Panel labeled with "Pmax" on amp and voltage?

[BilljustBill]

On the rear panel sticker are terms and numbers. What does "Pmax" 5.71 and Pmax 17v. mean?

If a panel is measured with a multimeter and shows 20.3 v, and 4.02 amp under a multimeter load in clear 2:00pm December skies, and is rated for 100 watts, +-3%, any ideas as to why it's not kicking out 100 watts?

Thank you for your help,
Bill

[Jason]

Hi Bill,

VMP = voltage at maximum output
IMP = amperage at maximum output.

Voltage at Pmax (vmp) and Current at Pmax (imp) are the optimal measurements drawn from the solar panel.

17*5.71= 97.01W

So 97W is the Nominal Power of the panel

[Mike90250]

There can only be on Pmax for a panel. Power Max.
That only happens at a specific voltage. Useally a couple volts below Open Circuit voltage.
Short Ckt amps is only for testing. To read true power, you have to have an electronic load box, that provides a load for the panel, at say 17Volts, and then you can measaure your Max power. A 12V battery will alwsys pull a panel below it's MAX rating , down to about 13V

[BilljustBill]

Here is the rear Spec sticker with data.
Bill