June 9th 2021

It is very crucial to check the output of Solar Panel because it saves the trouble of installing non-functional ones. First of all, the voltage and current ratings of the solar panel should be checked. These ratings can be found at the back of the panel often. Ensure the sunlight conditions are superb. If the sunlight is not directly hitting solar panels or if the rays are weak, accurate reading will not be displayed in the multi meter. A charge controller can only be tested when the battery is not full. A fully charged battery will resist current. To avoid damaging solar panels, the charge controller must be connected to the battery first, then the charge controller to the panel. A solar panel from the charge controller should be disconnected first always, then the charge controller should be removed from the battery. There are two types of current in electrical power system. They are alternating current or AC and direct current, also known as DC. While DC only flows in one direction, AC keeps reversing. Solar panel output is measured in watts because most household appliances use power in this format.

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Volts x Amp = Watts.

Therefore, in order to calculate the output of the the solar panel, the voltage and amperage should be measured. Solar panels consists of solar photovoltaic cells which convert sunlight into electricity. The cells are mostly made of semi-conductor material silicon. The electric current produced by a solar panel usually goes into an inverter. In order to find out the amperage of the solar panel, a device called an amp meter is required. This device is used to attach to the solar panel to measure output.

In order to get an accurate result of the output, the solar panel should be tested under direct sunlight. The amp meter should always be higher than the output of solar panel. Get a hold of resisters and a multi meter to determine the current. A multi meter is used to determine voltage, amperage, and other values. The most common type of multi meters are digital, which is more advanced than an analog one. The settings of the multi meter settings should be higher than the voltage of the solar panel. Multi meter has to be set a reading higher for 12v. Such a reading will provide an accurate measurement.

Clip the red lead of your alligator clips on the positive side and the black on the negative. The multi meter will give you a reading to show the output of your panel. Expect a strong reading from new solar panels. However, if solar panels have been in use before, the reading will be lower. The alligator clips should not be removed before switching off the multi meter.

Testing a 12 Volt solar panel:

As most of solar panels come with a 12v rating, they are the most common to test. It is basically testing a 12v solar panel like other voltages. The meter should be set at 200 volts DC before starting. An overload means, it is required to turn up the DC voltages. When everything will go right, proper reading will be displayed in the meter.

How to test a solar charge controller:

In order to measure DC current, it is required to put the leads in the right positive-positive and negative-negative slots.
With the meter at -10A, connect everything as follows: Solar panel – controller – battery.
Remove the positive cable used to connect the controller to the battery. After then, it is required to connect the positive from the meter to the positive cable.
Finally, hook the negative lead of the meter to the positive terminal of the battery.

This post first appeared on Green Planet, please read the originial post: here