How to Test the Amperes in Solar Panels

Knowing the amperage of your solar power system is important. Too little amperage may not power all the appliances in your household; too much amperage can overload the circuit, which can lead to an electrical fire. Knowing the amperage at full sun can also make integrating solar panels into your home electrical grid a lot easier. Testing the amperes yourself can save you some money when the electrician comes to install the panels.

Things You'll Need

• Amp meter

Instructions

1. Attach the amp meter to the positive and negative terminals of your solar panel. These will be marked by pieces of solder and a "+" for positive and a "-" for negative.

2. Take your solar panel and amp meter outside into full sun. Align the solar panel so it is facing the sun.

3. Record the number that shows up on the amp meter. This is the amperage of your solar panel.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure that you test your solar panel on a sunny day for the best accuracy.

• The amp meter should be rated higher than the potential amperage of the solar panel. If not, you risk hurting yourself and your amp meter.

References

• Solar Panel Testing Guide