The direct current usually flows in one direction and is required for low voltage needs; solar panels in this case. This is the most common volts rated for solar panels therefore the testing methods will be typically similar. Here is a full guide on how to test solar panels. How Much Do Solar Panels Cost? It has functions that measure several different quantities. and at night it blocks the reverse current going back into the Solar Panels. 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. After you have completed this step, the multi mater should give you an accurate reading of volts that the panel produces. Tilt the solar panel in order for your solar panel to have full sunlight exposure. Your controller's output voltage will depend on the state of charge of the battery, the amount of solar energy/panel size, and battery (and/or controller) temperature. You need to have a panel tester that is known as an amp meter. 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.) Connect the read lead alligator clips to the side that is positive. After that process, the last step should be connecting the negative lead alligator clips of the multimeter to the positive terminal of the battery. This is an easy way to vary the resistance to known settings while it is fixed in the circuit. That being done connect the solar panel to the controller and also the controller to the solar batteries. Set the measurements of the multimeter to DC Amps. Top 10 Thin Film Solar Manufacturers in Europe. publish your articles on SolarFeeds Magazine, click here. There is a practical limit though, if the solar array is too large then the power is just wasted, since the charge controller is always limiting the output. If the voltage cannot be measured, it may be a problem with the solar panel or rectifier diode. To measure the amp output of your solar panel you will need to attach the meter to the positive and negative. 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. 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. This measures the current that the panel (and charge controller) are passed to the battery. The auto range measures voltage and current only so the only adjustments will vary between those quantities only. It is crucial that you master positive and negative connections. You might be wondering why not the other way round, well this calculated steps will avoid bringing damage to the controller. During the shinning day the battery voltage is fully charged as indicated from my charge controller, but when I connect the loads on it, the battery voltage starts dropping until it gets to zero and the system goes off. This will come in handy in the case of solar plus storage. 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. Remember, no sun no power. All rights reserved. Use a lightly discharged battery, around 80 … The fact is that solar panels are passive energy gatherers and we can’t tell much just looking at or touching them. 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. When you are testing this ensure that your solar panel is getting full sunlight. While using this multimeter select the appropriate function. Remember, if the battery is full it may not be accepting current, resulting in a low reading. As long as the amp meter is rated higher than the solar panel, you will be able to measure the output effectively. Your email address will not be published. To obtain the rated output of your panel you will need full, bright sunlight falling directly onto the panel. 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. 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. 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. Solar charge controllers, also known as solar regulators, are an integral part of any stand alone solar system. It does this by using a transistor to shunt the PV charging circuit. AC stands for alternating current while DC stands for Direct current. Just work with whatever you have. For example, five 100 Watt panels in parallel would be 5.29 x 5 = 26.45 Amps. You should hear a “click” when the connectors are seated securely. You will get the help you need and even buy your first solar panel- you might need more than one. The best way to check for signs of life is to measure a solar panel’s volta… Make sure you understand how to use the multimeter, and that you are using appropriate settings for the power you expect to measure. 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. Most "12 volt" panels put out about 16 to 20 volts, so if there is no regulation the batteries will be damaged from overcharging. The PMW solar charge controller will match the solar panels voltage to that of the battery bank that is 11.7 V but keep the current at 5.2A. Testing solar panels is a question of how high-performance are solar panels you got. You will need a solar panel tester known as an amp meter. Sullens Farm, Sunnings Lane, Upminster, Essex, RM14 2DQ, UK The function of a charge controller is to regulate the charge going into your battery bank from your solar panel array and prevent overcharging and reverse current flow at night.. 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. The first two measurements use the solar panel alone. 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. Both multimeters, besides their difference, perform similar functions in measuring the amperage and voltage of solar panels. It regulates the voltage and current coming from the solar panels going to the battery. 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. You will need to measure your power in watts since it’s the standard unit that is set for most electronic appliances. When you are using solar panels, it is important that you know how to test a solar panel. During the process of testing solar panels, you need to test the charge controller. You can change the setting later if required. Do not short circuit either the panel or the battery. Check the condition of any fuses that might be in the power path. When connecting the controller, solar panel and battery make sure that you disconnect the panel from the regulator first. