How To Test Efficiency Of Solar Panel

Solar panel efficiency can be simply described as the ratio of the module s power absorption to the input irradiance on standard test conditions.

How to test efficiency of solar panel. Once you have located the. To calculate the efficiency of your panel just multiply the amount of sunlight that hits the earth s surface in your area known as the incident radiation flux by the area of your panel measured in square meters. As long as the amp meter is rated higher than the solar panel you will be able to measure the output effectively. Locate the converter box.

The highest efficiency solar panels on the market today can reach almost 23 percent efficiency. They are tested in laboratory conditions with a light source that provides 1 000 watts per square meter and a solar panel surface temperature of 25 c. Solar panels have been consistently increasing in efficiency at about 5 annually since 2010. Then touch the multi meter s black negative lead to your solar panel s negative wire.

Use the formula to calculate the efficiency of photovoltaic cell. Solar panel efficiency is calculated with a set of standard test conditions stc which are used by the entire solar industry. Factors that affect solar panel efficiency. To test solar panel amperage output put your solar panel in direct sunlight set your multi meter to the dc amps setting.

The average efficiency of solar panels falls between the 17 to 19 percent efficiency range. Attach the meter to the positive and negative terminals on the solar panel and make sure the panel is properly exposed to sunlight. To test solar panel amperage output put your solar panel in direct sunlight set your multi meter to the amps setting and. Step 3 measure current.

Using a multimeter for solar panel tests step 1. To ensure that you don t blow your device s fuse set the maximum amperage sensitivity to well above your expected reading. 700 watts m2 on a sunny winter day. The power absorption of the module is the maximum solar module wattage divided by its surface area.

Most solar panels have efficiency ratings of around 15 to 18 percent. The converter box is located on the back of the solar panel.