How to Measure Solar Panel Output (Hardwired)

How to Measure Solar Panel Output (Hardwired)

Overview

In this article you will learn how to measure the solar panel's output. This is useful in determining if the solar panel is working correctly or not.
The following test MUST be completed when the solar panel is fully exposed to sunlight. Meaning the sun MUST be directly in front of the panel. Any shading on the panel will give poor results. If panel is shaded during main sunlight hours, relocating the panel may be necessary to ensure proper charging.

What You Need

  1. Digital Multi-meter capable of reading DC voltage and DC amperage. The fuses in the meter must be good.

Procedure

Disconnect Solar Panel

Unscrew the terminals at the bottom left of the battery controller and remove the wires.

Measure Solar Panel Voltage

  1. Change the meter setting to DC voltage, range of 200.
  2. Touch the positive lead (red) of the meter to the red wire from the solar panel.
  3. Touch the negative lead (black) of the meter to the black wire from the solar panel.
  4. This should read from 19 to 21 volts DC.

Measure Solar Panel Amperage

  1. Change the meter setting to "10A".
  2. Move the red lead of the volt meter into the "10A" spot.
  3. Touch the positive lead (red) of the meter to the red wire from the solar panel.
  4. Touch the negative lead (black) of the meter to the black wire from the solar panel.
  5. This should be somewhere above .15A (150mA), anything lower may indicate the panel isn't getting enough sunlight.
  6. If your reading isn't very precise, change the meter to "200mA" or "2000mA", move the red lead back to its original spot, and repeat the steps above.



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