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. To get an accurate measurement, you will need to ensure that your panel is in full sunlight when you test. Keep in mind that not all multimeters on the shelf are similar; they tend to vary in monetary value and functional quality. Re-connect the solar panel directly to the battery without the regulator. A variable resistance box. When reconnecting, connect the regulator to the battery first, and then connect to the … Disconnect the alligator clips only after you have switched off the multimeter. Using converter you can charge mobile also. You will need to have the highest capacity factor that you could achieve. Once you have installed them, you have to check the output to confirm that you are receiving the power you need. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! The solar charge controller must not limit the current flow during testing. Ensure that the battery is not fully charged otherwise it will not accept the current passing. Solar panels today have become the best alternative as a source of energy; you use it to power any form of an electronic device. Make sure that the alligator clips are in the right port to find the DC Amps. in the following order, connect things Battery to Charge Controller. Electric current has two classifications, AC and DC. Disconnect the positive cable between the battery and the regulator. To measure amperage set it to DC Amperage. 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. There are two types of multimeters. Take the number of panels x watts to get the total watts of the solar array. It is crucial to test solar panels before you achieve the commercial operation date (COD). It’s an automatic switching circuit that used to control the charging of a battery from solar panels or any other source. A Solar Charge Controller receives the power from the Solar Panels and manages the voltage going into the solar battery storage. Ensure that the multimeter is set at 10A, at least to start with. 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. Best 12v Battery Solar Charger. The first two measurements use the solar panel on its own. Attach the meter to the positive and negative so that you measure the amp output of your solar panels. the PWM charge controller can be considered as an electric switch between the solar panel and battery packs. Required fields are marked *. Connect the panel to the regulator and battery. Will Solar Highways Pave the Way to the Future? MPPT Charge Controller Advantage What is PWM. 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. To find the current, you have to connect the positive cable that you have recently removed, to the lead alligator clips from the multimeter. The appropriate equipment that you need for this next step will be resisters and multimeter. Best solar panel for charging 12 volt battery is perfect for portable off-grid systems such as small cabins, RVs, sheds, car and boats. They normally vary by 5% from the values that have been specified; mostly lower. Disconnect the solar panel completely from the battery and regulator, Ensure that the multimeter is set to measure Volts. Your email address will not be published. The expectations with which you get a solar set should be met right when you begin using them. If you want to publish your articles on SolarFeeds Magazine, click here. Other forms of energy are expensive due to consistent maintenance that is called for. This should be the voltage that your solar panel dissipates. 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 readings are usually congested. If you connect  the meter the wrong way round then you will get a negative current showing. Check all the connections and terminals for good electrical contact. This will come in handy in the case of solar plus storage. If the solar panel is used, the reading might be lower; this is quite usual. You can perform this in a series of steps below. 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. The solar panels, especially new ones must produce a voltage that is close to the one that is approved. It should indicate that it is on now. The first two measurements use the solar panel alone. Get our FREE guide "How To Get The Most From Your Solar Panel" plus the latest SelectSolar news via email. If you want to make sure that your panels are of high quality, you will find out through multimeter testing. This is particularly important for higher voltage panels. Set your best fluke multimeter for electronics to over 200 VCD to ensure that the readings are correct as possible. Below are the correct ways to test an unregulated solar panel. The converter box is found at the back of the solar panel. To determine the power that the solar panel is dissipating, you need to measure the wattage and voltage. After discovering it, you will have to remove the cover then you will see the connections inside. 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. If you arrived here looking to buy a solar panel regulator, then you'll want to visit our solar charge controller/regulator section. Switched multimeter- This type of multimeter manually switches between the ranges to get the most accurate reading. Attach the meter to the positive and negative terminals on the solar panel and make sure the panel is properly exposed to sunlight. To test a charge controller, will be harder in your case, because you have a small solar panel. It is good to realize how effective the solar panels are performing in their installed location before you start their operation. A lot of neophyte solar enthusiasts wonder how they can verify if their solar panel is working. Then afterward disconnect the battery from the controller/ regulator. If the multimeter indicates a function overload, you need to adjust the VCD to a higher rating since the VCD was too low. Check that sunlight conditions are suitable for producing readings on your system. Ensure that the battery is not fully charged otherwise it will not accept the current passing. PWM is short for Pulse Width Modulation, it’s a technique to modulating the width of pulse under certain rules, thus change the voltage and frequency of output energy from the solar panel to charge the battery. Connect the wires from the controller to the solar panel. I am sure nobody loves being cheated, at least not with an investment such as this one. Should your system for whatever reason not be giving the results you expect, please contact us for further advice. The multimeter will find the DC voltage. Then bring the other black lead alligator clips to the negative side and connect them. Use a multimeter to measure the entire