I took the positive from one end of the string and the negative of the other end ( 6 445w panels ) and used the meter probes on dc voltage. Then pulled them out of the mc4 connectors, switched it to DC amps and did the same thing.
Are you saying that the probes will not read amps or that I shouldn't use them because I might electrocute myself? (or both?)
Ah ha! So this 20+ number is just gibberish or maybe some kind of interference? This would make sense as to why my other readings, including with the clamp are accurate.
But he has the hat! And the clamp osmosis looks legit!
Have you compared your output to projected output from a model like PVWatts? 1.7kW from 2.2kW seems low but tilt orientation and location can have a big affect. How much do you get per day? Panels rarely put out rating except in ideal conditions. Are they on a string inverter or micros? What is AC capacity of inverter(s)?
It would not be an inverter Wattage constraint with your string inverter capacity of 3000 Watts.. Are there any voltage or current limits on your inverter? Earlier you posted a comment that you had added some smaller wattage panels. They could be dragging down the output depending on how they are wired. This time of year are you getting 10kWh per day?
It depends on how they are wired. If you have 200W panels and 370W panels on the same string the smaller panels could be dragging down your production. It is not my area of expertise so others may chime in. Have you tried just the 370W panels to see what happens? Can you describe how the panels are wired and can you measure volts and Amps on the entire string and compared that to the voltage and Amps that the panels should be putting out?
I would suggest you to start a new thread, and also provide the full spec of your panels.
I suggested you do the same. And for the benefit of other readers, give the Wattage every time you mention a panel so anybody who wants to respond does not have to wade through your posts to do the math. For example I do not recall if the Solerever panels you consider junk are the 200 Watt panels or the larger ones you also mentioned. It would be also helpful to explain your current configuration because I do not know which configuration your numbers are relating to. Those are not criticisms, just suggestions about how to get meaningful responses.
