New Rich solar panel tested

[PaulLad]

OCV should be 22.6 volts, actual is 18.8. Of course this is in full sun. Send it back? Thx!

 

[chrisski]

Maybe, but I doubt it.

For me, I'd do a amperage check. Then I'd hook it up to something to see how it worked. I have a small SCC that is hooked to 6 USB charging points and I could get data.

I see some differences in panel outputs. I think its got to do with the temperature coefficient of a panel. THe higher the temp, the lower the voltage. I've measured my roof flat panels at 134° F and my Flexible panels at 154° F, so using the ambient temp may lead to results being off.

Rich solar probably includes ambient temp coefficient with some negative number.

I think its probably good. You can cool it down by leaving it in the shade or bringing indoors or waiting to morning and try again.

 

[PaulLad]

Maybe, but I doubt it.

For me, I'd do a amperage check. Then I'd hook it up to something to see how it worked. I have a small SCC that is hooked to 6 USB charging points and I could get data.

I see some differences in panel outputs. I think its got to do with the temperature coefficient of a panel. THe higher the temp, the lower the voltage. I've measured my roof flat panels at 134° F and my Flexible panels at 154° F, so using the ambient temp may lead to results being off.

Rich solar probably includes ambient temp coefficient with some negative number.

I think its probably good. You can cool it down by leaving it in the shade or bringing indoors or waiting to morning and try again.

The panel was not hot.

 

[Alphacarina]

Full sun at 90 degrees? - Perpendicular to the panel? Not a cloud in the sky? Test voltages and current are under *perfect* conditions

 

[PaulLad]

Full sun at 90 degrees? - Perpendicular to the panel? Not a cloud in the sky? Test voltages and current are under *perfect* conditions

yes. perfect conditions

 

[jamiko]

OCV should be 22.6 volts, actual is 18.8. Of course this is in full sun. Send it back? Thx!

Do you have a link to which panel you ordered?

This one says VMP 18.6 which I think is what you should get normally correct? It has a 22.8 VOC but that's not VMP. Are you testing panels with nothing attached or are you check volts coming into the controller?

MEGA 100 Watt Monocrystalline Solar Panel | Best 12V Panel for VAN RVs

The Mega 100 Watt Solar Panel features a 12V off-grid solar panel with 0~+5W guaranteed positive power output. It is an IP 65 or IP 67 rated built with strong tempered glass and aluminum frame. Certified to withstand challenging environmental conditions.

richsolar.com

 

[PaulLad]

Do you have a link to which panel you ordered?

This one says VMP 18.6 which I think is what you should get normally correct? It has a 22.8 VOC but that's not VMP. Are you testing panels with nothing attached or are you check volts coming into the controller?

MEGA 100 Watt Monocrystalline Solar Panel | Best 12V Panel for VAN RVs

The Mega 100 Watt Solar Panel features a 12V off-grid solar panel with 0~+5W guaranteed positive power output. It is an IP 65 or IP 67 rated built with strong tempered glass and aluminum frame. Certified to withstand challenging environmental conditions.

richsolar.com

Nothing attached.