How To Test A Small Solar Panel

Locate the converter box.

How to test a small solar panel.

Testing the voltage simply touch the solar panel leads with the multi meter probes matching their corresponding polarity red to red black to black. Or use the panel to directly power small dc electronics. Using a multimeter for solar panel tests step 1. Step 2 measure state of charge.

Open circuit voltage can vary depending on your solar panel but the readings we are usually looking for are in the range of 15 to 23v. Use the batteries to make any battery powered device solar powered. As long as the amp meter is rated higher than the solar panel you will be able to measure the output effectively. The panel consists of eight 1 x3 solar cells wired in series with a blocking diode mounted on a board and protected by clear plastic.

Quality solar panels are built and guaranteed to produce power for 25 years. To test solar panel voltage output put your solar panel in direct sunlight set your multi meter to the volts setting and. Testing a small 12v solar power system step 1 wait for a clear sunny day. This article describes how you can troubleshoot a solar system in basic steps.

Step 3 measure current. The converter box is located on the back of the solar panel. Note positive negative connections. Then touch the multi meter s black negative lead to your solar panel s negative wire.

To test a 18v solar panel voltage output directly put your solar panel in direct sunlight set your multi meter to the dc volts setting. Attach the meter to the positive and negative terminals on the solar panel and make sure the panel is properly exposed to sunlight. Step 3 measure. For that reason it s most likely that a problem is caused by a defect in system.

You want to choose a voltage range capable of displaying the maximum possible voltage of the panel in open circuit this means that if you have a panel rated for 20 volts you should set the multi meter to read up to 200 volts to ensure that you receive an accurate reading. Touch the multi meter s red positive lead to your solar panel s positive wire. Add tip ask question comment download. Share it with us.

Be the first to share did you make this project. You are done now you can test every small solar panel like a 4 volt 6 volt 12 volt panel etc. Once you have located the. Troubleshooting a solar pv system.

The solar charge controller must not limit the current flow during testing. Some exceptions may apply based on panel type.