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Home & Garden Articles
Testing Your Solar Panels
Wed 23 May 2007 - 16:41
Testing Your Solar Panels
By Richard Chapo
Many people think you just throw up some solar panels and bask in the electricity. Well, that is true, but it helps to test them to make sure things are working efficiently.
Electrical current is measured in amperes. To test a solar panel, attach a meter, called an "amp meter" that can measure amperes, to the positive and negative terminals on the panel, and expose the panel to full sunlight. Make sure that the amp meter is rated higher than the solar panels are, so that you don't damage the meter or cause yourself injury. The measurement on the meter is called the "short circuit current", and it is the amount of current you can expect from the panels.
An alternate method of determining the power output of a solar panel is by measuring the voltage of resistors which all have different values. In order to conduct the test, you would need multiple resistors as well as a digital multi-meter which is used to measure the DC voltage. Once the measurements are made, the power output can be calculated using the equation: Current = Voltage / Resistance. A performance graph can then be created for the panel by plotting the power output.
Current can either be AC (alternating current) or DC (direct current). Direct current, also known as DC or continuous current, is the constant flow of an electric charge. In most instances, the current flows through a conductor such as a wire. It can also go through insulators, semi-conductors or even in electron or ion beams. In direct current, the electric charges flow in the same direction, distinguishing it from alternating current. Direct current is primarily used for low voltage applications. A photovoltaic solar electric panel generates DC power when it is exposed to sunlight.
The power usage of the appliances that one might power with a solar panel or array, or by the batteries they charge, is measured in watts. Wattage is calculated as P=E*I, where P=Power, E=Voltage and I=Current. By measuring the voltage and amperage of a solar panel and plugging into this equation, one can determine the power production of the system and if it will be sufficient for the required needs.
A solar charge controller is usually used in constructing a solar power system. It works to regulate the power coming from the PV panel into the rechargeable battery. There are several components which might be included. A potentiometer can be used to adjust the float voltage. Most contain an equalize function which helps which occasional overcharging and a temperature compensation function which works to automatically provide the best battery charge depending on temperature. It is recommended that you attempt to match the battery's amp-hour rating with the maximum current on your solar panel.
Rick Chapo is with SolarCompanies.com - learn more about solar panels.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Chapo
http://EzineArticles.com/?Testing-Your-Solar-Panels&id=575745
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