Guide to Troubleshooting Solar Panels, Voc/Isc Measurements and Most Common Solar Panel Issues!

[@markhennings7207]

This panel can put out close to 100 watts kzbin.infoUgkxOqI2yqX0XVrhR2BMJciTWrHJpG8FhJyg when positioned in the appropriate southernly direction, tilted to the optimal angle for your latitude/date, and connected to a higher capacity device than a 500. The built in kickstand angle is a fixed at 50 degrees. Up to 20% more power can be output by selecting the actual date and latitude optimal angle.The 500 will only input 3.5A maximum at 18 volts for 63 watts. Some of the excess power from the panel can be fed into a USB battery bank, charged directly from the panel while also charging a 500. This will allow you to harvest as much as 63 + 15 = 78 watts.If this panel is used to charge a larger device, such as the power station, then its full output potential can be realized.

[@gypsywine]

Thank you so much for this simple, well explained video. I'm a single woman still learning about my expanding solar array My panel is well out of guarantee so feeling like I would just have to recycle it. In minutes I found and fixed a very minor problem. It also did wonders in the empowerment department too. Thank you.

[@RPSSolarPumps]

Wow great to hear! What was the issue you found? -Mike

[@gypsywine]

@@RPSSolarPumps the wire had come loose from the box in the back. I opened it and saw the problem, repositioned and tightened now it working as expected, just the way you explained.

[@anthonygunda3741]

Single woman how are you

[@timsmuin7392]

This is the best solar panel troubleshooting video I've found! Excellent information!

[@michaelgkellygreen]

I have a solar panel with no volts or amp output. Thank for this great video. I now have some guidance of what i can do to try and fix the panel.

[@starringchristopher]

easily the best vid on this subject so far ......many thanks!!

[@ronniephillips7502]

Thank you for posting this video. I was having an issue with my brand new panel, after watching this I was able to find the issue (bad connection) I put new ends on and BAM it is working great. Thank you again- Ronnie

[@RPSSolarPumps]

Glad to help. Can't tell you how often the issue is improperly seated (both the housing or the internal contact) MC4 connectors. Nice simple fix!

[@dingnextstop]

Thanks for the information, I have a Victron 175w panel that I bought just 2 weeks ago which in full sun should put out 10amps, the most I have got is 7amps so I will be following your test procedure 👍🏻

[@sigmaprime8785]

Thank you! I didn't know the corner protectors causes issues! 😮 honestly 😊

[@GAF8673]

Thanks for sharing this testing technique with us. My question is how can I determine the voltage of 350watt solar panel mono crystal.Thanks

[@bobbailey7235]

I can't thank you enough for this video. This has so much valuable information that I can't stop smiling. I will now subscribe to your channel!

[@RPSSolarPumps]

Wow, glad it helped! Did you figure out your problem?

[@TheAdithya1991]

Great video, very informative and clear. Thank you!

[@Fester_]

Could I use a solder iron in place of a soder iron ?

[@edwinthomas618]

So for new 100W , what happens you getting high amps like 13amps for open circuit but closed circuit was 2.80A?

[@homandbackyard008]

let say i have 20 solar panels, 16 is facing south and 4 facing west, should i have 2 equal strings 8 facing south plus 2 facing west or 10 facing west and another string 6 facing south plus 4 facing west? Why

[@carlos_sacalul]

Hi,help me please,i have two 400w solar pannel hooked up in series.When i meassure volt and amps with multimeter i have this( 80v with 9A= 720w) but when i connect them on my mppt i have only 250w. In load drop the power more than half. Can you give an advice. Thanks a lot. Cheers

[@anthonybarnard3527]

Very good training. Thanks😊

[@RPSSolarPumps]

Thanks friend

[@akasha1337]

i have 2 panels in series with normal voltage but very low amp what can be the cause in full sun i get hardly 0.1 amp voltage is normal when i measure

[@seanrathgeber]

Thank you! I was waiting on technical support to get back to me from Ecoflow, my panel had no output, an mc4 had a loose connection it’s working great now 👍

[@RPSSolarPumps]

Great to hear! Glad we could help.

[@GunninWizard]

I got same problem. Full sun no output on mc4 on my zamp solar.

[@RPSSolarPumps]

@@GunninWizard Did you double-check all your MC4 connections? Find it helps to disconnect and reconnect all connections even if they look fully seated.

[@rsabardoelectrical]

Thanks from South Africa

[@RPSSolarPumps]

Our pleasure!

