To ensure that you don t blow your device s fuse set the maximum amperage sensitivity to well above your expected reading.
How to test a 12v solar panel.
If the solar panel is used the reading might be lower.
Testing solar panels for amps to test solar panel amperage output put your solar panel in direct sunlight set your multi meter to the dc amps setting.
Measure the current by connecting the ve lead on the voltmeter to the ve on the panel and the ve from the voltmeter to the ve on the panel.
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.
Touch the multi meter s red positive lead to your solar panel s positive wire.
You can change the setting later if required.
To test solar panel voltage output put your solar panel in direct sunlight set your multi meter to the volts setting and.
As most solar panels are 12 volts the solar panel test methods are basically the same.
Results typical 12v nominal panel.
Ensure that the multimeter is set at 10a at least to start with.
The system i tested includes two 120 w solar panels in parallel a pulse width modulation pwm charge controller and 225 ah wet deep cycle battery.
To test a 12v panel meters should always be set to the dc voltage area which usually identified by the symbol below.
The multimeter will now show the open circuit voltage of the solar panel.
Testing the 12 volt solar panel.
This is quite usual.
I have a dual battery system in my vehicle and solar panels for camping.
We ll be using a multi meter which is the tool most people would own or have access to through their local electrical shop.
Then touch the multi meter s black negative lead to your solar panel s negative wire.
Angle the solar panel towards the sun.
Disconnect the alligator clips only after you have switched off the multimeter.
You can always check if your solar panels are healthy as well as getting more detailed information about the status of your battery.
This article describes how to test a small 12 v solar power system.