Solar panels soldering or connecting

[Mike90250]

here's the gold foil standard fuse chart:
Fuse replacement chart.jpg

My multimmeter is a much more complex one it seems . It has a 1 amp and 10 amp fuse on it so when I do that , and I often do , the fuse blows. $35 at Jaycar /D.Smith etc

Even cheapies have them http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/UN3F-DT-8...MAAOSwNRdX6NQr

What are you using for a fuse ? tin foil?

[bcroe]

This sort of problem is why I use a clamp on ammeter. If a case came up where I need more accuracy, a shunt is wired
permanently in which can then be checked by a sensitive voltmeter. Bruce Roe

[Buddy]

This just isn't for me. I'm selling them

[Mike90250]

At least you lived. Sometimes the plasma fireball cooks the person.

[littleharbor]

Did something like this just the other day. Went to test the voltage of a battery bank and had forgotten to move the red lead from amps to voltage. Brand new meter fried, DOH!

[Mike90250]

The fun part is the next day, you go to measure something with the meter, but you forget to move the test cable back to the Voltage jack. When you connect the leads, your meter explodes in your face because you left it in the shunt position (dead short)
"Absent protection in case of wrong measurement setup"
multimeter_b03_b100.jpg

http://www.vis.bayern.de/produktsicherheit/produktgruppen/computer_elektrowaren/multimeter.htm

[inetdog]

,.. Not sure how to get amperage on a multimeter...

First and foremost you read the instructions for that meter.

More generally, you USUALLY set the function switch to DC Amps, and maybe plug one of the test leads into a different, clearly marked, jack.
Then you cover the panel, connect the test leads to + and to -, then uncover the panel.

Make sure that your meter has a high enough range to work safely with the rated Isc of the panel.

[Buddy]

Sorry for such a long delay. Life got busy. They are 39" x 20" (approximately). Friend who gave them to me said he believes they are rated at 10amps, 14a,ps max in direct sunlight, they are supposedly low light panels.

In direct sun today I measured 78.5v from one panel.

I'd like to be able to power my furnace (gas). My furnace already has a plug to go to a generator in case power goes out.

I think I have 8-10 of these panels.

[DaveDE2]

How big are the panels? What are the dimensions? WAG about 10% efficiency. Give us the dimensions and we'll wag wattage.

[Buddy]

No labels or anything on them. Jusy know a multimeter shows about 73V. Not sure how to get amperage on a multimeter.

[Mike90250]

So, those are Amorphous panels, and provide high voltage and degrade quickly. I supposed loaded, they would be 60V. Any indication or label on them as to their specs ? There may be a lot of voltage, but little amperage.

[Buddy]

Those are pressure contacts, for use with a wide, fat spring loaded contact. Solder will destroy them,

Thank you! That is a great help. Recommendations on what I should mount them too? Ply wood? Anything lighter and waster resistant? Also could you recommend an inverter? I have 8 and they are putting out 75 volts each. Looking to power the pool water pump with them.

[Mike90250]

Those are pressure contacts, for use with a wide, fat spring loaded contact. Solder will destroy them,

[Buddy]

I got these solar panels from a friend. Checked with a multi-meter and they work good. But I cannot get anything to solder to them. Any ideas? Picture attached.