How to Check Solar Panel Voltage and Current Output
Whenever we consider buying solar panels, we first look at the size that suits our needs, as the market offers various sizes, such as 50W, 100W, 150W, 200W, 325W, 440W, and even larger ones. However, not everyone can use all types of solar panels, as different panels require different inverters or controllers, where voltage compatibility is crucial.
In this video, we will discuss how to determine the voltage and current of any solar panel and which controller or inverter to choose, based on the voltage range.
Solar panels have their voltage and current output within the wattage rating, like 100W, 200W, etc. When we multiply the voltage and current, we get the result in watts.
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How to Check Solar Panel Voltage and Current Output
The output power of our solar panel is determined by the sticker attached to it. This sticker contains all the details of the solar panel, such as its output power, maximum voltage, Dinesh’s maximum current, V.O.C (Open Circuit Voltage), and Isc (Short Circuit Current). All this information is provided on the sticker itself.
Let’s consider a 40W solar panel. Its maximum voltage output will be around 42 volts, and the maximum output current will be approximately 10.5 amperes. The V.O.C range will be about 45 volts, and the short circuit current will be around 11 amperes. So, at maximum power, its voltage will be Vmax, and its current will be Imax.
V.O.C is the Open Circuit Voltage, which means the voltage when our solar panel is not connected to any load or inverter. At that point, we measure the output voltage, and that is what we call V.O.C. If we want to measure it, it is quite simple. We can use a multimeter to check it.
Simply, you need to connect the multimeter to both terminals of the solar panel. Make sure the multimeter is set to measure DC current because the output power of our solar panel is in DC. To measure the current, you might need to use a clamp meter, which works similarly to a multimeter. Using the clamp meter, you can easily measure the current.
To do this, short-circuit both wires of your solar panel, meaning connect them together, and then use the clamp meter to measure the current. However, keep in mind that the output power will vary depending on different conditions. For example, you might get a lower output power in the morning, a higher one in the afternoon, and lower again in the evening. The maximum output power is only achieved under certain conditions and not always available.
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So, the output power of your solar panel will usually be lower than the rated power mentioned on the panel. Another way to determine the output power is by checking it with a controller or inverter. Many inverters and controllers have a feature where they display the voltage and current they are receiving from the solar panel.
You can multiply the current and voltage values displayed on the controller or inverter to get the output power of your solar panel at that particular time. The solar panel will be generating power accordingly. For example, the Smarten company’s solar charge controller has an M.P.P.T type that shows how much power it is receiving from the solar panel and how much power it is charging the battery with. With such methods, you can easily measure the current or voltage output of your solar panel.
What needs to be measured Solar Panel Output
Here, you don’t necessarily need to measure the current. The main focus should be on the voltage, specifically the V.O.C range (Open Circuit Voltage). It is crucial to consider this V.O.C range when purchasing a solar panel, solar charge controller, or inverter.
Suppose your solar panel’s V.O.C is 45 volts. Your solar charge controller or inverter should support this V.O.C range for you to use the solar panel with the controller or inverter. If you already have a controller or inverter, you need to make sure the solar panel you buy matches its specifications. Let’s consider an example:
If you purchased a Smarten company’s P.W.M technology solar charge controller with a current rating of 50A, and you want to use it with a single battery system, you should use a solar panel with a V.O.C of 25 volts (which is equivalent to 12 volts for wattage). Alternatively, if you connect it to a double battery system, you can use a solar panel with a V.O.C in the range of 72 cells or 144 cells, supporting 50 watts V.O.C range.
So, knowing the V.O.C range of your solar panel is essential before using it with a controller. In testing, it was observed that when a solar panel with a V.O.C range of 48 volts was connected to a 45 volts V.O.C supported controller, it worked fine in the morning but gave a high voltage error in the afternoon because the solar panel was generating its maximum power at that time.
One must be careful and ensure that the V.O.C of the solar panel should not exceed the V.O.C supported by the solar charge controller. For higher V.O.C solar panels, you can opt for M.P.P.T type solar charge controllers, such as those from Asha Power company, or the Loom solar company’s controllers, as they have a higher V.O.C range.
These controllers can be used with solar panels that have a high V.O.C. For solar panels with lower V.O.C, you can choose either M.P.P.T or P.W.M technology solar charge controllers from the Smarten company.
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