Things You'll Need:
- ammeter or multimeter
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Step 1
First, find a convenient place to disconnect one of the two leads of the solar panel. Just like with any power source, there will be two connections: a positive, and a negative. If there are more than two leads coming from the solar panel, make sure to have the correct ones.
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Step 2
Hook the ammeter or multimeter in series with one of the solar panel leads. Connect one of the leads/terminals of the meter to the lead of the solar panel and the other lead/terminal to where the solar panel lead was originally connected.
DO NOT hook the meter directly to both leads of the solar panel. Since an ammeter measures current, it has very little resistance so as not to interfere with the measurements. Hooking a meter directly to any power source without other loads will essentially cause a short circuit resulting in damage to either the power source, meter, or both. -
Step 3
This multimeter has only two amp settings: direct and alternating. It will also automatically adjust the measurement to amps, milliamps, microamps, etc.It is a good idea to set the meter on the highest ampere measurement setting. Normally, newer meters adjust automatically, making this advice obsolete. However, older meters may not and could blow the fuse if set too low.
Be sure to set the meter to measure direct current and not alternating current. -
Step 4
If the meter automatically adjusts, you should have your measurement almost instantly. If the meter does not adjust, change the setting to the next lowest setting until you have a reasonably readable measurement.
