How To Test A Solar Panel To See If It Works

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 test a solar panel to see if it works.

Ensure that the multimeter is set to measure volts. As most solar panels are 12 volts the solar panel test methods are basically the same. As long as the amp meter is rated higher than the solar panel you will be able to measure the output effectively. Angle the solar panel towards the sun.

Then touch the multi meter s black negative lead to your solar panel s negative wire. A red or orange light during daylight hours means there s a system event or fault. E marine walks you through testing a solar panel s output to make sure it s performing correctly. Touch the multi meter s red positive lead to your solar panel s positive wire.

Switched multimeter this type of multimeter manually switches between the ranges to get the most accurate reading. Including the solar panels. Measure the voltage between the ve and ve terminals by connecting the negative contact from the voltmeter to the negative on the panel and the positive contact on the voltmeter to the positive on the panel. A simple health check is to look at the colour of the lights shining on the box during daylight hours when the system s meant to be running.

There are two types of multimeters. Set the meter to above 200 vcd to ensure you get the most accurate reading possible. Testing solar panels for volts to test solar panel voltage output put your solar panel in direct sunlight set your multi meter to the volts setting and. 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.