Set the multimeter to 10 amps.
How to test a 12v solar panel.
Step 2 measure state of charge.
Testing a small 12v solar power system step 1 wait for a clear sunny day.
As most solar panels are 12 volts the solar panel test methods are basically the same.
Disconnect the positive cable between the battery and the panel.
Disconnect the positive cable that is.
Touch the multi meter s red positive lead to your solar panel s positive wire.
To test the regulator.
You want to choose a voltage range capable of displaying the maximum possible voltage of the panel in open circuit that is when not connected to the battery or charge controller.
The system should be tested at maximum current with the solar array in direct.
Make sure that the alligator clips are in the right port to find the.
That being done connect the solar panel to the controller and also the controller to the solar batteries.
To test a 12v panel meters should always be set to the dc voltage area which usually identified by the symbol below.
Re connect the solar panel directly to the battery without the regulator.
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.
Set the measurements of the multimeter to dc amps.
Measure operating current as described above.
Then touch the multi meter s black negative lead to your solar panel s negative wire.
The solar charge controller must not limit the current flow during testing.