Solar Panel Multimeter WS400A - can it identify faulty and bad solar panels?

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 พ.ค. 2021
  • I'm sharing my experience with the Solar Panel Multimeter WS400A from Elejoy. I wanted to know if this could have saved me some money with the last lot of used solar panels I bought. Some of them deliver only half of the power and we could not really find out why (It's not the diodes!).
    The multimeter can measure open circuit voltage as well as determine the maximum power point parameters of your solar panel under the current conditions. As we have already some results with testing the solar panels with the MPPT solar charge controller ( • Solar panel testing. G... ) it is now time to confirm these numbers with this all-in-one tester. Can it deliver?
    I also have a look how it actually works and explain why it can handle 400W of solar power without the need of a heatsink or fan.
    Elejoy WS400A Solar Panel Tester:
    off-grid-garage.com/measureme...
    Special thanks to Timo again, who gave me the tip with this tester.
    Check out his TH-cam channel (in German):
    / @timos144
    Please subscribe and join me on my journey of the Off-Grid Garage!
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  • วิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี

ความคิดเห็น • 190

  • @neilgreen7613
    @neilgreen7613 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Clearly your funniest video yet, but equally as informative. Thank you!

  • @malloott
    @malloott 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Simple tool for a complex measurement, love it. Well done again Andy!

  • @alanb76
    @alanb76 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Looks like a very useful tool. Thanks. This is also useful for matching the optimal MPPT current for strings of panels.

  • @wysiwygbebe
    @wysiwygbebe ปีที่แล้ว +2

    This video was not only informative but also funny! This is exactly what I need. I don't know how to use a multimeter and this seems so fast and easy. Just bought it on Amazon. Thank you for making this video!

  • @wildwestunlimited
    @wildwestunlimited 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Good little tester!

  • @sreekumarUSA
    @sreekumarUSA 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Feb04’24/0001h 🇺🇸 Feb04’24/1801h 🇦🇺. Good evening Herr Andy. Soon after your exhibition of ELEJOY WS400A years ago, I acquired the SPMM immediately. I had several used PV cells and after testing them, I found a few of them were dud and a few, very close to the factory spec. The sellers were flabbergasted to see me with a strange meter getting the reading from their old used PV cells. Frowned even at me, because I got the best sets of used PV cells @ a unbelievable rock bottom price ($25 each A$41) The cells, therefore were like new. I wanted to thank you again for introducing WS400A. Auf Wiedersehen, Herr Andy. 73s…

  • @TheChrisco1969
    @TheChrisco1969 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi Andy
    Just found your videos.
    Love how you get straight to the point and very informative.
    You must be in qld with that beautiful weather. I live north of brisbane

  • @gladegordon3624
    @gladegordon3624 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks for the great tip, recieved mine down south at the same time:) Will be very helpful in testing the 22kw+ used panels I've gathered before installing them. Thanks again for sharing your discoveries

  • @nicholaskeur
    @nicholaskeur 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I brought one after seeing the video, I work on electrical systems on boats and we are always getting asked to test panels for boatowners, showed it to my boss and he immediately brought off me for the buisiness LOL good tool that gives solid evidence to our customers.

  • @Crawfa79
    @Crawfa79 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Received mine a couple of weeks ago, very happy with it as well.

  • @dr.projectx5142
    @dr.projectx5142 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great video and thanks for sharing the tester and the link to it. Awesome.

  • @timos144
    @timos144 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Schön das du meine Ergebnisse bestätigt hast und ich dir keinen "Elektroschrott" empfohlen habe :)
    So weit ich das gesehen habe, sind die FET's nicht parallel, sondern schalten kurzzeitig verschiedene Widerstandswerte und misst dabei.
    Kann man in meinem Video auch sehen. Freut mich aber dir geholfen zu haben, mach weiter so mit deinem Kanal :)

    • @OffGridGarageAustralia
      @OffGridGarageAustralia  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Ah, so geht das, OK, das macht natuerlich auch Sinn...
      Vielen Dank nochmal fuer den guten Tip mit dem Tester.

  • @wayne8113
    @wayne8113 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks Andy, have been waiting for this one. Should be able to identify a faulty string in the panel

    • @OffGridGarageAustralia
      @OffGridGarageAustralia  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yes, so far this tester has identified the faulty panel at least. I haven't tried with a single string inside a panel. But good thinking.

