PVA-1500, a cutting-edge product boasting 1500V commissioning capabilities. This development significantly enhances Fluke’s ability to serve the utility market, positioning the company as a leading player in the solar solutions field.

One of the key highlights of this acquisition is the incorporation of Solmetric’s innovative technology into Fluke’s extensive distribution channels. This synergy expands Fluke’s capacity to cater to a global audience with high-quality, safe, and reliable tools, aligning perfectly with its mission to provide innovative and reliable products to technicians who prioritise reliability, quality, and safety.

Solmetric’s reputation in the solar industry is built on its flagship product, the PV Analyser. This product is a market-leading I-V curve tracer, widely recognised as the industry standard for commissioning solar installations in the United States. The PV Analyser is a versatile tool for various field testing applications, including commissioning, auditing, and troubleshooting PV arrays. With its expertise in high-precision measurement, Solmetric’s technology is highly regarded in the industry.

Solmetric’s product lineup PVA-1500HE, a 1,500-volt I-V curve tracer, is specifically designed for testing high-efficiency modules. This product is particularly well-suited to the utility-scale solar industry, where robust testing capabilities are essential. The acquisition also includes SunEye, a shade measurement tool used for shade analysis. This tool empowers solar professionals to design systems with the highest return on investment (ROI) by optimising their solar installations for maximum efficiency.

Fluke Corporation’s President Jason Waxman commented, “Today marks a significant milestone in our journey. Fluke’s acquisition of Solmetric reflects our commitment to delivering the best possible products to technicians in the field. Their innovative solar tools and team’s deep knowledge in space, combined with Fluke’s passion to advance the electrification of the world more efficiently, will enable us to transform this landscape to serve customers better.”  

Willard MacDonald of Solmetric added, “We are excited to see Solmetric grow under Fluke’s leadership. With access to their vast distribution channels, an expanded, global audience will be able to experience the benefits of our products. Fluke is as passionate about delivering the next generation of solutions for solar customers as we are – it’s a great fit.”

This acquisition expands Fluke’s product line, combining two powerful brands in the solar test and measurement space. Solmetric, founded in 2005, has garnered extensive experience in the solar installation industry and has a rich history in developing high-precision test and measurement tools. A noteworthy aspect of this acquisition is that it involves retaining all Solmetric employees under Fluke’s leadership, ensuring continuity and leveraging their expertise to drive innovation in the solar industry.