Help for the electrically challenged
Submitted: Sunday, May 09, 2004 at 11:42
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daddy
Hello all, I could use some help in checking the output of my solar panel. Bought a Dick Smith multi-tester some time back. For the first time ever, I decided to read the instructions before using it. The instructions gave no indication whatsoever about how to use the thing, just a brief description of the functional switch.
My solar panel states on the back
Nominal rated power 60 watts
Voltage at peak power 14 volts
Current at peak power 4.3 amps
Open circuit voltage 20 Volts
Short circuit 5.3 amps
Now I just put the multi-tester on the panel, in the garage (no direct sunlight) and got a reading of .86 with the pointer on the 20 and 4.7 with the pointer on the 200.
Tested it yesterday in full sun and got a reading of 1.34 with pointer on 20 and 6.3 with the pointer on 200
I am using the segment which is identified by the symbol V then a straight line with 3 dots below it
Is there a shot circuit in the panel, is the multi-tester malfunctioning or is it the dill trying to operate the thing ?
Thank you in advance
Chris
Reply By: daddy - Monday, May 10, 2004 at 07:32
Monday, May 10, 2004 at 07:32
Thanks for the responses. In reply to some of the questions.......
the multi-tester is digital
there is a regulator on the panel
the panel wasn't under load when tested
The instructions don't even give an indication of where to to connect the probes to the multi-tester for differing tests, for example there are two probes and three possible ports in the unit to plug into. Which two do I use to
test amps ?
If some one would be so kind as to describe step by step how they would
test the amperage on their own panel I'd be very appreciative.
Thanks again
AnswerID:
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