  • @dickthompson8018
    @dickthompson8018 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I got one a couple of weeks ago. Tested on a small 20 watt panel. Really like it. Not very expensive. Now I feel I’m Andy class equipped, very special feeling. Thanks again Andy! ( watch out all you used panel sellers, Andy’s coming prepared this time!)

    • @OffGridGarageAustralia
      @OffGridGarageAustralia  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yep, it has the *Andy Approved* stamp on it 😜

    • @ramzyjunior3192
      @ramzyjunior3192 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Hey greetings from everyone here.. how can I get one tester I live in the Gambia 🇬🇲🇬🇲 thank you

    • @ramzyjunior3192
      @ramzyjunior3192 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ​@@OffGridGarageAustraliathank you

  • @NoToPCBS
    @NoToPCBS 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Nice gadget!
    this now leaves us with the dilemma of why the other solar panels without the cracks are failing.
    I'm guessing the only anyway to find out is to test each of the cells (resistance / output) keeping an eye out fir dry solder joins and the like.

    • @OffGridGarageAustralia
      @OffGridGarageAustralia  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Someone also suggested to test the single strings inside the panels individually for those where I removed the lid of the junction box.

    • @NoToPCBS
      @NoToPCBS 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@OffGridGarageAustralia
      hi,
      it would be nice to know how / why they degrade in performance.
      all the best

  • @stevenlane729
    @stevenlane729 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Another great video, thank you

  • @orbitglobal2732
    @orbitglobal2732 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Well detailed thanks

  • @chuxxsss
    @chuxxsss 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Morning Andy from Central gold country Victoria, I love the show solar tester, look like me setting up to test something. Loving lock down mate, let me out. Lol

  • @NaughtyGoatFarm
    @NaughtyGoatFarm 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Awesome work thank you!

  • @john_in_phoenix
    @john_in_phoenix 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I've been waiting for this one! Wanted to know if it is worth buying. Thanks! I see a new tool in my future.

    • @jlc2345
      @jlc2345 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Same

    • @williamvaughan1218
      @williamvaughan1218 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Do it!

    • @john_in_phoenix
      @john_in_phoenix 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@williamvaughan1218 Actually I did order it today. I live about 5 miles from San Tan solar and will take it over to check out their used 250 watt panels (for $50 each)

    • @williamvaughan1218
      @williamvaughan1218 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@john_in_phoenix not bad price. I got 30 180watt panels for 30 each and they came with rails also but limited clamps and bolts. Dam hard to get any sun lately though here in Texas

    • @OffGridGarageAustralia
      @OffGridGarageAustralia  3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Yeah, not much sun here either. Winter has just started and we still haven't passed this 21. June, the shortest day down here...

  • @henvan8737
    @henvan8737 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Again a very good review and we learn something every time. Where do you find Oettinger beer in Melbourne?

    • @OffGridGarageAustralia
      @OffGridGarageAustralia  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thank you. Dan Murphy has got Oettinger ;) It's cheaper than XXXX

    • @henvan8737
      @henvan8737 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@OffGridGarageAustralia Product sales and now beer sales. What next.

    • @OffGridGarageAustralia
      @OffGridGarageAustralia  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@henvan8737 T-shirts 😉

  • @unionse7en
    @unionse7en 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I'm surprised they didn't integrate an insolation meter with it. It could do efficiency calcs with that input.

  • @mohamednureinisheikh7350
    @mohamednureinisheikh7350 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you

  • @JonOffgrid
    @JonOffgrid 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    nice good to have for panel testing

  • @technishn
    @technishn 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Received my WS400 recently. Checked 2 x 80W panels, one was 72W in the winter sun, and the other only 56W (10am this morning). Both from the same emporium..but different suppliers.. I will be running a small 24V system, and will get another good panel...to match the other one

  • @zuluwars2996
    @zuluwars2996 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You sure are a good sale rep. andy.. I purchased one of these elejoy's and have used it already to find panels that aren't much chop,
    only thing is I used it after making the purchase and getting them home. It was a case of elation and disappointment all at the same time. lol.

    • @OffGridGarageAustralia
      @OffGridGarageAustralia  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yeah, the same happened to me. I've now got a lot of panels which aren't, well, up to the frog's standard....

