How to test a solar panel with a multimeter. Make sure that you are measuring at the suitable voltage level for a solar panel; measure at higher volts than what your panel is approved for. To find out about the approval voltage of your panels, check inside the converter box and read the markings. If the actual voltage … A lot of neophyte solar enthusiasts wonder how they can verify if their solar panel is working. When connecting the controller, solar panel and battery make sure that you disconnect the panel from the regulator first. I believe that you have attained a clear picture and process of testing the solar panels and as well as why you need to perform this test. A good quality multimeter-an auto range preferably or one that can read current and voltage. As long as the amp meter is rated higher than the solar panel, you will be able to measure the output effectively. You need to optimize the performance and get the most out of your solar panel production. We recommended a factor of safety of at least 1.25, meaning you would multiply the current from your panels by 1.25 and then compare that to the 30 amps. This will avoid causing damage to the regulator. If the multimeter indicates a function overload, you need to adjust the VCD to a higher rating since the VCD was too low. This will come in handy in the case of solar plus storage. Check that sunlight conditions are suitable for producing readings on your system. For example, if your panel has approval for 30 volts, set the multimeter to have a higher reading. If the solar panel is used, the reading might be lower; this is quite usual. That being done connect the solar panel to the controller and also the controller to the solar batteries. The load output on the charge controllers is ideal for putting small lighting circuits on in sheds, garages and outbuildings. After you have discovered the connections, ensure that your solar panel is receiving full sunlight. The solar panels, especially new ones must produce a voltage that is close to the one that is approved. After this, the formula used will be current = voltage. It does this by using a transistor to shunt the PV charging circuit. Solar charge controllers, also known as solar regulators, are an integral part of any stand alone solar system. Sometimes you will want to check that your solar system is performing properly, or you may simply want to know what output your panel is giving. For correct readings, I would suggest that you go through and manually measure all the resistance settings. Your email address will not be published. Here is a full guide on how to test solar panels. After that process, the last step should be connecting the negative lead alligator clips of the multimeter to the positive terminal of the battery. Check the condition of any fuses that might be in the power path. It has functions that measure several different quantities. There are two different ways to load the system: Start with a full charged battery and connect a load slightly greater than the solar current. The first two measurements use the solar panel alone. A place to record your reading, this could be a spreadsheet program, a paper, and a pen. Just work with whatever you have. A charge controller, or charge regulator, is basically a voltage and/or current regulator to keep batteries from overcharging. Your email address will not be published. ACOPower. Both multimeters, besides their difference, perform similar functions in measuring the amperage and voltage of solar panels. Tilt the solar panel in order for your solar panel to have full sunlight exposure. measure the battery voltage and write it down. When disconnecting the solar panel, regulator and battery, take care to disconnect the panel from the regulator first, and then disconnect the regulator from the battery. The Editorial Team at SolarFeeds is made up of knowledgeable solar industry insiders and experts who have a passion to share valuable, helpful and educational information. Observe polarities when connecting solar panels and batteries. When you are using solar panels, it is important that you know how to test a solar panel. This measures the current that the panel (and charge controller) are passed to the battery. The solar charge controller must not limit the current flow during testing. How Much Do Solar Panels Cost? Verify the system wiring is correct and intact. Photovoltaic panels produce electricity when exposed to light, so it is recommended that you cover the front of the solar panel if outdoors to help avoid shocks. Connect the read lead alligator clips to the side that is positive. If you want to make sure that your panels are of high quality, you will find out through multimeter testing. While using this multimeter select the appropriate function. Top 10 Thin Film Solar Manufacturers in Europe. After discovering it, you will have to remove the cover then you will see the connections inside. How to Test a Solar Panel with a Multimeter. You might be wondering why not the other way round, well this calculated steps will avoid bringing damage to the controller. Disconnect the positive cable between the battery and the panel. Other forms of energy are expensive due to consistent maintenance that is called for. Electric current has two classifications, AC and DC. in the following order, connect