This is a post I saved from last October but, haven't got around to trying it yet. Hope it helps!
Solar panel test
The only real way to test a solar panel is to see how much current (amps) it is putting in the battery. The little digital multimeters from Harbor Freight work well for this. Set the meter to the 200 milliamp scale. Connect the meter as shown below. Most of the feeder solar panels (6"x6") put out between 2 and 10 milliamps depending on which way they are facing, cloud conditions, etc. Larger panels will put out more current. I have one from Northern Tool that puts out around 200 milliamps. Once you complete the test MAKE SURE you switch the meter back to the volts scale. Trying to measure volts with the meter set to current will fry your meter. Don't ask how I know this.
Solar panel test
The only real way to test a solar panel is to see how much current (amps) it is putting in the battery. The little digital multimeters from Harbor Freight work well for this. Set the meter to the 200 milliamp scale. Connect the meter as shown below. Most of the feeder solar panels (6"x6") put out between 2 and 10 milliamps depending on which way they are facing, cloud conditions, etc. Larger panels will put out more current. I have one from Northern Tool that puts out around 200 milliamps. Once you complete the test MAKE SURE you switch the meter back to the volts scale. Trying to measure volts with the meter set to current will fry your meter. Don't ask how I know this.
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