How to test solar panels for volts using a digital multimeter the first thing to do is place your solar panel outside in direct sunlight.
How to test solar panel with voltage transmission.
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.
Simply touch the solar panel leads with the multi meter probes matching their corresponding polarity red to red black to black.
Next you need to set your digital multimeter to volt settings dc.
See how to test your solar panel for open voltage and current reading.
Record the result then set the meter back to voltage measurement.
Touch the multi meter s red positive lead to your solar panel s positive wire.
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.
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.
With the load still open switch the multimeter to measure current.
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.
Then touch the multi meter s black negative lead to your solar panel s negative wire.
Some exceptions may apply based on panel type.
Attach the meter to the positive and negative terminals on the solar panel and make sure the panel is properly exposed to sunlight.
Since electric current is measured in amperes you will need to buy a meter known as an amp meter and measure the output.
As most solar panels are 12 volts the solar panel test methods are basically the same.
Testing solar panels for volts to test solar panel voltage output put your solar panel in direct sunlight set your multi meter to the volts setting and.