How To Test Efficiency Of Solar Panel

Locate the converter box.

How to test efficiency of solar panel.

The highest efficiency solar panels on the market today can reach almost 23 percent efficiency. The power absorption of the module is the maximum solar module wattage divided by its surface area. Solar panels have been consistently increasing in efficiency at about 5 annually since 2010. Solar panel efficiency can be simply described as the ratio of the module s power absorption to the input irradiance on standard test conditions.

Solar panel efficiency is calculated with a set of standard test conditions stc which are used by the entire solar industry. To ensure that you don t blow your device s fuse set the maximum amperage sensitivity to well above your expected reading. Note positive negative connections. To test solar panel amperage output put your solar panel in direct sunlight set your multi meter to the dc amps setting.

Most solar panels have efficiency ratings of around 15 to 18 percent. Then touch the multi meter s black negative lead to your solar panel s negative wire. Touch the multi meter s red positive lead to your solar panel s positive wire. To test solar panel amperage output put your solar panel in direct sunlight set your multi meter to the amps setting and.

The converter box is located on the back of the solar panel. Step 3 measure current. Using a multimeter for solar panel tests step 1. Use the formula to calculate the efficiency of photovoltaic cell.

The average efficiency of solar panels falls between the 17 to 19 percent efficiency range. Attach the meter to the positive and negative terminals on the solar panel and make sure the panel is properly exposed to sunlight. Factors that affect solar panel efficiency. Depending on the time of year one of the values above is the power input from the sun that is converted into electrical energy by the photovoltaic cell.

They are tested in laboratory conditions with a light source that provides 1 000 watts per square meter and a solar panel surface temperature of 25 c. 700 watts m2 on a sunny winter day.