  • @bobfoulke4875
    @bobfoulke4875 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Andy, Great job, thanks for highlighting the tester. For the crowd that thinks the cables are bad, how about clipping on to the solder joints at the junction box to eliminate the cables and connectors. I see that problem, as possible only if the lead wires are CCS or CCA rather than copper. Have you applied for a patent/copyright on spat before someone steals it? LOL

    • @OffGridGarageAustralia
      @OffGridGarageAustralia  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I had many junction boxes open now and also checked the cabling . Sure the cables seem to be older sometimes but all were without any corrosion and also made of tinned copper mostly. I really don't think it's the cables.
      I should licence the word 'SPAT', that is true 🤔😂

  • @electrodacus
    @electrodacus 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Seems like a good test tool. You could have tested each of the 3 individual 24 cell string on those 190W panels with the open junction box that way you may have identified witch part of the panel causes the problem (not that is anything you could do about the cracked cells).

    • @OffGridGarageAustralia
      @OffGridGarageAustralia  3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Yes, I can now measure the string separately to identify any problems in the future.

  • @garys-half-baked-offgrid-dream
    @garys-half-baked-offgrid-dream 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Order confirmed thank you Andy! So far with your battery and lamp method with spring Scotish sun my £500 4kw looks very good indeed. You make this look easy and idiot proof, I can't wait to play with another toy. Cheers Andy

    • @OffGridGarageAustralia
      @OffGridGarageAustralia  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thank you very much, Gary. That's awesome!

    • @garys-half-baked-offgrid-dream
      @garys-half-baked-offgrid-dream 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@OffGridGarageAustraliaIt just arrived!
      And it brings me great joy to see 232watts from seccond hand 250w panel at 8.30am!!!

    • @OffGridGarageAustralia
      @OffGridGarageAustralia  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@garys-half-baked-offgrid-dream Woohoo, that is awesome, gives you great piece of mind, right? 4kW for that price, that's a steal!

    • @garys-half-baked-offgrid-dream
      @garys-half-baked-offgrid-dream 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@OffGridGarageAustralia Yeah Andy great peace of mind on a gamble. The system was installed in 2016, they had an expanding young family and did a loft convertion and it couldn't go back on their roof. It was a poor location with roof direction and tall trees so I was hopeful the degredation hadn't set in to badly yet. I feel guilty I did steal it. Well worth the money and a 500 mile round trip. 1 down 15 to go Just need some more sun, I have jinxed my summer. 🤣🤔😭
      Thanks Andy you are a big help!

  • @peterpetersen6024
    @peterpetersen6024 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great device and so easy to handle. Maybe you should also measure the Substrings of a faulty panel?

  • @magvat
    @magvat 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Good tool! I have some big 500w panels with open voltage right over 60v do you think it will kill this instrument?

  • @jonathanalcocer3872
    @jonathanalcocer3872 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    It's amazing how that little tool can detect the maximum power point in the split second it lets power trough the mosfets, I wonder how it'd look with a oscilloscope, if it's just a quick 0 amps to short circuit ramp or there's something else going on there

    • @OffGridGarageAustralia
      @OffGridGarageAustralia  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Apparently it uses these three Mosfets and different resistors to measure power on different points of the curve.

  • @jws3925
    @jws3925 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    OMG!! You purchase more stuff than anyone I know.

    • @OffGridGarageAustralia
      @OffGridGarageAustralia  3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Essential tools. I need to know if this works or not. Just reading about it, is not good enough 😉

  • @ronethridge9875
    @ronethridge9875 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    thank you for a great video /i want one of those meters/no more guessing /thanks-thanks-thanks/do you live off grid/what are you going to do with those used not so good panels / someone might be able to salvage some cells out of them/thanks much

  • @jjromba
    @jjromba 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Yeah kann das Gerät für den Kurs auch echt empfehlen, habs im vorletzten Vid och kurz angeschmissen um 16 Jahre alte Polys zu testen. Simpel, günstig, gut👍

  • @AveRage_Joe
    @AveRage_Joe 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hey Andy, can this meter test panels with open circuit voltage of 68.v and maximum power voltage of 56.7v? I see that the tester shows it can test up to 60v. Wasnt sure if that 60v was under load or open circuit. Thanks Man!

