How do i test the solar panels ?

Ean Austral · 24th July 2016, 06:34 PM

Gday All,

I purchased some solar panels about 7 years ago, and I don't use them that often but they are stored in a bag in the shed. they are a dual panel set that fold open.

I am curious as to what is a simple way to test if they are working and what they put out . Will a basic multimeter tell me or do I need to go further.

Cheers Ean

**weeds** · 24th July 2016, 06:42 PM

A multimeter will tell you part of the story....it will show you volts.

You than need a clamp meter or a regulator that has a digital readout showing amps

**Aaron IIA** · 24th July 2016, 06:51 PM

In full sun, measure the open circuit voltage and short circuit current. See how far this is from where it is meant to be. Most multimeters will measure up to 10amps.

Aaron

Ean Austral · 24th July 2016, 07:08 PM

Originally Posted by Aaron IIA

In full sun, measure the open circuit voltage and short circuit current. See how far this is from where it is meant to be. Most multimeters will measure up to 10amps.

Aaron

I am not sure where it is meant to be as I don't know what size they are.

Cheers Ean

**Jesters Td5** · 24th July 2016, 07:48 PM

Originally Posted by Ean Austral

Gday All,

I purchased some solar panels about 7 years ago, and I don't use them that often but they are stored in a bag in the shed. they are a dual panel set that fold open.

I am curious as to what is a simple way to test if they are working and what they put out . Will a basic multimeter tell me or do I need to go further.

Cheers Ean

Something like this

itechworld.com.au/collections/solar-accessory/products/100-watt-amp-meter-inline

Will give you the big picture of what you are producing. But save your $ and use a multi meter. It will give you your amp output. Only tip for Darwin is test before 1000 in full sun and then again about 1400 (leaving the panel in the sun the whole time). Heat sadly is the enemy of efficiency and production for panels. Have been told a few times from reliable sources that if more than 40% decrease in output it's time to consider replacing the panels. Unless of course your usage is still less than the lower production

Sent from my A51f using AULRO mobile app

**Blknight.aus** · 24th July 2016, 07:53 PM

have a guess at the size, as a rough rule each square foot of panel area is worth about 10-15W. I'm also going to assume that you meter can measure not less than 50V on auto ranging and at least 10A in the DC ranges.

get a bulb or pair of bulbs that are definately of higher total wattage than the panels max output and its rated nominal output)

wire the bulbs to the panel while the panels in full sun but under a blanket, put the meter on V across the bulb

slowly remove the blanket. if the bulbs begin to go over their normal output add more bulbs in parallel

when you get a stable voltage and light out put do your elecy maths to get your ball park power (it will be wrong at this stage but as a guide line will let you know if your meter can handle the amps if its very near to or more than the meter can deal with dont do the next test). If you wind up with a projected less than 10 amps replace the blanket, wire up to check amps with your meter with the same lights and sun level.

you now have the voltage, you now have the amps. V*A=watts.

IF you're meter cant do the numbers you can still get a guestimate by doing what you can with the meter and having a % of the panel covered. then just multiply it out BUT some panels wont out put with partial cover. be careful.

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