Further to my earlier questions. I bought a POWERTECH digital 200amp DC power Meter with 60v max , and have connected up a amp/voltmeter in line to regulator from Solar panels (source) it is reading 13.4 v but no amps reading.
Meter is connected so source end is connected to leads coming from panels AND load side of meter connected to Regulator.
Don't know what iam doing wrong, help for a novice please
Whenarewethere said
10:23 PM Nov 30, 2020
13.4v is far too low from the panels. If one panel is faulty it will be nobbling the other panel. Don't leaves them connected for long unless you have diodes between the panels, you could cook a solar cell. If you have diodes between the panels you should be getting 7amps, one panel, or at something unless both are stuffed.
Have you tested each of the panels separately. You should get one panel sorted at a time to double check each component, & benchmarked.
Jaahn said
10:21 AM Dec 1, 2020
Hi jeepnudger
Well you certainly are aiming high for 200A. Just kidding !! I have one of those units too.
As has been said if you are checking then do each panel individually to see what is happening. A bugger to disconnect etc but do it right once and be happy. I have looked for a couple of simple checking videos that seemed easy to follow. A bit basic, but some others seemed too hard to follow.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SxfCSOnns8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBjCB1Dvcxs
if testing just a panel disconnected from anything, your meter should test them by checking with the leads open circuit for the voltage and then shorted together for the current. In good sun if possible facing flat to the sun. Or if some OK sun then at least some readings.
Possibly you have a bad connection or similar causing a fault. Check all the connections. A working solar panel disconnected will give a voltage close to its max in almost any sun even weak. No current if connected of course as that needs real sun.
Try these things and ask more questions. Good luck !
Jaahn
kgarnett said
01:11 PM Dec 1, 2020
Keep in mind that you cant use the DC power meter to measure Isc (Short circuit current) because when the panel output is shorted the voltage is 0V.
The power meter requires a minimum 6V to operate unless you use an external power supply connected to the small connector located adjacent to the source leads.
Further to my earlier questions. I bought a POWERTECH digital 200amp DC power Meter with 60v max , and have connected up a amp/voltmeter in line to regulator from Solar panels (source) it is reading 13.4 v but no amps reading.
Meter is connected so source end is connected to leads coming from panels AND load side of meter connected to Regulator.
Don't know what iam doing wrong, help for a novice please
13.4v is far too low from the panels. If one panel is faulty it will be nobbling the other panel. Don't leaves them connected for long unless you have diodes between the panels, you could cook a solar cell. If you have diodes between the panels you should be getting 7amps, one panel, or at something unless both are stuffed.
Have you tested each of the panels separately. You should get one panel sorted at a time to double check each component, & benchmarked.
Hi jeepnudger
Well you certainly are aiming high for 200A. Just kidding !!
I have one of those units too.
As has been said if you are checking then do each panel individually to see what is happening. A bugger to disconnect etc but do it right once and be happy. I have looked for a couple of simple checking videos that seemed easy to follow. A bit basic, but some others seemed too hard to follow.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SxfCSOnns8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBjCB1Dvcxs
if testing just a panel disconnected from anything, your meter should test them by checking with the leads open circuit for the voltage and then shorted together for the current. In good sun if possible facing flat to the sun. Or if some OK sun then at least some readings.
Possibly you have a bad connection or similar causing a fault. Check all the connections. A working solar panel disconnected will give a voltage close to its max in almost any sun even weak. No current if connected of course as that needs real sun.
Try these things and ask more questions. Good luck !
Jaahn
The power meter requires a minimum 6V to operate unless you use an external power supply connected to the small connector located adjacent to the source leads.
Ken