How To Test A 12v Solar Panel

This is the most common volts rated for solar panels therefore the testing methods will be typically similar.

How to test a 12v solar panel.

As most solar panels are 12 volts the solar panel test methods are basically the same. Measure the current by connecting the ve lead on the voltmeter to the ve on the panel and the ve from the voltmeter to the ve on the panel. This is quite usual. Testing the 12 volt solar panel.

The multimeter will now show the open circuit voltage of the solar panel. We ll be using a multi meter which is the tool most people would own or have access to through their local electrical shop. To test a 12v panel meters should always be set to the dc voltage area which usually identified by the symbol below. This article describes how to test a small 12 v solar power system.

Touch the multi meter s red positive lead to your solar panel s positive wire. You can always check if your solar panels are healthy as well as getting more detailed information about the status of your battery. Connect the positive lead of the multimeter to the positive wire or terminal of the solar panel and the negative lead of the multimeter to the negative wire or terminal of the solar panel. Testing solar panels for amps to test solar panel amperage output put your solar panel in direct sunlight set your multi meter to the dc amps setting.

Angle the solar panel towards the sun. If the solar panel is used the reading might be lower. The system i tested includes two 120 w solar panels in parallel a pulse width modulation pwm charge controller and 225 ah wet deep cycle battery. To ensure that you don t blow your device s fuse set the maximum amperage sensitivity to well above your expected reading.

You will want to ensure that you place the positive to positive and negative to negative when attaching your multimeter to the connection on the back of your solar panel. Disconnect the alligator clips only after you have switched off the multimeter. Then touch the multi meter s black negative lead to your solar panel s negative wire. I have a dual battery system in my vehicle and solar panels for camping.

You can change the setting later if required. Ensure that the multimeter is set at 10a at least to start with.