Testing Short Circuit Current Solar Panel

All you need is a multimeter and a nice sunny day.

Testing short circuit current solar panel.

Short circuit current is the current that flows out of the panel when the positive and negative leads are shorted together. At the combiner box if present at the solar module. Can also be done on a string 2 or more modules wired in series. 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.

You will need a solar panel tester known as an amp meter. 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. Usually written as i sc the short circuit current is shown on the iv curve below. The video shows you how you could check the function of a solar panel by measure the open circuit voltage and short circuit current uoc isc.

Disconnect the panel from any regulator if testing an array you will need to test each panel individually. Depending on the reason for testing. Iv curve of a solar cell showing the short circuit current. The test can be done.

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. This brief video shows you how to test the open circuit voltage and short circuit current of your solar panel. 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. To get an accurate measurement you will need to ensure that your panel is in full sunlight when you test.

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. Solar panels are current sources. To measure the amp output of your solar panel you will need to attach the meter to the positive and negative. 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.

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.