How To Test A Solar Panel Without A Multimeter

Simply touch the solar panel leads with the multi meter probes matching their corresponding polarity red to red black to black.

How to test a solar panel without a multimeter.

Testing the 12 volt solar panel. On a quick connect plug b coming from the solar panel the covered female part is the positive lead and the exposed male prong is the negative. Disconnect the alligator clips only after you have switched off the multimeter. 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.

You then need to touch your solar panel to the multimeter probe. Set the meter to above 200 vcd to ensure you get the most accurate reading possible. The multimeter will now show the open circuit voltage of the solar panel. 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.

Have the panel disconnected from the regulator and the multimeter set to measure dc voltage this isusually shown as v on the multimeter. To test solar panel amperage output put your solar panel in direct sunlight set your multi meter to the dc amps setting. If the solar panel is used the reading might be lower. Connect the positive lead of the multimeter to the positive wire or terminal of the solar panel and the negative lead of the multimeter to the negative wire or terminal of the solar panel.

To ensure that you don t blow your device s fuse set the maximum amperage sensitivity to well above your expected reading. This is the most common volts rated for solar panels therefore the testing methods will be typically similar. This is quite usual. Results typical 12v nominal panel.

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.