Calculator for Pmax solar panels with No Load Voltage (= Vos) and Short Circuit Current (Isc)
This is a very simple calculator for characterization of solar panels
It is based on the V-I curves of real solar panels and provides you with the calculation of maximum power (Pmax) if your controller has an MPPT function.
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To measure No Load Voltage (Vnl), simply disconnect any load, even the battery, from the solar panel and measure how many volts you get.
To measure Short Circuit Current (Isc), simply disconnect everything from the panel and connect an ammeter directly to the solar panel terminals.
Please note two important things before you measure anything:
- Solar panels can be rated as "12V", "24V", etc. In reality, it can be double that voltage sometimes. Please expect higher voltage when you measure Vnl.
- Solar panels can have very high currents. A 120W solar panel means it can produce around 10A if it is a 12V panel. Please use either a clamp meter or short-circuit the panel with thick wire (over 10AWG). If you use a conventional ammeter, expect high currents that may damage the meter.
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