  • @ramirobracco
    @ramirobracco 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Hello how are you, greetings from Argentina, I thank you for your effort in the videos and thank you very much for sharing your experience. When you have time it would be nice if you could test the WS400A with the panels that gave you problems with the diodes and compare them with the healthy ones. Another issue is that bigger panels like the Jinko of 465wp or more are coming every time and I don't know if the equipment will support them at least to do a test since the mosfets are 75A. Thank you so much for everything!!

    • @OffGridGarageAustralia
      @OffGridGarageAustralia  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you Ramiro. I've tested all panels now with the tester, video is coming...
      Thank you and greetings to Argentina!

  • @jamest.5001
    @jamest.5001 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Nice!
    However, you do now have me worried about my panels I bought used, they were a pv farm, and still in use when I bought them, they were supposed to be tested before shipping to me! I kinda want to test them before installing now!!

    • @OffGridGarageAustralia
      @OffGridGarageAustralia  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Maybe not, just install them... why have they been removed though?

  • @topeye4202
    @topeye4202 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    You are so funny, do what everybody expect in the beginning, when opening the case ; )

  • @SpeakerKevin
    @SpeakerKevin 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    That unit would be great to have when you are buying used solar panels.

    • @ai6mk897
      @ai6mk897 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Exactly. I would have bought used panels based on VOC and ISC, but clearly that is not enough.

  • @sreekumarUSA
    @sreekumarUSA 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thanks!

  • @dredre9484
    @dredre9484 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    What I've noticed that all depends on the cracks if it's just cracking you'll only lose up to 20%(panels can get hairline fractures) if your cracks look like a spiderweb the panel beyond repair

  • @felaxchow207
    @felaxchow207 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Definitely much faster results than the other method. The only downside in my situation is that I have quite a bit of 96 and 128 cell panels and they would exceed the maximum open circuit voltage of the tester. I guess the MPPT under load method will have to do for now, sure beats dragging them up the roof to find out that you have an under-performer panel putting a damper on your array string.
    Quick onsite testing will also keep you from getting burned on the next sunny day panel acquisition adventure. I'll just have to keep an eye out when they might have one that will safely measure higher open circuit voltages (fingers crossed).

    • @fromtheflightdeck252
      @fromtheflightdeck252 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      There is a 800W model

    • @felaxchow207
      @felaxchow207 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@fromtheflightdeck252 just looked into it, the VoC max is 60 volts DC. I'm dealing with commercial panels where the nominal voltage is around 85 volts or higher. Darn it...

    • @mr.footballlite9960
      @mr.footballlite9960 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Yeah, the only downside is the voltage

  • @typxxilps
    @typxxilps 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    considering that it is not the cheapest tool the display does not look that great at least in your light conditions from our viewing point.
    Might be better in real life, but I would prefer an LCD Display cause testing these happens usually during more or less bright sun light where LCD are quite good readable like that uniti multimeter.
    But the main question or mystery is still unsolved cause I watched the last 2 or 3 videos in the playlist a second and third time. The only result for me is that some modules were faulty and you kept the good ones.
    Might be worth to add another short video as a big summary about the lessons learned.
    I'd appreciated it cause I watched the whole playlist and somehow I feel a bit lost what has caused what except the tool is the only solution to identify the bad panels.

  • @glideamerica
    @glideamerica ปีที่แล้ว

    Interesting fact...In the USA, we call those things "alligator clips". 1:01 Hahaha.

  • @williamvaughan1218
    @williamvaughan1218 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Ha I have one of those. Works good

  • @dig1035
    @dig1035 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thumbs up and subscribed!

  • @WillProwse
    @WillProwse 2 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I didn't watch this video till I posted my results with mine! Haha I had one in the box for months and forgot all about it. Yeah that screen is really hard to read. I thought mine was broke at first. I bought two and one was off by 2% :( maybe I got unlucky

    • @OffGridGarageAustralia
      @OffGridGarageAustralia  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The display is not great and I don't understand why they went with LED instead of a nice LCD for that tester. Overall, I'm very happy with it and especially when buying used panels, this will be super handy to use for quick health check. Some panels I bought lately weren't that great but I only found out after installation. Wish I had this tester before I bought them...

