How to bench test a solar panel

[blenderbender]

I'm rather new at this so maybe this is a dumb question. I just bought some batteries and a slew of panels. I won't be putting anything together anytime soon however. Is there any sort of bench test I can do for the panels just to make certain they are functioning properly. If I were to guess it would be stick em out facing the sun and see what the output says with a multi-meter. If there's anything more I could/should do I'm all ears. Thanks!

 

[Mattb4]

Pick up a panel tester.

 

[HRTKD]

I've used a multimeter in the past. If I was doing more than a few panels, the tester in the above post is what I would get.

 

[featherlite]

I test my panels by shorting the leads from the panel by connecting the pos and neg wires together. Then I use my DC clamp meter to record the current output.

 

[42OhmsPA]

I test my panels by shorting the leads from the panel by connecting the pos and neg wires together. Then I use my DC clamp meter to record the current output.

This is what I've done in the past.
Turn them away from the sun before connecting and disconnecting.

 

[featherlite]

Turn them away from the sun before connecting and disconnecting.

Great advice!!

 

[blenderbender]

okay.... thanks to all!

 

[blenderbender]

Pick up a panel tester.

View attachment 262971

I just did. thanks!