How To Test Solar Panel Efficiency

To test solar panel amperage output put your solar panel in direct sunlight set your multi meter to the dc amps setting.

How to test solar panel efficiency. Solar panel efficiency is determined by the production of electricity by solar cells which are in turn influenced by composition electrical configuration surrounding components and more. Note positive negative connections. Locate the converter box. To ensure that you don t blow your device s fuse set the maximum amperage sensitivity to well above your expected reading.

So if a solar panel has an efficiency rating of 15 that means 15 of the sunlight that hits the solar panels will be converted into electricity. To calculate the efficiency of your panel just multiply the amount of sunlight that hits the earth s surface in your area known as the incident radiation flux by the area of your panel measured in square meters. Solar panel efficiency is a measure of how much sunlight that hits the surface area of a solar panel is converted into usable electricity. Measuring efficiency is fairly simple.

If it s not there is a problem with your solar panel output. Most solar panels have efficiency ratings of around 15 to 18 percent. The converter box is located on the back of the solar panel. As long as the amp meter is rated higher than the solar panel you will be able to measure the output effectively.

In practical terms for two solar panels of the same physical size if one has a 21 efficiency rating and the other has a 14 efficiency rating the 21 efficient panel will produce 50 more kilowatt hours kwh of electricity under the same conditions as the 14 efficient panel. The highest efficiency solar panels on the market today can reach almost 23 percent efficiency. Touch the multi meter s red positive lead to your solar panel s positive wire. Once you have located the.

Step 3 measure current. Gather the following materials. Attach the meter to the positive and negative terminals on the solar panel and make sure the panel is properly exposed to sunlight. Place the photovoltaic cell electric motor with fan on the piece of.

Then touch the multi meter s black negative lead to your solar panel s negative wire. Using a multimeter for solar panel tests step 1. The volt reading on your multi meter should be close to or just under 60 volts.