    • @healeydave
      @healeydave 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@OffGridGarageAustralia Yes, I have this tester and its great apart from the display that lets it down. Really hard to see, especially when the sun comes out, oh the irony.
      As we discussed on email, I made the same mistake, bought a load of panels (12) sometime ago (before I had the tester) and 2 out of the 12 report low voltage even though the panels look perfect. The only difference is I haven't had chance to check the connection box where the diodes are as they are potted on my panels.

  • @unionse7en
    @unionse7en 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    When disconnecting the tester from the panel, should the panel be blocked from light to prevent arcing at the connectors...?

  • @angusmacgyver1390
    @angusmacgyver1390 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hi Andy, just wondering if you have the date of manufacture on all those panels. Using this tester might also highlight the real loss over time that may differ from the Solar Panel Makers claims.
    The only other contention would be if any of the panels were water or storm damaged as one reason for the sale of the panels. There has been a long list of previously approved panels here in Australia that are now not considered Tier 1 or non compliant with the REC, some of these were from early 2008 - 2016/17 the issues were varying in nature but most would end in water or storm damage by cracks or corrosion and water ingress from the edges and a large proportion of the lower cost panels did not last much more than 7 - 10 years, so effectively did not complete the expected life of 25 Years and so did not fulfill the Carbon credits which many had reduced costs for but have now had to go through a repurchase of newer panels.

    • @OffGridGarageAustralia
      @OffGridGarageAustralia  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      No, I don't have this information. Sometimes it is printed on the back sticker, but not on any of my panels unfortunately.

  • @bestof1808
    @bestof1808 ปีที่แล้ว

    Is there any connection of PV panels. Are they connected to the house or inverter? Can direct DC current measurement be made without PV panels connected to any inventer or any other devices?

  • @bestof1808
    @bestof1808 ปีที่แล้ว

    do you know Sonel PVM-1020? can i use it for measuring DC power output
    instead of WS400A?

  • @QUADBOYification
    @QUADBOYification ปีที่แล้ว

    Weird that that many panels have lower than rated specs. I have the opposite, my 50 Watt panels deliver more than 3.5 A together (in series) at 72 volts. ( I removed diodes). The MPPT controller boosts the current even higher buck converting the voltage down to 14 volts. I do not have them strait pointed to the sun either. The panels are only rated for 1.39 A. They cost me 50 euros each from Amazon Germany, almost free shipping. Can not find any more now, sold out. I remember them being sold as square 100 Watt panels, but I did not believe that for itś size. It might actually be ! PANEL: Eco Line ES50P72 (Specific cell quantity and array 72 - 4 x 18).

  • @polvincompoundsadmin5402
    @polvincompoundsadmin5402 ปีที่แล้ว

    How do you disconnect the MC4 connectors I always struggle?

  • @earthenergyhex
    @earthenergyhex 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I ordered one

    • @OffGridGarageAustralia
      @OffGridGarageAustralia  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      It's a great device for checking solar panels quickly. Especially when you buy used ones 😊

  • @JohnThomas-ou2rn
    @JohnThomas-ou2rn 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Does it work downstream? That is, could I use this to determine V, A and watts coming from several panels, rather than using a multimeter that can test for DC amps?

  • @KC-vp7wn
    @KC-vp7wn 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great intro , Lol 👍

  • @ebenwaterman5858
    @ebenwaterman5858 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The power transistors are probably being run in the linear region as variable resistors. They would dissipate what ever watts the panel produces times the on time percentage (duty cycle).

    • @randacnam7321
      @randacnam7321 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      They are. Easier to use MOSFETs than BJTs for this as it doesn't need a base drive current source and all it needs is for a sweep of the MOSFET linear region to do the test.

    • @ebenwaterman5858
      @ebenwaterman5858 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@randacnam7321 Yup. That's the way I'd do it. Would take a fraction of a second. :)

  • @lifeisgood3386
    @lifeisgood3386 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi i have 1x 100ah leshure battery but i am thinking of getting another and join them paralel what regulator would you recomend i am currantly using just one of those blue ones with 2 x solar panels in serius 10 w each connected to the regulator but as i said i want to add another 100ah battery can you advise me thank you .

  • @WiSeNhEiMeR-1369
    @WiSeNhEiMeR-1369 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    SUGGESTION: when featuring the TESTER - stop - Stop - STOP waving your HAND holding the TESTER so we & the CAMERA can focus on the item !
    Thanks
    COOP
    ...

