Help for the electrically challenged

Submitted: Sunday, May 09, 2004 at 11:42
ThreadID: 12713 Views:2228 Replies:6 FollowUps:3
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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
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