How To Test Solar Panels Without Sun

To accurately test a solar panel you need to find the open circuit voltage and short circuit current paying mind to the cell temperature ambient temperature coefficient and the angle towards the sun.

How to test solar panels without sun. Reading panel output the reading will be lower of course than in sunlight. The panel collects energy from the sun thus solar power and converts it into useable power for the batteries or lights to turn on and run for a few to several hours. The further away it is from an incandescent light bulb the longer it will take your solar panel to charge. Touch the multi meter s red positive lead to your solar panel s positive wire.

The volt reading on your multi meter should be close to or just under 60 volts. To measure the amp output of your solar panel you will need to attach the meter to the positive and negative. Place your solar lights as close to the light bulb as possible. If it s not there is a problem with your solar panel output.

To get an accurate measurement you will need to ensure that your panel is in full sunlight when you test. When you buy solar panels you need to check quite a few things to make sure you are getting the right kind including checking the solar panel output buying and installing solar panels requires some research to determine how many you need to get enough output to satisfy your electric needs. Disconnect the panel from any regulator if testing an array you will need to test each panel individually. You can use a 100w lamp and move it over each cell to see if the output of each cell is about the same.

You will need a solar panel tester known as an amp meter. Then touch the multi meter s black negative lead to your solar panel s negative wire.