Experiments with Solar

[snogirlalx]

I'm looking to do an independent study class and am planning on building 3 solar panels and testing them. My big problem is what sort of test I should run. What kinds of small-scale experiments could I potentially run with my 3 panels?

[Mike90250]

Gear you need
Clip-On DC ammeter
DC voltmeter
MPPT charge controller: Morningstar Sunsaver MPPT (new, very efficient controller)
{If you don't use a MPPT controller, your tests will be erroneous.}
30A DC load (mod-sine 300W inverter and 3, 75W light bulbs)
12V Battery
Ambient air thermometer
IR thermometer (to measure panel temp)

Tests to run:
Initial power output (15 minutes before solar noon, panels must be hot from sun)
Test each panel 3 times (rotate testing, 1,2,3 back to 1,2,3, 1,2,3)
Record voltage, Panel amps, CC amps for each panel, while load is on (a full battery will not absorb any PV power)
average results of each panel

Leave panels sit out in weather for a month

redo the noontime test. Beware of different months, that may have different Solar
Isolation. That would skew the results.

Results should be interesting.