| Items needed for the test
- A solar panel
- A multi-meter, set as mA meter, digital or analog
- Sun light or any indoor light
Steps to follow:
1. Set multi-meter to a 50, 100, or 200mA range
2. Check that meter leads or probes are plugged into the right mA
jacks. This very with the model of multi-meter used
3. Connect (+) positive probe (red) to Solar Panel center plug
connection. Insert probe inside hollow plug
4. Connect (-) negative probe (black), to outer plug connection,
just by holding probe(s) with your fingers
If you use a digital meter with auto-polarity, the way you connect
positive and negative probes is not important; just be aware that
you will get positive readings by following these instructions, and
negative readings if you invert prove connections.
5. Place Solar Panel into light
6. Amp meter reading should go from zero, or a few mA, to 60 to 95
mA, depending on the brightness of sunlight.
7. Move solar panel away from light, and reading should decrease to
a few mA or zero.
8. Remember that you can do this test inside of your home, or in a
store, with fluorescent or incandescent bulbs as light source. The
current readings (in mA) will not be close to the maximum current
the solar panel can produce under bright sun light. This test under
artificial light is as valid as under sun light.
9. Saying that, you might go to Radio Shack and borrow a
multi-meter if you do not have one, in order to test your solar
panel |