things Battery to Charge Controller. This should be the voltage that your solar panel dissipates. That way you get 11.7 x 5.2 = 60 Watts going into your battery bank instead of 100 Watts. Use a lightly discharged battery, around 80 … The converter box is found at the back of the solar panel. publish your articles on SolarFeeds Magazine, click here. Company Registration Number: 04303044 VAT no: 794270796, How To: Test Your Solar Panel & Regulator, Specialist Batteries Enersys SBS Battery Range, Solar Power Kits For Boats Caravans Motorhomes etc, Solar Power Kits (off-grid) for Buildings, Projects etc, SOLARA M-SERIES - Extremely flat, walkable and semi bendable, How To Check Your Solar Panel & Regulator/Controller | Select Solar, solar charge controller/regulator section, pdf version of How to Test Your Solar Panel and Regulator. Ensure that the battery is not fully charged otherwise it will not accept the current passing. How to test a REDARC solar blanket or solar panel . Step 3 - Measure Current After you have completed this step, the multi mater should give you an accurate reading of volts that the panel produces. Using converter you can charge mobile also. Required fields are marked *. You will need a solar panel tester known as an amp meter. The expectations with which you get a solar set should be met right when you begin using them. You will need to measure your power in watts since it’s the standard unit that is set for most electronic appliances. I would not want you to purchase a set of solar equipment with the wrong specifications of the panel voltage for a price that is escalated. This innovative technology has helped industries, homeowners and commercial businesses to cut on costs. This is the most common volts rated for solar panels therefore the testing methods will be typically similar. It is recommended that when you are testing solar panels, you have to know how to work with a multimeter. The average 12 volt solar panel produces between 12 and 21 volts, a level that would overcharge and damage a battery if transferred directly to it. Make sure that the alligator clips are in the right port to find the DC Amps. Switched multimeter- This type of multimeter manually switches between the ranges to get the most accurate reading. Then afterward disconnect the battery from the controller/ regulator. When reconnecting, connect the regulator to the battery first, and then connect to the solar panel. You will perform a specific calculation for testing the solar panels. In this section we outline how to do this using a multimeter to measure current (amps) and voltage. Solar panels today have become the best alternative as a source of energy; you use it to power any form of an electronic device. To test solar panel amperage output, put your solar panel in direct sunlight, set your multi-meter to the DC “amps” setting. When reconnecting, connect the regulator to the battery first, and then connect to the … Do not short circuit either the panel or the battery. Solar Charge Controller Functions. Measure the operating current by connecting the +ve from the multimeter to the positive cable from the regulator, and the -ve from the meter to the positive battery terminal. During reconnection, connect the controller to the battery first and then the controller to the solar panel. You then divide it by the voltage of your battery bank to get amps. MPPT or ‘maximum power point tracking’ controllers are far more advanced than PWM controllers and enable the solar panel to operate at its optimum voltage for maximum power output. The first two measurements use the solar panel on its own. Set your best fluke multimeter for electronics to over 200 VCD to ensure that the readings are correct as possible. A variable resistance box. To Begin Measure Solar Panel Amperage. The readings are usually congested. Best solar panel for charging 12 volt battery is perfect for portable off-grid systems such as small cabins, RVs, sheds, car and boats. If you connect  the meter the wrong way round then you will get a negative current showing. To get an accurate measurement, you will need to ensure that your panel is in full sunlight when you test. Attach the meter to the positive and negative terminals on the solar panel and make sure the panel is properly exposed to sunlight. Sullens Farm, Sunnings Lane, Upminster, Essex, RM14 2DQ, UK To obtain the rated output of your panel you will need full, bright sunlight falling directly onto the panel. Using this clever technology, MPPT solar charge controllers can be up to 30% more efficient, depending on the battery voltage and type of solar panel connected. It’s a 555 based simple circui… The direct current usually flows in one direction and is required for low voltage needs; solar panels in this case. If you measure current without the regulator, but not with the regulator, then the regulator may be faulty. The amp meter has to measure higher amperage that the amp output of your solar panel; you need to acquire accurate results. Unfortunately, you cannot get a good one unless you pay over $100. 26.45 Amps x 1.25 = 33 amps and would be too much for the controller. You will get the help you need and even buy your first solar panel- you might need more than one. