Measure at higher volts than what your panel is approved for.
How to measure solar panel output with multimeter.
A current measurement like this is the equivalent of a short circuit across the output of the cell so don t keep it like this any longer than you have to.
You have to do.
To test a 18v solar panel voltage output directly put your solar panel in direct sunlight set your multi meter to the dc volts setting.
The stc measure the solar panel s energy output using common conditions of light exposure orientation and panel temperature.
Some exceptions may apply based on panel type.
Simply touch the solar panel leads with the multi meter probes matching their corresponding polarity red to red black to black.
If it s not there is a problem with your solar panel output.
Touch the multi meter s red positive lead to your solar panel s positive wire.
Open circuit voltage can vary depending on your solar panel but the readings we are usually looking for are in the range of 15 to 23v.
Step 3 measure current.
With the load still open switch the multimeter to measure current.
You will need a solar panel tester known as an amp meter.
Attach the meter to the positive and negative terminals on the solar panel and make sure the panel is properly exposed to sunlight.
As long as the amp meter is rated higher than the solar panel you will be able to measure the output effectively.
To get an accurate measurement you will need to ensure that your panel is in full sunlight when you test.
Make sure that you are measuring at the suitable voltage level for a solar panel.
You want to choose a voltage range capable of displaying the maximum possible voltage of the panel in open circuit this means that if you have a panel rated for 20 volts you should set the multi meter to read up to 200 volts to ensure that you receive an accurate reading.
To begin measure solar panel amperage.
To measure the amp output of your solar panel you will need to attach the meter to the positive and negative.
Then touch the multi meter s black negative lead to your solar panel s negative wire.
The volt reading on your multi meter should be close to or just under 60 volts.
Set multimeter to dc.
For example if your panel has approval for 30 volts set the multimeter to have a higher reading.
