PV Gap

Monica Said:

Any suggestions for converting my 120V 760 W appliance into DC power?

We Answered:

That's a lot of power, In any case, you need an inverter.

Dorothy Said:

How can I test the solar module?

We Answered:

It would be difficult to duplicate the laboratory conditions the manufacturer set up to determine the stated output values. To get a rough idea,you would certainly need a volt-ohm-ammeter to start with.

Open circuit voltage is simple. Just put the voltmeter leads across the panel terminals. With the panel exposed to sunlight, of course. This doesn't tell you much about the ability of the panel, though.

The short circuit current can be determined by connecting the ammeter leads to the panel terminals. Be sure the ammeter setting is well above the stated short circuit current. The amount of sunlight and angle will affect the reading.

The terms maximum voltage and maximum current do not mean much to me. The maximum voltage will be delivered at the minimum current. This, of course, will be at open circuit. Possibly maximum current means the maximum current that can be supplied continuously, while maintaining rated voltage.