Have the panel disconnected from the regulator and the multimeter set to measure dc voltage this isusually shown as v on the multimeter.
How to measure solar panel with multimeter.
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.
How to test solar panel amps using a multimeter the first thing to do is place your solar panel outside in direct sunlight.
The hioki ir4053 insulation resistance meter provides a solution by taking into consideration that very energy into the calculation of resistance to deliver the correct insulation resistance value of pv panels ensuring safety both during measurement and handling of the pv panels upon proper testing.
Then touch the multi meter s black negative lead to your solar panel s negative wire.
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.
Some exceptions may apply based on panel type.
Touch the multi meter s red positive lead to your solar panel s positive wire.
Make sure that you are measuring at the suitable voltage level for a solar panel.
The digital multimeter is used to measure dv voltage.
These three steps should help you figure out the solar panel output and whether or not it will be sufficient for your home or office.
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.
Set the meter to above 200 vcd to ensure you get the most accurate reading possible.
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.
Next you need to set your digital multimeter to amps settings dc after that you will need to set your multimeter to the highest amperage sensitivity to avoid blowing the digital multimeter s fuse.
As most solar panels are 12 volts the solar panel test methods are basically the same.
Tilt the solar panel in order for your solar panel to have full sunlight exposure.
Measure at higher volts than what your panel is approved for.
The multimeter will now show the open circuit voltage of the solar panel.
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.
Results typical 12v nominal panel.
Once you have made all the measurements use the following formula to calculate the output.
After you have discovered the connections ensure that your solar panel is receiving full sunlight.