    • @OffGridGarageAustralia
      @OffGridGarageAustralia  7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      It's a type of editing style. I'm not a news channel.

  • @mikejones-vd3fg
    @mikejones-vd3fg ปีที่แล้ว +1

    hmm whats interesting is the multimeter showed half of the testers value, which ive had the same experience when testing my 80w panel, seemed to be exactly half of the rated amperaage abouts, not a very scientific test or under optimal conditions, so i concluded it wasnt faulty, but still not sure, but this testers readings compared to a multimeter give me confidence that maybe my panel is fine and within sub optimal conditions.

  • @emsit_sk
    @emsit_sk ปีที่แล้ว

    I have a question and I can't figure out the answer😶. What are you doing with that beer can on the solar panel? Shadow? Why?

  • @benbenben4476
    @benbenben4476 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Any guesses why when you compared the MPPT and pwm charge controller in past videos on the bad panels why the pwm was able to get more from the bad panels?

    • @OffGridGarageAustralia
      @OffGridGarageAustralia  3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      The PWM connects the battery directly to the panel. I was looking at the pure amperes coming in and the PWN does a better job in these cases when you have only one panel. The MPPT always tries to maximise power and use its DC-DC conversion to 'produce' more amps when connecting more panels in series.

    • @benbenben4476
      @benbenben4476 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks Andy.

  • @CollinBaillie
    @CollinBaillie 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    QC at the Elejoy factory seems a little bit lacking. I recently purchased the EY1600W model, and it was DoA. The wire from the PCB to the +ve terminal wasn't even soldered to the terminal. Got a 50%refund from Ali after the seller (not the manufacturer) completely failed to give a response better than "We're checking" when I asked for support, for over a month. Soldered it on after the dispute closed and it powers on ok. Now to do some actual panel tests.

    • @OffGridGarageAustralia
      @OffGridGarageAustralia  5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      50% is not bad for a perfectly working device. The quality what's coming from the motherland is sometimes just nuts!

  • @harrywoods9784
    @harrywoods9784 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    👍😊

  • @grahamjones6712
    @grahamjones6712 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Cant you just use a regular mulitmeter with some mc4 test leads? Or would you get weird readings off mppt controllers?

    • @OffGridGarageAustralia
      @OffGridGarageAustralia  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      With a normal multimeter, you can only measure the open circuit / no load voltage and the short current. So that is either extreme but it does not tell you how the panel actually performs under normal conditions (around the MPPT point). That's what a MPPT solar charge controller does or this tester. In previous videos, I used to setup the charge controller connected to a battery and then tested each panel individually. The tester is a lot quicker though and just needs to be connected. No other setup required.

  • @vallieri72
    @vallieri72 ปีที่แล้ว

    Is there a model for 650W solar panels too?

  • @MAX-sg2sf
    @MAX-sg2sf ปีที่แล้ว

    👍

  • @cheetahkid
    @cheetahkid 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I wondering do you have a thermal camera? Let me explain, I saw a picture that shows up a faulty cells on the solar panels, I wonder if it true, can you test one if you have the thermal camera. Either no load or load.

    • @OffGridGarageAustralia
      @OffGridGarageAustralia  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I don't have a thermal camera, now. I'll do this test once I have one...

    • @cheetahkid
      @cheetahkid 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@OffGridGarageAustralia ok great thank

  • @dorthybennett673
    @dorthybennett673 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Can you tell me why my elejoy multimeter get pretty warm as though it's getting hot when I plug my solar cable ends?

  • @stunterRoni
    @stunterRoni 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Have same problem with my panels and fixed them. the problem is the joints of busbars and cells itself. Doesnt look burnedout or corroded. When the panel was in shade i checked the connection of cels and it was all fine but when i took the panel outside to the sun he gives me only 11v and 1A. I cuted out back of the panel and changed the busbars and put new solder connections and now panel gives me 29v and 7.8A!. You can fix your panels by checking the connnection between the cels inside. If you have cracked sell it puls down the whole panel V & A like parrarel connection of panels with different V and A. Also had cracked cells and i cut back off panel and cutted out bad cell and jumped connection with good cells ;) you can try it panels are already bad ;) have nothing to loose. Sry for bad eng ;)

  • @erichibar4746
    @erichibar4746 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Well, my panels are 430W so I'm SOL... Is there any self contained meter like this that does 450 or 500W? I know I can use a volt meter, this tests under a load, big difference

    • @OffGridGarageAustralia
      @OffGridGarageAustralia  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Haven't seen larger ones than 400W. It still should be OK for your panels.