[@emonty62]

I made a MC4 cable/connectors/extension. Measured the voltage to the solar panel without light emitting to the panel. The voltage reads 0.59V is that ok? PS: I just want to know if the cables/connectors are installed correctly.

[@perecarl12]

The solar panel on my rv is warped. Should I be concerned or is this typical?

[@lucas03101977]

Hey Mike!!! Thanks for sharing your knowledge through these amazing videos, very helpful!!! I loved the way you explain everything. I would like to ask you a question. I bought a 300w solar panel and want to get the efficiency. My voltmeter is 10amps and the panel label says that the maximum current is 18amps. Should I buy another multimeter? you can help me?

[@RPSSolarPumps]

Probably good to get a clamp multimeter if you plan on testing this panel or other like it often

[@Meeks32321]

Great video, I hope my customer has a reputable manufacturer. Living here in the United States, she is Chinese; so if we need to communicate directly, that shouldn't be an issue haha.

[@teamsalvation]

Can a panel exceed its Isc like it can its Voc? E.g. lower temps from STC (no other changes) would result in a higher Voc. Are there similar considerations for Isc, to avoid over current?

[@nigarcia1]

Great explanation, thanks

[@reiya6563]

I got mine looks like defective, it was has 22,11v voc and 18vmp. But now voc is only 21v and can't get 18vmp for the MPP or high current. It's only producing high current at voltage 14v. How can i fix this??

[@komohale3522]

Great video. So much information. Maybe I can figure out why I have a dead panel. You don't seem wooried about getting shocked. At what point does that become an issue? I know the output af an array is very dangerous. Anybody? Thanks.

[@RPSSolarPumps]

I start to get worried after 50V DC and am extra careful after 100V DC. These panels output a Voc of ~23V, so not an issue; really hard to get a zap. Larger panels might output around 44V, so still low risk. That being said, if I was working on panels without connectors, I would have removed my ring, as contact across the ring could weld the wires to it and cause it to heat up rather quickly. With the MC4 connectors on the wires, I was comfortable keeping it on.

[@tonyjohnson1068]

Question for you I wired up my solar array and I have voltage on the wire but when I hook it up to the combiner box then there is no voltage on any of the circuits. I can't understand it.

[@RPSSolarPumps]

Have you check to see if there is a short anywhere on your combiner box? Is there a load hooked up to your combiner box. Second thing to look at is a loose MC4 connector in your combiner box?

[@Ran_Rider]

what is the measured voltage drop of diode in solar if damage or broken? tnx

[@عبدالمجيدالرشيدي-ب8ب]

Good evening sir, I have 4solar panel in my home. But always i'm getting same problem happens in diodes, they burn every maybe 20 days. So plz bro could u show what is the reason. Thanks

[@jamilakhter8878]

Sir excellent job has done

[@genome692002]

Thanks. Didnt know they are connected in series and just one of the cells affect output of all the cells. I was wondering why one of my brand new panels output only 18.4v out of 21.6v voc. I thought it might ne broken but iwill cjeck first if there are aome dirt in any one of the cells. Thanks...

[@RPSSolarPumps]

Yep, when everything is in series, shadowing a few cells, will restrict power for the rest.

[@NicDiChiara]

Great video. Thank you for sharing

[@nickcooper7959]

Fantastic video. I am looking into making an IV curve using a very similar method. I am wondering where I would put my load resistors when hooking my panel up to my multimeter

[@RPSSolarPumps]

Kinda hard as your load resistors need to dissipate the maximum power of the panel, meaning load resistors of 100W for a 100W panel. There are active loads you can purchase online that have a fan for cooling, which we used in our other video regarding cleaning of the panels.

[@edson-neris]

Hi! If a wire with a 120 volt phase touches the frame of a solar panel that has not yet been installed, could it damage that panel? Thanks

[@RPSSolarPumps]

Yes it could, but the frame is not attached to the photovoltaics, so there is a good chance the cells are not damaged.

[@alexanderonyeije5902]

Wonderful and thanks for your in depth analysis. I have a an array of 6nose of 250w mono panels connected in series powering my solar borewell pump. And I later noticed that all the bypass diodes of the 6panels went bad. What could cause this pls. Thank u

[@RPSSolarPumps]

Hmm no idea. I have not seen that before.

[@netrocker9990]

What is the rated series dc voltage of your panel? In india Most common one I have seen was 500v ,1000v & 1500v.

[@karunasenakahandawala2359]

Thank you. Very informative video.

[@diyguy446]

Soooo Gooooood!!! Thanks Much!!

