How To Measure Solar Panel Output With Multimeter

With the load still open switch the multimeter to measure current.

How to measure solar panel output with 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. To begin measure solar panel amperage. Altered energy alternative energy news how to test a solar panel with a multimeter it is crucial to test solar panels before you achieve the commercial operation date cod. 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.

Record the result then set the meter back to voltage measurement. You have to do. Set multimeter to dc. If it s not there is a problem with your solar panel output.

To measure the amp output of your solar panel you will need to attach the meter to the positive and negative. Attach the meter to the positive and negative terminals on the solar panel and make sure the panel is properly exposed to sunlight. The stc measure the solar panel s energy output using common conditions of light exposure orientation and panel temperature. Simply touch the solar panel leads with the multi meter probes matching their corresponding polarity red to red black to black.

As long as the amp meter is rated higher than the solar panel you will be able to measure the output effectively. 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. 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. Under stc a 250 watt panel produces 250 watts of electricity when the sunlight or solar irradiance on the panel is 1000 watts per square meter and the panel is operating at 25 c.

The volt reading on your multi meter should be close to or just under 60 volts. Measure at higher volts than what your panel is approved for. Then touch the multi meter s black negative lead to your solar panel s negative wire. Make sure that you are measuring at the suitable voltage level for a solar panel.

To get an accurate measurement you will need to ensure that your panel is in full sunlight when you test. For example if your panel has approval for 30 volts set the multimeter to have a higher reading. Step 3 measure current.