How To Test Voltage On A Solar Panel With Multimeter

Including the solar panels.

How to test voltage on a solar panel with multimeter.

Simply touch the solar panel leads with the multi meter probes matching their corresponding polarity red to red black to black. Some exceptions may apply based on panel type. For example if your solar panel is 20 volts rated your digital multimeter should be set to a reading of 200 volts for an accurate reading. 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.

There are two types of multimeters. Switched multimeter this type of multimeter manually switches between the ranges to get the most accurate reading. 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.