I'm getting 0 amps from an old solar panel but it's showing 18 volts

[KARML]

I found an old solar panel and wanted to see if I could make use of it. In testing the solar panel, I can see that in bright sunlight, I'm getting around 18-20 volts. However, when I switch the reader over to measure current, I get 0 amps. Shouldn't I be seeing SOME current flow? Is this panel worth keeping?

[Mike90250]

I found an old solar panel and wanted to see if I could make use of it. In testing the solar panel, I can see that in bright sunlight, I'm getting around 18-20 volts. However, when I switch the reader over to measure current, I get 0 amps. Shouldn't I be seeing SOME current flow? Is this panel worth keeping?

Be sure you are operating your meter properly. Most require both switching a dial, AND moving a connector lead, to a new jack on the meter , usually marked 10A max

[KARML]

Be sure you are operating your meter properly. Most require both switching a dial, AND moving a connector lead, to a new jack on the meter , usually marked 10A max

Thanks Mike. I have a GREEENLEE DM-20 meter. I switch the dial to 20m A with a long dash over short dashes. There is no where on this meter to change the leads. It's simply a black and red lead.

[Mike90250]

Thanks Mike. I have a GREEENLEE DM-20 meter. I switch the dial to 20m A with a long dash over short dashes. There is no where on this meter to change the leads. It's simply a black and red lead.

That is a 20 mA scale [0.02A] and your 3-6A panel may have burned it out. The good news is, it's supposed to be a lifetime waranty on the meter.

[KARML]

That is a 20 mA scale [0.02A] and your 3-6A panel may have burned it out. The good news is, it's supposed to be a lifetime waranty on the meter.

ok...my meter aside then, how can I test this panel? Can I wire it to an electrical swith and plug in a 13watt light bulb? I'm new to this, so bare with me on my stupid questions. I realize the light will only work when I'm in full day light, but I just want to know the panel is still good.

[Mike90250]

you will need a 12V car tail or turn signal light, and just touch the wires to the bub base

[KARML]

Thanks for your help Mike. It's cloudy here, but I did see some red on a taillight bulb. Just for my edification, will it not power a 13W high efficiency lightbuld because my amps * volts is not 13? Or is there something else I'm missing about wiring this to an outlet and plugging the light bulb in?

[russ]

Your household bulb is 120 volts and 13 watts

[Mike90250]

If you have a 17V panel, you won't even cause a glow in a 120V bulb. It's also DC, and the CFL lightbulbs mostly need 120V @ 60hz . You can get some specialty 12V DC CFL bulbs, but you can't run them off a 17V panel, you need to have a battery and charge controller too.