To determine the power that the solar panel is dissipating you need to measure the wattage and voltage.
How to test solar panel has electric output.
Then touch the multi meter s black negative lead to your solar panel s negative wire.
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.
If you need a multimeter you can get the innova 3320 auto ranging digital multimeter here htt.
The converter box is located on the back of the solar panel.
Touch the multi meter s red positive lead to your solar panel s positive wire.
Testing your solar panel is easy.
Measure solar panel amperage.
To ensure that you don t blow your device s fuse set the maximum amperage sensitivity to well above your expected reading.
As long as the amp meter is rated higher than the solar panel you will be able to measure the output effectively.
Pull out a single strand and measure the resistance per unit length.
Attach the meter to the positive and negative terminals on the solar panel and make sure the panel is properly exposed to sunlight.
All you need is a multimeter.
You need to have a panel tester that is known as an amp meter.
Using a multimeter for solar panel tests step 1.
To test solar panel amperage output put your solar panel in direct sunlight set your multi meter to the dc amps setting.
Then clip in at different lengths to get different resistances.
Locate the converter box.
Step 3 measure current.
Some exceptions may apply based on panel type.
Note positive negative connections.
Testing the voltage simply touch the solar panel leads with the multi meter probes matching their corresponding polarity red to red black to black.
Get a length of multistrand stainless wire or buy nichrome.
Here s a hack suggestion for the variable resistor box especially if you re testing a panel which produces more power than those can dissipate.