portable solar question

[hogasm]

I was given these 2 solar panels. They have 8' leads from the panel with alligator clips. They are putting out 17.65v under shady conditions.

Do I need to connect a controller to them?

How do I measure how many amps they are with just a meter?

[hogasm]

They measure 14" x 15.5" each

[BroncoHauler]

Does the back label indicate the Wattage of the panels? The physical size appears to be fairly small, so a pure guess would be the panels are about 10W so I wouldn't think you would benefit from a controller.


Herb

[hogasm]

There is no information on the size of these panels.

Just don't want to ruin a good battery by leaving it attached in the driveway for extended periods with little to no voltage usage.

[daveb]

Solar Charge Controller Basics

[arctictraveller]

Originally Posted by hogasm

How do I measure how many amps they are with just a meter?

Most meters have an amp setting (usually 10a max). There is normally a seperate input to measure amps, so just switch one lead from it's normal ohm/volt input to amps, place the selector switch on amps and then put the test leads in series with the output of the panel while connected to the battery. The amperage the panel puts out will depend on the state of charge of the battery, and if fuly charged, you will see reduced amps.

[rob_gendreau]

I don't think it could hurt to use a controller; might even help. And leave you with some kit that could be useful if you add panels.