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Aiming at becoming the best place to learn solar, the publication partners with industry thought leaders, journalists and influencers. The multimeter will find the DC voltage. Incorrectly testing solar panels can sometimes lead to inaccurate results when trying to diagnose a fault. Most "12 volt" panels put out about 16 to 20 volts, so if there is no regulation the batteries will be damaged from overcharging. Ensure that the battery is not fully charged otherwise it will not accept the current passing. I am sure nobody loves being cheated, at least not with an investment such as this one. It is good to realize how effective the solar panels are performing in their installed location before you start their operation. This will come in handy in the case of solar plus storage. The voltage from the panel is fine, the voltage from the batteries is not what I'd expect (but they were fully charged when I hooked things back up, but how would I know if it's a problem with the charge controller besides buying a new one and swapping it out? the PWM charge controller can be considered as an electric switch between the solar panel and battery packs. This is particularly important for higher voltage panels. During the process of testing solar panels, you need to test the charge controller. MPPT charge controllers currently limit their output, so technically you can make the solar array as large as you want and the charge controller will limit the output current to the maximum allowable. Set the measurements of the multimeter to DC Amps. You can download and print the pdf version of How to Test Your Solar Panel and Regulator. If you are testing a charge controller you will need to make sure that the battery is NOT fully charged otherwise it will not be able to accept current. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. You can perform this in a series of steps below. Get our FREE guide "How To Get The Most From Your Solar Panel" plus the latest SelectSolar news via email. For example, five 100 Watt panels in parallel would be 5.29 x 5 = 26.45 Amps. Add 25% to allow for margin (e.g. Attach the meter to the positive and negative so that you measure the amp output of your solar panels. This process will measure the current flowing between the solar panel, controller and solar batteries. You need to have a panel tester that is known as an amp meter. The readings are usually clear. Find the voltage (V) and current (A) ratings of your panel (you can usually find these written on the back of the panel). Tags: None. And that brings up the question of how in the world one can test a charge controller? MPPT Charge Controller Advantage What is PWM. © Copyright 2020 Select Solar Ltd 2020. Check both manuals, the battery manual and the controller manual and make sure that the controller is set for the proper battery (AGM, wet cell, etc.) Your solar panel may be able to put out 17 V open circuit but it quickly drops when you put a load on it which,apparently, is what your charge controller is doing. Keep in mind that not all multimeters on the shelf are similar; they tend to vary in monetary value and functional quality. Then bring the other black lead alligator clips to the negative side and connect them. The fact is that solar panels are passive energy gatherers and we can’t tell much just looking at or touching them. Measure operating current as described above. At Sunstore we are often asked about how the solar charge controller load output terminal should be used. A multimeter is a device that you can use to test the voltage and current of any device; including the solar panels. It is crucial that you master positive and negative connections. You will need a volt meter, possibly several sunny hours to do this. To measure amperage set it to DC Amperage. Best 12v Battery Solar Charger. You can change the setting later if required. When connecting the controller, solar panel and battery make sure that you disconnect the panel from the … During the process of testing solar panels, you need to test the charge controller. To measure voltage set it to DC voltage. They normally vary by 5% from the values that have been specified; mostly lower. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! DIY AUTOMATIC SOLAR CHARGE CONTROLLER: Hello friends Today I am back with another project called DIY AUTOMATIC SOLAR CHARGE CONTROLLER. Solar Charge Controller Companies To Look Out For Do not open the Amazon links we are providing here unless you read this: There are many people who fell victims for buying cheap MPPT Solar charge controllers. Disconnect the solar panel completely from the battery and regulator, Ensure that the multimeter is set to measure Volts. To test a charge controller, will be harder in your case, because you have a small solar panel. The best way to check for signs of life is to measure a solar panel’s volta… This charge controller does not have to be used solely on one panel and one battery; a 10A PWM controller cab be used to regulate the charge of an array of solar panels connected in parallel with a total power of 160W. Good grief that solar energy is not equally demanding; the maintenance costs are low. It is crucial to test solar panels before you achieve the commercial operation date (COD). The first two measurements use the solar panel alone. 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