How To Test A Solar Panel Without A Multimeter

As most solar panels are 12 volts the solar panel test methods are basically the same.

How to test a solar panel without a multimeter.

To ensure that you don t blow your device s fuse set the maximum amperage sensitivity to well above your expected reading. On a quick connect plug b coming from the solar panel the covered female part is the positive lead and the exposed male prong is the negative. To test solar panel amperage output put your solar panel in direct sunlight set your multi meter to the dc amps setting. This is quite usual.

Set the meter to above 200 vcd to ensure you get the most accurate reading possible. You then need to touch your solar panel to the multimeter probe. E marine walks you through testing a solar panel s output to make sure it s performing correctly. If the solar panel is used the reading might be lower.

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. Results typical 12v nominal panel. 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. The multimeter will now show the open circuit voltage of the solar panel.

Simply touch the solar panel leads with the multi meter probes matching their corresponding polarity red to red black to black. Disconnect the alligator clips only after you have switched off the multimeter. 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. When you buy solar panels you need to check quite a few things to make sure you are getting the right kind including checking the solar panel output buying and installing solar panels requires some research to determine how many you need to get enough output to satisfy your electric needs.

Testing the 12 volt solar panel.