How to test a solar panel.

We walk you through testing both the volts and amps of a solar panel, and compare the readings with the standard test conditions (STC) rating of the panel to determine if the solar panel is performing correctly. A simple multimeter is required to read both volts and amps.

[Nifty-Stuff]

I LOVE the way you do your videos! So clear and to the point! I think you're the only one with a "testing solar panel" video that kindly and clearly explained the spark that comes from testing amperage... and how to reduce the probability (shading panel before connecting and before disconnecting). Brilliant!

[gunnar]

Great to see you Amy. I'd add a disclaimer that you should not leave the amp reading connected for too long. The way the amp reader works is by running current through a resistor inside the multimeter, and it will get hot if it's left connected with too high current for too long. The manual of your multimeter will tell you how long you can safely measure amps.

[arminius]

Amy, always a pleasure seeing your instructional videos when searching a particular solar related subject! Thanks for teaching all of us in the fashion you teach and all the best!

[JustJacqe]

I love your very good presentation, your very good age and know how, clearing 61 years myself, your an encouragement. Thank you for your video.

[kellyobrien]

Amy, I have watched over 50 different solar panel, solar chargers, and battery videos includeing the DIY ones. YOU have the very BEST videos! I am very happy with how you go into great detail and use clear, easy to understand diagrams in your videos. Now I understand what all of the numbers and letters stand for.
And with this new video I can check the condition of solar panels! Really grateful, Thank You Very Much!

[alcoppa]

Amy, I had to look at your video to see what you were up to. I am glad when I find someone who actually knows what they are doing. I can tell you that this panel of yours act likes it is brand new and I hope that the store is still selling them.
One improvement that you could have made was to hook up the tester and have the panel shaded with cardboard in front of it to keep it cooler and then quickly remove the cardboard for the current reading. Your reading for current was so high with the panel being hot that it really impressed me. And you are right about the standard test conditions. They flash test them in the Lab so they don't have a chance to get hot.

[MsAjax]

Thanks. I followed your instructions to check my 400W panel, covering the panel before connecting the leads so no spark.

[robertsapp]

Great video, as someone who is familiar with electrics I don't think I could have explained it any better. Nice to see settings on multimeter and probe location! Thank you!

[txcitizen]

Great video! Short, sweet, and straight to the point yet didn’t dismissed essential details of the subject. Thank you!

[colintranter]

That was a great example and cool tech teach for someone who doesn't have a clue on how to use a multi meter and would like to. Thank you.

[QATAROVERLAND]

Dear you are so good in explaining and you are the best

[reshairo]

Hi Amy nice to see you again, thanx for the tip 👍

[pamelapeery]

Love it! Straightforward and simple…and thanks for the caution re: the “spark”.

[allanw.gackstetter]

Outstanding….you go girl, Now that is a great demonstration….Vey well explained and understood
I’ve had the pleasure of working in the electrical plumbing and heating field my whole life with that said you’re very expressive demonstration of how to test a solar panel was just excellent again thank you 👍

[GoldensRule]

Good demonstration! I found out the hard way on how not to check the amperage with a meter and blew some diodes but now I like my inductive DC meter so I can check the power output without disconnecting anything

[johnisaac]

Good Video! So clear and to the point and I learned something so thank you.

[jayjohnson]

Thank you! I was very confused before I watched this video.

[steveokinevo]

The solar queen is back, awesome, great to see ya again amy.

[davidcromapix]

You are very clear and correct teaching in all your videos. Thanks for sharing

[aa-eqfv]

Thank you for your help. I had no idea how to use a multimeter and you made it super simple. I found my connection issue