[@RPSSolarPumps]

You bet!

[@Believe30]

What if you just have a basic multimeter?

[@alchormontajes8411]

It helpful thanks for yout knowledgeable vlog, thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience in the field. More power.

[@RPSSolarPumps]

Glad it was helpful!

[@blindreck]

What do you start to look when there is a low watt output in full sun?(3x 100w panels, 28w total output)

[@RPSSolarPumps]

This is much harder since you need to be able to test under load, but it is possible with an MPPT charge controller. First and most obvious is dirty panels or any partial shadows on panels. Small obstructions can cause large power losses. Second, make sure you are testing your panels individually, versus in series (if you are). A single degraded panel will affect others in series. Third, I would inspect each cell for damage either electrical (charring) or any cracks. Cell cracks can isolate portions of the cells and restrict current flow. Those are some good places to start off the top of my head!

[@blindreck]

@RPS Solar Pumps thank you. I found out that i need to connect them in parallel for my inverter to work. Now i need to learn how to properly connect terminals

[@thamesuser]

Great video ....... I hope it will fix my panels that dont seem to have any Amps

[@RPSSolarPumps]

Good luck!

[@JAG_UAR]

Sir can we install a panel that Voc 47{Standered testing condition} , but the inverter recommended Voc is 15 to 45 . ?

[@RPSSolarPumps]

Usually the recommended voltage range is related to Vmp and not Voc. The inverters usually have a separate maximum input voltage rating that is related to Voc, that you do not want to exceed.

[@raymondmachawira1020]

Good day. My controller is not lighting the mppt light on the screen it's flushing P0

[@RPSSolarPumps]

Hi Raymond, please give us a call at 8886374493, one of the engineers will be able to help you!

[@idaraekanem9264]

What is the name and model of clamp meter and multimeter used in the test

[@RPSSolarPumps]

I think that one is a generic brand. You just need to look for a clamping meter that does DC current. They cost a bit more, but are worth it for solar testing!

[@off-gridsimplyhappyrodriguez]

Awesome sauce 😁 Thank you

[@kashmirdhillon7768]

Very good job 👍

[@ricasdeguzman7762]

ask sir why my solar panel if the weather so hot the output of voltage drop if they have clouds they have a good charging

[@RPSSolarPumps]

Voltage will drop as temperature of the panel increases. Perhaps your voltage is not high enough for your charge controller?

[@ricasdeguzman7762]

@@RPSSolarPumps posible solar chargbut if i test the output voltage of solar panel if temp is high the voltage drop to 12v but if they have clouds 15v

[@MelkiReski]

Sir why is my panel is showing a fluctuative current and voltage while connected to battery through scc? Its fluctuating so much that its hard to determine the amount of current that passing.

[@RPSSolarPumps]

Sounds like it could be a charge controller issue. Unplug your controller and test your panels per the video to see if they produce steady power to rule out a loose wire (unlikely). If panels test fine, check your controller.

[@MelkiReski]

@@RPSSolarPumps Voc and Isc is match with the panel spec and not fluctuating, is there any chance the problem is the panel not the controller? i was ask because there was very little info about current that fluctuates in the internet, mostly about loss power, not fluctuate

[@MelkiReski]

battery is fully charged, is that affect the current that passing?

[@bradfordpalmer2298]

Dude you gave some good info. I did not know about shorting out the panel to check for amps. I guess there is a huge difference between that short and shorting out to ground?

[@RPSSolarPumps]

Yes, these are different things. It is okay to short the + to - on a single panel to check short circuit current. Be careful if you have multiple panels in parallel/series as this can drive a lot of current.

[@bwilburn9039]

How would you use a multimeter with DC amp on it to check ISC?

[@RPSSolarPumps]

Short the + and - solar panel wires together and then use the DC clamp to check the current flowing through the wire.

[@bwilburn9039]

@@RPSSolarPumps I have a multimeter not a clamp on meter?

[@anil_a13]

I have two 375 watt panel connected paralley with 9 amp each.. But my output is max 15 amp on inverter.. What's the problem..

[@RPSSolarPumps]

Thats not too bad for real world conditions. Is it an MPPT charge controller or PWM?

[@obaroaluya3762]

Not bad. Those spec are at standard conditions

[@mmyrowich]

Awesome thanks for the advice

[@PaulLadendorf]

So you have to have a clamp on meter to measure ISC?

[@RPSSolarPumps]

No, but that is the easiest. With a normal multi-meter you need to run the power though the current measurement inputs. Would need to create MC4 pigtails to run it though and make sure your meter is rated for the Isc value of your panels, or else you will burn the multi-meter fuse.

