Our 23.5 came with a solar panel . There is a fitting on the top of the transom with two holes , one smaller and one larger . There is a corresponding plug on a wire on the solar panel . Near the battery there is a wire that appears to run from this fitting . My question is this . Is there any way to test a solar panel to tell if it is functioning other that to hook it to a battery and see if it keeps a charge ?
solar panel
- Thread starter mmsailor
- Start date
yes... with the proper equipment and proper procedure, but if you hook it up its easier.
its easy to test the output voltage of the panel by itself, but load testing it requires more equipmet than you probably have. the following procedure will kind of do both to some degree. probably well enough for your needs.
you didnt say how many watt the panel is, but if it is hooked up you can use a standard multimeter to test it.
check the battery voltage before you connect the solar panel.. write the reading down.
then hook up the panel and let it charge for 15 minutes or more, then check the battery voltage again... it should be slightly higher if the panel is working.
im not sure how important it is, but it is highly recommend that the panel is not connected under load... my interpretation of that statement means that the battery needs to be at rest and not discharging/working, and you should have a blanket over the panel. then plug the panel in... and then remove the blanket from it.
others may have a more sophisticated and refined test, with actual numbers to go by
its easy to test the output voltage of the panel by itself, but load testing it requires more equipmet than you probably have. the following procedure will kind of do both to some degree. probably well enough for your needs.
you didnt say how many watt the panel is, but if it is hooked up you can use a standard multimeter to test it.
check the battery voltage before you connect the solar panel.. write the reading down.
then hook up the panel and let it charge for 15 minutes or more, then check the battery voltage again... it should be slightly higher if the panel is working.
im not sure how important it is, but it is highly recommend that the panel is not connected under load... my interpretation of that statement means that the battery needs to be at rest and not discharging/working, and you should have a blanket over the panel. then plug the panel in... and then remove the blanket from it.
others may have a more sophisticated and refined test, with actual numbers to go by
I have 3 solar panels and my quick, straightforwards go/nogo test is as follows.
On a bright or sunny day and with the panels unplugged - i.e. with nothing else connected - to measure the output voltage.
On a 12 volt system this is usually 18 volts or more and preferably 22 v or more.
Then set the meter to read amps and see what I (you) get. This is what the panels can put into a dead flat battery (ie. a dead short), and in my case is a little over 1 amp. Of course your batteries should never get this low but at least you will see what your panels are capable of. In your case this will be across the plug with the cable leading to the panel.
Never allow the meter when set to read amps to be connected to the system if the batteries are in circuit as there will be a sharp little click and your meter will be dead - or you might even get a small fire!
Then, just for your own amusement, also cast shadows across the panel and note how easily it is to reduce the panel's output to a virtually worthless current. Just a single line across in one direction can usually act like an on/off switch.
On a bright or sunny day and with the panels unplugged - i.e. with nothing else connected - to measure the output voltage.
On a 12 volt system this is usually 18 volts or more and preferably 22 v or more.
Then set the meter to read amps and see what I (you) get. This is what the panels can put into a dead flat battery (ie. a dead short), and in my case is a little over 1 amp. Of course your batteries should never get this low but at least you will see what your panels are capable of. In your case this will be across the plug with the cable leading to the panel.
Never allow the meter when set to read amps to be connected to the system if the batteries are in circuit as there will be a sharp little click and your meter will be dead - or you might even get a small fire!
Then, just for your own amusement, also cast shadows across the panel and note how easily it is to reduce the panel's output to a virtually worthless current. Just a single line across in one direction can usually act like an on/off switch.