How to Test Solar Panels without the Sun
It may surprise you, but you don’t actually need the sun in order to test your solar panels. There are a variety of other methods available. Artificial light can be used to determine if your panels are operating. Whilst artificial light can’t be used for a thorough test of optimal output or testing of solar panel wattage, it can be used as a basic test to ensure functionality.
Test solar panels without the sun by using a light source
Solar panels are a great way to reduce your reliance on fossil fuels. If you’re thinking of making the switch to solar, you may be wondering if you can test the panels without any reliance on the sun. The good news is that you don’t need the sun to test solar panels. Any light source will work, including fluorescent lights, incandescent lights, and even LED lights.
It is important to note that artificial light sources won’t have enough photons to generate anything but a small reading on your voltmeter, but it will be enough to test the working status. No matter how strong artificial light may be, it cannot compare to the power and brightness of natural sunlight required for optimal performance and charging capabilities.
To test your solar panels using artificial light, you’ll need the following:
- An artificial light source
- A power supply for your artificial light source
- A multimeter/voltmeter
Follow these steps to test your solar panels without the sun:
- Connect the solar panels to a multimeter or voltmeter
- Connect your artificial light to a power source; we recommend a large incandescent lamp
- Turn the light source on and point it directly at your solar panel
- Check the reading on the voltmeter; it should show a very small reading indicating that your solar panel is working.
If your multimeter displays an output of ‘0’ this probably means that your panel isn’t working correctly or that the artificial light source isn’t strong enough. Either way, you should look to troubleshoot the issue or contact a qualified professional such as the team at Skyline Solar for assistance.
Whilst not ideal, testing solar panels without the sun is a viable option, especially if you’re looking for a basic test to determine their functionality. While artificial light sources cannot generate the same power and brightness as natural sunlight, they can be used to check whether your solar panels are working.