[@ileanamaser129]

Hello, great video! I need some advice, I would like to know how much solar panel and how strong does my battery and converter have to be to run a submersible water pump and a couple of light bulbs. Also how strong does the inverter have to be to work for a water pump. I only need it to run about an hour per day. Let me know please.

[@egreenspot]

I wish this was as easy for our system. Each reading fluctuates differently with little consistency.

[@zenniz1992]

better wear a insulation glove when you are dealing with exposed conductor under sunlight.

[@ferebeefamily]

Thank you for the video

[@RPSSolarPumps]

You're welcome

[@michaelleach9588]

Great vid thanks so much

[@RPSSolarPumps]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@andrewbailey2547]

I'm getting 19.0v plug in my phone in the usb port and it says 6.2 phone charging but loses power?

[@RPSSolarPumps]

Sorry, not sure about this specific issue. Maybe contact the manufacturer?

[@mver]

Great Video! I have several used Sunpower 435w panels that I want to test before installation. The Voc = 85v, Isc = 6.43a | The rated output Vmpp = 73v, Impp = 5.97a. What is the best way to load test each panel safely? Do I need a 500w resistive load?

[@RPSSolarPumps]

It is hard to do a proper maximum power load test. One of the best ways is to use an MPPT charge controller with depleted batteries one panel at a time. Otherwise, you can try a resistive heater, but if it draws too much power, the voltage will collapse and you will get closer to an Isc measurement.

[@goudhaantje3569]

Got it. All I now need is a sunny day. (I am in the Netherlands and it is raining) My MC4 's are connected to an 5 m extension cord but either that gives zero output or my 12v appliance is dead. So I have to order a voltmeter first.

[@RPSSolarPumps]

Glad it could help. Did you end up finding your issue?

[@goudhaantje3569]

@@RPSSolarPumps not yet

[@teejay2822]

Greetings sir plz help me my panels are not giving amperes

[@RPSSolarPumps]

Check for a loose connection. Also pull the cover off the back of the solar panels to look for a loose wire or bad ribbon connection.

[@teejay2822]

@@RPSSolarPumps thank you dear sir

[@davidb7358]

Thanks!

[@michaelcostello6991]

Great info

[@RPSSolarPumps]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Zn8aZn8a]

How can I measure the maximum current and maximum voltage?

[@Zn8aZn8a]

Can I use variable resistance?

[@RPSSolarPumps]

It is rather hard. Yes a variable resistor would work, but it would need to dissipate the maximum power the panel is producing, so not really viable. We use a content current load, which is like a variable resistor. Check back in a few weeks, as we are working on an MPPT tester!

[@Zn8aZn8a]

@@RPSSolarPumps I didn't find the video, can you send the link to me please

[@nathanbusch3953]

I stands for “intensity” which represents current.

[@nathanbusch3953]

Not that you didn’t know I thought someone might

[@RPSSolarPumps]

For sure! Thanks for the extra info. Kinda confusing, V for Volts is simple, but I for Current?!?

[@ravijanramallosa8206]

What is the voltage used when you're getting the total voltage in a system, Voc or Vmp?

[@RPSSolarPumps]

When the two solar panel wires are open and not connected to anything, you are reading Voc (Voltage Open Circuit). Vmp is a harder measurement and requires specialized tools.

[@mcgoldyn]

Thank you for this information. However, your explanation of Isc measurement is quite lacking

[@sainumkhey8849]

if i test 550 watts solar panel isc measurements is that a problem?

[@yowiea123]

Would have been a LOT better had you used a more common Multimeter, the home handyman can't afford the clamp style.

[@dianafinyah8198]

Waow great

[@mikemorris689]

Lets not forget either if that panel says its a 100 watts no matter what if theres an obstruction or not its still gonna lose 20 percent after install .. this a common mistake. That everyone needs to Practice. Because home owners be like i thought i was getting 7500 kw and in actuality it’s like 5500 to 6k and then explaining in detail that production values are created in a climate controlled environment.

[@festusrv1849]

My charge controller thinks it night time all the time

[@7sky574]

Sir pls send ur WhatsApp number as i have query regarding mine 5kv solar on grid plant, mine system beep when i wash my panel or when it rains, after 3 to 4 hour sunshine plants become normal and start functioning. Sir need help how to find the error and how to rectify. Thanks.

[@ApkanUduak]

What could lead to my Inverter machine damage?