How To Test If Solar Panels Are Working

Some exceptions may apply based on panel type.

How to test if solar panels are working.

Many companies that install solar panels offer some kind of system monitoring software that can help. Touch the multi meter s red positive lead to your solar panel s positive wire. 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. Once you have located the.

Know your inverter if solar panels are the brawn of your solar energy system then the inverter is the brain. Power is measured in watts w or kilowatts kw. If the information above does not improve your experience with battery life please reach out to our support team at 1 800 656 1918 for further troubleshooting. The inverter is the first place to check to make sure your solar energy system is working properly.

While solar panels work on cloudy and rainy days their output won t match that on clear sunny days. When it s overcast your solar panels will likely operate at 10 to 25 of their rated capacity. Since electric current is measured in amperes you will need to buy a meter known as an amp meter and measure the output. Energy is measured in kilowatt hours kwh.

Using a multimeter for solar panel tests step 1. The easiest way to check your home for solar viability is by typing your address into google s project sunroof. What matters is how much sun your home gets year round. Check out our community post for tips on extending battery life as well as our help center article about the solar panel.

The converter box is located on the back of the solar panel. I typed in one of google s suggested home addresses and the tool told me the. Your inverter makes the direct current dc produced by your solar panels useable as alternating current ac for your home. If you suspect a problem and your system is within its installation warranty period typically 10 years call your installer to have them come check each panel.

Accessing your solar output data online. Attach the meter to the positive and negative terminals on the solar panel and make sure the panel is properly exposed to sunlight. Then touch the multi meter s black negative lead to your solar panel s negative wire. Locate the converter box.

Testing solar panels for volts to test solar panel voltage output put your solar panel in direct sunlight set your multi meter to the volts setting and. But don t get stuck on this detail.