Testing Short Circuit Current Solar Panel

To accurately test a solar panel you need to find the open circuit voltage and short circuit current paying mind to the cell temperature ambient temperature coefficient and the angle towards the sun.

Testing short circuit current solar panel.

Depending on the reason for testing. When you do a short circuit test the voltage goes to zero. Usually written as i sc the short circuit current is shown on the iv curve below. Iv curve of a solar cell showing the short circuit current.

The first step is by gathering all your resources a solar panel two multimeters one to measure current while the other to measure voltage a resistance box wires most preferred are short length a spreadsheet. The current can be measured by passing the current through a multimeter configured to measure amps this does not harm the panel but care must be taken to avoid arcing. Feel free to speak to the experts. Can also be done on a string 2 or more modules wired in series.

The best quickest and easiest way to test a solar module is to check both the open circuit voltage voc and short circuit current isc. Disconnect the panel from any regulator if testing an array you will need to test each panel individually. To measure the amp output of your solar panel you will need to attach the meter to the positive and negative. To get an accurate measurement you will need to ensure that your panel is in full sunlight when you test.

Isc2 isc1 e2 e1 pmp2 pmp1 e2 e1 imp2 imp1 e2 e1 where isc1 rated short circuit current at irradiance e1 a isc2 short circuit current at new irradiance e2 a e1 rated solar irradiance w m2 e2 new solar irradiance w m2. All you need is a multimeter and a nice sunny day. The short circuit current is the current through the solar cell when the voltage across the solar cell is zero i e when the solar cell is short circuited. You will need a solar panel tester known as an amp meter.

At the combiner box if present at the solar module. The test can be done. Providing your wiring is sized correctly and your meter has the capability of measuring the current there is no safety issue measuring a b i u single panel. This brief video shows you how to test the open circuit voltage and short circuit current of your solar panel.

The short circuit current isc maximum power current imp and maximum power pmp at one condition of solar irradiance may be translated to estimate the value of these parameters at another irradiance level.