How To Check A Solar Panel With A Multimeter

Attach the meter to the positive and negative terminals on the solar panel and make sure the panel is properly exposed to sunlight.

How to check a solar panel with a multimeter. To test a 18v solar panel voltage output directly put your solar panel in direct sunlight set your multi meter to the dc volts setting. Set the meter to above 200 vcd to ensure you get the most accurate reading possible. With the load still open switch the multimeter to measure current. If it s not there is a problem with your solar panel output.

Tilt the solar panel in order for your solar panel to have full sunlight exposure. As most solar panels are 12 volts the solar panel test methods are basically the same. Make sure that you are measuring at the suitable voltage level for a solar panel. How to test a solar panel voltage and current duration.

You then need to touch your solar panel to the multimeter probe. As long as the amp meter is rated higher than the solar panel you will be able to measure the output effectively. Some exceptions may apply based on panel type. 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.

The volt reading on your multi meter should be close to or just under 60 volts. 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. 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. Harold jackson 49 876 views.

How to use a digital multimeter test meter duration. Set multimeter to dc. 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. The next step is to connect the black probe to the com labelled port and the red probe to the v ma labelled port.

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. Measure at higher volts than what your panel is approved for. Step 3 measure current.