  • @peterrock2838
    @peterrock2838 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Yea! Closure for the solar panel debacle...

    • @OffGridGarageAustralia
      @OffGridGarageAustralia  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Still don't know why some have failed...

    • @peterrock2838
      @peterrock2838 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@OffGridGarageAustralia You are tenacious. I know you will figure it out and post a video! Now I have to buy that internal resistance meter... Just when I thought I had it all.

    • @OffGridGarageAustralia
      @OffGridGarageAustralia  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@peterrock2838 hahaha, thanks Peter.
      Wait, there is more... 😋

  • @andrewradford3953
    @andrewradford3953 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Sick panels will still charge and float your big tractor battery.
    At least now you know.

    • @OffGridGarageAustralia
      @OffGridGarageAustralia  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      It's good the tester has confirmed all the measurement we did before so we know it's not 🐄 💩

  • @etv4075
    @etv4075 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Try to use flashlight at the back sheet of pv, one by one of each cells to see hidden cracks of those degraded panels

  • @CoryRobson
    @CoryRobson 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I also purchased one to test the 32 panels i had laying around. It worked for first four panels then died. anyone got any circuit info for me to try and repair?

    • @OffGridGarageAustralia
      @OffGridGarageAustralia  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      What panels have you tested with it? Never heard or read that this device faults after testing unless you overload it.

    • @CoryRobson
      @CoryRobson 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@OffGridGarageAustralia All the ones i had were 250W . all around 31V 8.8A there abouts. first four no problems . then i found a faulty one :( it didnt work there after. when i opened the small compartment to investigate it had that lovely burnt out smell. brilliant tool. but sadly waiting on a replacement would take to long.

  • @magicmanspaz
    @magicmanspaz 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    whats the advantage over this meter vs just using the volt and amp setting on a multi meter and doing the math?

    • @recoblade1465
      @recoblade1465 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      You get to make a video for the views. And this piece of kit only has one use and a multi meter does way to many things

    • @OffGridGarageAustralia
      @OffGridGarageAustralia  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      It's just much, much easier to use this tester. Imagine you pick up used panels and start pulling out your notebook, taking different measurements (how would you measure it, just Voc and Isc?) and calculating...

    • @magicmanspaz
      @magicmanspaz 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@OffGridGarageAustralia yeh as far as i a aware just measure voltage and current across the leads with a multi meter the right amperage. or inline watt meter and short the outlet. the meter would be easier. i guess more of a luxury.

  • @daskasspatzle2396
    @daskasspatzle2396 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You are a spat guy ;-)

  • @Do_the_Dishes
    @Do_the_Dishes 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I already know all this shit he is talking about. I watch this channel because I always get a good laugh!

    • @OffGridGarageAustralia
      @OffGridGarageAustralia  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Same as me 😂

    • @Do_the_Dishes
      @Do_the_Dishes 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@OffGridGarageAustralia Thanks for sharing all your work! I was drinking when I wrote that and being smug. I actually learn a lot from all your experiments and glad I found your channel. Thanks again and keep up the good work!

  • @petercamusojr1545
    @petercamusojr1545 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Really Cool tool! A lot easier to make measurements on the roof.
    Can it measure I short circuit?
    I really expect about a 10% loss in power from the back label value, due to the difference between stand test conditions and nominal operating temperature. Even the I max power shows a less than 1000 watt/m^2 from the sun at your location and time of year. The current from a solar panel has a small temperature dependency and is an indicator of sun intensity. VOC and P max has a high temperature dependency.

    • @OffGridGarageAustralia
      @OffGridGarageAustralia  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      It can only measure Voc and MPPT, not the Isc.

    • @petercamusojr1545
      @petercamusojr1545 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@OffGridGarageAustralia It seems have the hardwire to do it.
      It is still an absolutely great tool! Good find.

  • @gor4988
    @gor4988 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Looks a bit like Big Clives hobie meter

    • @OffGridGarageAustralia
      @OffGridGarageAustralia  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yeah, the design is not the greatest, really. But ease of use is really top and it works well.

