How To Check A Solar Panel With A Multimeter

Touch the multi meter s red positive lead to your solar panel s positive wire.

How to check a solar panel with a multimeter.

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. As most solar panels are 12 volts the solar panel test methods are basically the same. The next step is to connect the black probe to the com labelled port and the red probe to the v ma labelled port. Set multimeter to dc.

Attach the meter to the positive and negative terminals on the solar panel and make sure the panel is properly exposed to sunlight. Simply touch the solar panel leads with the multi meter probes matching their corresponding polarity red to red black to black. Record the result then set the meter back to voltage measurement. 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.

With the load still open switch the multimeter to measure current. Harold jackson 49 876 views. Tilt the solar panel in order for your solar panel to have full sunlight exposure. How to use a digital multimeter test meter duration.

Measure at higher volts than what your panel is approved for. Make sure that you are measuring at the suitable voltage level for a solar panel. Set the meter to above 200 vcd to ensure you get the most accurate reading possible. Step 3 measure current.

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. 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. How to test a solar panel voltage and current duration. The volt reading on your multi meter should be close to or just under 60 volts.

If it s not there is a problem with your solar panel output. A current measurement like this is the equivalent of a short circuit across the output of the cell so don t keep it like this any longer than you have to. Some exceptions may apply based on panel type. You then need to touch your solar panel to the multimeter probe.