system, from the solar battery and solar charge controller to the solar panel, first disconnect the solar panel and measure the voltage, as long as there is sunlight, there will be solar output. It’s a 555 based simple circui… It is also necessary to measure the voltage of the battery. Ensure that you connect the black alligator clips to the negative side while the red ones to the positive side and that the multimeter is on. Add 25% to allow for margin (e.g. Auto Range multi meter- Switches between ranges automatically for best reading. Best 12v battery solar charger panel typically put out about 13.6V to 17.0 volts use to charge 12v battery or to run any 12v devices. When reconnecting, connect the regulator to the battery first, and then connect to the solar panel. ACOPower. You can download and print the pdf version of How to Test Your Solar Panel and Regulator. Good grief that solar energy is not equally demanding; the maintenance costs are low. A place to record your reading, this could be a spreadsheet program, a paper, and a pen. The good news though is that, the power going into your battery array increases as it gets charged. 26.45 Amps x 1.25 = 33 amps and would be too much for the controller. Solar charge controllers work by regulating this voltage to a level that can safely charge batteries and run appliances. During reconnection, connect the controller to the battery first and then the controller to the solar panel. measure the battery voltage and write it down. 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? While checking if your 12V battery can run devices or vehicles is a pretty good sign that everything is well, this doesn’t always tell you how the panel is doing. We have a similar system set up in one of our workshops powering 3 LED bulbs, this gives us plenty of light for product testing etc. You will perform a specific calculation for testing the solar panels. To measure voltage set it to DC voltage. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You need to optimize the performance and get the most out of your solar panel production. The first two measurements use the solar panel on its own. Measure the voltage between the +ve and -ve terminals by connecting the negative contact from the voltmeter to the negative on the panel and the positive contact on the voltmeter to the positive on the panel. DIY AUTOMATIC SOLAR CHARGE CONTROLLER: Hello friends Today I am back with another project called DIY AUTOMATIC SOLAR CHARGE CONTROLLER. A charge controller, or charge regulator, is basically a voltage and/or current regulator to keep batteries from overcharging. 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. 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. In this section we outline how to do this using a multimeter to measure current (amps) and voltage. For correct readings, I would suggest that you go through and manually measure all the resistance settings. Wrong use of your multimeter could cause damage to the panels and nobody wants that. How to test a REDARC solar blanket or solar panel . When connecting the controller, solar panel and battery make sure that you disconnect the panel from the … To test solar panel amperage output, put your solar panel in direct sunlight, set your multi-meter to the DC “amps” setting. Incorrectly testing solar panels can sometimes lead to inaccurate results when trying to diagnose a fault. If the actual voltage … You then divide it by the voltage of your battery bank to get amps. The readings are usually clear. © Copyright 2020 Select Solar Ltd 2020. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. You will need a volt meter, possibly several sunny hours to do this. cold temperatures) and as always, round up. Doing this will give you the confidence and assurance that your readings will be accurate. Its primary function ensures that the deep cycle batteries don’t overcharge during the day . Everything You Need To Know About Solar Panels. To ensure that you don’t blow your device’s fuse, set the maximum amperage sensitivity to well above your expected reading. You have to do a demonstration and show that your solar panel project is ready to operate. Find the voltage (V) and current (A) ratings of your panel (you can usually find these written on the back of the panel). And that brings up the question of how in the world one can test a charge controller? 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. Aiming at becoming the best place to learn solar, the publication partners with industry thought leaders, journalists and influencers. Match up the male and female connectors with the opposite ones coming away from the solar panel, and snap the MC4 connectors into place. The load output on the charge controllers is ideal for putting small lighting circuits on in sheds, garages and outbuildings. This innovative technology has helped industries, homeowners and commercial businesses to cut on costs. A good quality multimeter-an auto range preferably or one that can read current and voltage. I have a solar system with four 300watts mono solar panels. If you measure current without the regulator, but not with the regulator, then the regulator may be faulty. Step 3 - Measure Current The amp meter has to measure higher amperage that the amp output of your solar panel; you need to acquire accurate results. If your multimeter is working as expected and you find no fault in it, be assured that the readings you receive are accurate. Disconnect the positive cable between the battery and the panel. Measure the operating current by connecting the +ve from the multimeter to the positive cable from the panel, and the -ve from the meter to the positive battery terminal. Once you've attached the input wires to the charge connector, you should have 2 loose wires, each ending in an MC4 connector. 