  • @sreekumarUSA
    @sreekumarUSA 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    050722/1413h PST🇺🇸 050822/0713h Brisbane🇦🇺 Andy, once again thank you for the demo and info on WS400A. I ordered it from amazon. It should reach me on Monday 050922. I am planning on procuring a few PV cell modules. 73s...

  • @solarindependentutilitysystems
    @solarindependentutilitysystems ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi

  • @schraubnix1583
    @schraubnix1583 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    The Multimeter is to slow , with a DSO in single mode you can catch the current .

  • @jamesdk5417
    @jamesdk5417 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Are you going to follow in LTT clumsiness? 😂

  • @antoni_sk
    @antoni_sk 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    The readability of the display is terrible ...

    • @OffGridGarageAustralia
      @OffGridGarageAustralia  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It is not the best, no. Not sure why they didn't use a LCD display which would also pull less power.

    • @gewema-makkum
      @gewema-makkum 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@OffGridGarageAustralia ....indeed...Red display.. terrible to see in Full sun light...that's what you want to test the panels... ...😄.i spent my money now for the Internal Resistence Battery meter..another nice measure tool ..😄👍

  • @sreekumarUSA
    @sreekumarUSA 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    053021/1211h PST 🇺🇸 053121/0511h Brisbane. Thanks.

  • @ernestpfannen8920
    @ernestpfannen8920 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    😃🇨🇦👀✌

  • @steffen1182
    @steffen1182 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Ich glaub er kann Deutsch. So wie er Öttinger sagt... 🤔

  • @Windbite
    @Windbite ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Okay I want to know what the s*** camera is lol

  • @paial
    @paial 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    please "forget" a little bit about "amps" the only relevant metric is power....
    within boundaries, your inverter (or controller) doesn't care if it has more or less amps, it cares about watts.

    • @OffGridGarageAustralia
      @OffGridGarageAustralia  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Ampere is charging your battery. Only that maters.

    • @paial
      @paial 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@OffGridGarageAustralia sorry, but you are wrong.
      The physics law is for conservation of ENERGY, not conversation of Amps, or Voltage...
      So, ENERGY (in Watts in given amount of time) goes out the panels, through the controller, and ENERGY comes out to the battery.
      Relation between V x A can be manipulated as need with minimal losses. Energy can not. You CAN have 3A coming in and 6A going out (just half the voltage), but you certainly CAN'T have 100w coming in and 200w going out.
      Of course there are practical constraints due to controller design (although perfectly possible, most won't increase voltage, only decrease), but the theory still applies.
      So talking "amps" alone as measurement of panel's output is pointless.
      The whole reason a MPPT controller exist is to manipulate this very relation between VxA to extract the maximum POWER (Maximum POWER (watts), not amps, Point Tracker).
      AFTER the controller "amps" is a acceptable way to measure battery SoC because voltage is basically fixed (or at least, known), but that is outside the scope of this topic.

  • @oliverwunsch4412
    @oliverwunsch4412 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Wenn Du jetzt noch so ein Solar-Leistung-Messgerät hättest de.aliexpress.com/item/32961979673.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.414578b9dpvCuV&algo_pvid=af158b9f-4374-46a8-b3b1-0c28c88a7543&algo_expid=af158b9f-4374-46a8-b3b1-0c28c88a7543-4&btsid=0b0a556b16224035331265164eff6f&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_ dann könntest Du den tatsächliche Qualität der Panel ausrechnen.

  • @murugesooshaseekaren8996
    @murugesooshaseekaren8996 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    🤣🤣🤣..OK.OK..LET IT BE.. WHY YOU DROPPED YOUR solar panal reading meter..???🤣🤣🤣🤣😅😅😅👏👏👏👏😛😛😛😛😛😜🤪🤪🤪

  • @Minnadesu99
    @Minnadesu99 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Completely not-informative I can't figure out how to use this thing at all.

  • @offgridwanabe
    @offgridwanabe 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Lesson learned "Never buy solar panels at night"

    • @OffGridGarageAustralia
      @OffGridGarageAustralia  3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Hahaha, yeah, that's a good advice 😉

    • @randacnam7321
      @randacnam7321 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Buying at night isn't the problem. It's when they say they (at night) that they just tested the modules a few minutes ago and they don't have a flash tester or light bank.