How To Test A 12v Solar Panel

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

How to test a 12v solar panel.

Ensure that the multimeter is set at 10a at least to start with. 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. Set the meter to above 200 vcd to ensure you get the most accurate reading possible. This is the most common volts rated for solar panels therefore the testing methods will be typically similar.

To test solar panel voltage output put your solar panel in direct sunlight set your multi meter to the volts setting and. I have a dual battery system in my vehicle and solar panels for camping. Testing solar panels for amps to test solar panel amperage output put your solar panel in direct sunlight set your multi meter to the dc amps setting. Then touch the multi meter s black negative lead to your solar panel s negative wire.

This is quite usual. You can always check if your solar panels are healthy as well as getting more detailed information about the status of your battery. Angle the solar panel towards the sun. You can change the setting later if required.

We ll be using a multi meter which is the tool most people would own or have access to through their local electrical shop. Touch the multi meter s red positive lead to your solar panel s positive wire. To ensure that you don t blow your device s fuse set the maximum amperage sensitivity to well above your expected reading. If the solar panel is used the reading might be lower.

Testing the 12 volt solar panel. 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. Measure the current by connecting the ve lead on the voltmeter to the ve on the panel and the ve from the voltmeter to the ve on the panel. The multimeter will now show the open circuit voltage of the solar panel.

The system i tested includes two 120 w solar panels in parallel a pulse width modulation pwm charge controller and 225 ah wet deep cycle battery. This article describes how to test a small 12 v solar power system.