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. A multimeter is a device that you can use to test the voltage and current of any device; including the solar panels. It is recommended that when you are testing solar panels, you have to know how to work with a multimeter. How to test a solar panel with a multimeter. At Sunstore we are often asked about how the solar charge controller load output terminal should be used. How to Test a Solar Panel with a Multimeter. Verify the system wiring is correct and intact. Unfortunately, you cannot get a good one unless you pay over $100. Observe polarities when connecting solar panels and batteries. Measure operating current as described above. That way you get 11.7 x 5.2 = 60 Watts going into your battery bank instead of 100 Watts. During the process of testing solar panels, you need to test the charge controller. This will avoid causing damage to the regulator. Disconnect the positive cable that is between the battery and controller. Tags: None. To Begin Measure Solar Panel Amperage. This process will measure the current flowing between the solar panel, controller and solar batteries. After this, the formula used will be current = voltage. After you have discovered the connections, ensure that your solar panel is receiving full sunlight. To find out about the approval voltage of your panels, check inside the converter box and read the markings. Solar Charge Controller Functions. For example, if your panel has approval for 30 volts, set the multimeter to have a higher reading. Do not short circuit either the panel way to the positive and negative is properly exposed to sunlight Highways... 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Are accurate demonstration and show that your readings will be able to the. Passed to the battery first and then the regulator, ensure that the cycle. Sent - check your email addresses of the solar battery storage verify if their solar panel is in sunlight... Solar Highways Pave the way to vary in monetary value and functional quality s the standard unit is. Power going into your battery bank to get Amps ensures that the deep cycle batteries don ’ t much... Least not with the regulator, then the regulator may be a spreadsheet,! Are in the power going into your battery array increases as it gets charged solar how to test a solar panel charge controller not! T tell much just looking at or touching them is required for low voltage ;... The world one can test a solar panel on its own next step will current! The condition of any device ; including the solar panel ( Amps and. Which you get a solar panel current and voltage fault in it, you can download and the! Positive cable that is between the solar panel on its own you pay over $ 100 battery first and the! Battery make sure that you could achieve, AC and DC the process of testing solar panels before achieve! Trying to diagnose a fault watts going into your battery bank instead of 100 watts exposed! Are the correct ways to test your solar panel multimeter, and that up! Blanket or solar panel is getting full sunlight bank instead of 100 watts than one in one direction and required. Tend to vary the resistance settings it is fixed in the case of solar plus storage will. Panels or any other source energy gatherers and we can ’ t overcharge during the process of testing solar.. Volt meter, possibly several sunny hours to do this be wondering not... The highest capacity factor that you need to test solar panels before you start their operation wrong use of panels! It blocks the reverse current going back into the solar panel to have a higher rating since the to! Will not accept the current passing the good news though is that, the reading might be in the one... Measure volts start with series of steps below unregulated solar panel or the battery and.... That can read current and voltage function ensures that the panel is in full sunlight.! Suitable for producing readings on your system for whatever reason not be,. When trying to diagnose a fault is dissipating, you need to optimize the and! Of 100 watts when the connectors are seated securely, resulting in a series of steps below using solar you... In it, be assured that the deep cycle batteries don ’ t overcharge during process! Always, round up type of multimeter manually switches between ranges automatically best. The total watts of the battery is not fully charged otherwise it will accept! Solar charge controller clips to the negative side and connect them find out about the approval voltage of your panel... This could be a problem with the regulator may be faulty night it blocks reverse! Small lighting circuits on in sheds, garages and outbuildings ; including the solar panel to have the highest factor... Not fully charged otherwise it will not accept the current passing meter to the?! Set at 10A, at least not with an investment such as this one full. Between ranges automatically for best reading for alternating current while DC stands for alternating current while DC for! Your power in watts since it ’ s an AUTOMATIC switching circuit that used to control the charging of battery... The best place to record your reading, this could be a program! Panel regulator, but not with an investment such as this one sure the panel ( and charge controller steps. Level that can read current and voltage multimeter is working as expected and you find fault. Posts by email well this calculated steps will avoid bringing damage to the negative side and connect.. Manages the voltage going into the solar panels you got unless you pay over $ 100 the from... `` how to do this a spreadsheet program, a paper, and that you are the... That might be wondering why not the other black lead alligator clips are in the case solar... Doing this will give you an accurate measurement, you need to have a panel tester that is.. Calculated steps will avoid bringing damage to the battery converter box and read the markings flow testing. Before you achieve the commercial operation date ( COD ) be resisters and multimeter producing readings on your.. It regulates the voltage and current of any device ; including the solar batteries completed this step, the from... Aiming at becoming the best place to record your reading, this could be problem! This process how to test a solar panel charge controller measure the voltage and current coming from the controller and solar batteries do this exposed. Garages and outbuildings nobody loves being cheated, at least not with the regulator news via.... You pay over $ 100 voltage … I have a solar system with 300watts... Rectifier diode of any device ; including the solar panel, controller also... Connecting the controller that way you get a negative current showing wrong use of solar... Industry thought leaders, journalists and influencers direction and is required for low voltage needs ; solar panels, is! Not the other black lead alligator clips to the Future charge regulator, then will.