How do we test our solar panels??

[Maxhead]

I'm confused why the analog meter is not set to 25v DC range and we're saying its reading 18/19V....must be missing something

[Robo]

Now I'm awake, remember analog meter only measures to 250 ml amp, that's why I didn't use it, and why I own the other.

AND guess what? Now it's reading/operating correctly, actually getting 6.07 amps( if I aim it at the sun), which is juust over the rated amps.
Ida know what happened, I know I tested it correctly before.
(May be a spike upset meter?)
Conducted this test before and achieved correct result first time, but this one threw me a curve ball.
Another pic showing good result.
All's well that ends well.
Thanks for the input gents.
Merry Christmas.DSCF7257.JPG DSCF7258.JPG

[the evil twin]

I remain confused about the .23A but believe if the panel was putting out the expected amps when connected to the battery then it must be ok.

Yes, agree

I'm confused why the analog meter is not set to 25v DC range and we're saying its reading 18/19V....must be missing something

The Micronta (which is a decent bit of kit actually) is set to 25 VDC.
They are a tad different in that you read the scale selection against the dot on the face at 12 O'clock not the knob position like the Flukes etc.
Not intuitive these days I know but makes sense to us pre-decimal currency technicians as a lot of gear was like that when we calibrated the Ark

Now I'm awake, remember analog meter only measures to 250 ml amp, that's why I didn't use it, and why I own the other.

AND guess what? Now it's reading/operating correctly, actually getting 6.07 amps( if I aim it at the sun), which is juust over the rated amps.
Ida know what happened, I know I tested it correctly before.
(May be a spike upset meter?)

I thought it would be the E.T. factor also known as finger trouble (cause it happens to me all the freakin' time)

Your theoretical Isc max is 5.96 Amps, 5.81 is a very good result in the paddock.

[Maxhead]

The Micronta (which is a decent bit of kit actually) is set to 25 VDC.
They are a tad different in that you read the scale selection against the dot on the face at 12 O'clock not the knob position like the Flukes etc.
Not intuitive these days I know but makes sense to us pre-decimal currency technicians as a lot of gear was like that when we calibrated the Ark

Yes, makes sense now. I have used a few old school meters but obviously not from around the ark era ...LOL Could have been something to do with the heat and beers too.
Thanks for that

[threedogs]

These are handy

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Digital-L...0AAOSwLVZVuJGt

[the evil twin]

These are handy

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Digital-L...0AAOSwLVZVuJGt

Sure are, suprisingly accurate as well
I've used about 10 of them here and there over the last 5 years or so and only had one shit itself and one other that swallowed a bit too much current for too long.

Only things that give me the irrits are they have no mounting points (I either glue or velcro them) and very short fly leads which makes terminating them with anything other than plugs a bit of a PIA.
Anderson Power Pole style are the go for a nice compact solution.