If it s not there is a problem with your solar panel output.
How to check a solar panel with a multimeter.
With the load still open switch the multimeter to measure current.
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.
Some exceptions may apply based on panel type.
Tilt the solar panel in order for your solar panel to have full sunlight exposure.
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.
Touch the multi meter s red positive lead to your solar panel s positive wire.
Record the result then set the meter back to voltage measurement.
How to use a digital multimeter test meter duration.
As most solar panels are 12 volts the solar panel test methods are basically the same.
You then need to touch your solar panel to the multimeter probe.
Attach the meter to the positive and negative terminals on the solar panel and make sure the panel is properly exposed to sunlight.
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.
How to test a solar panel voltage and current duration.
Set multimeter to dc.
Step 3 measure current.
As long as the amp meter is rated higher than the solar panel you will be able to measure the output effectively.
Measure at higher volts than what your panel is approved for.
Then touch the multi meter s black negative lead to your solar panel s negative wire.
Make sure that you are measuring at the suitable voltage level for a solar panel.
Harold jackson 49 876 views.
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.
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.
The next step is to connect the black probe to the com labelled port and the red probe to the v ma labelled port.
