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How do I find the maximum wattage for a solar panel?

I have a resistor kit but I’m having trouble using it. My voltage appears to always be 7 whether I use a 1 Ohm resistor or a 100 Ohm resistor. When I try to read the Amperage it is always 0. What am I doing wrong?

Best way is to read the specs.

Are you measuring the amperage across the resistor? That’s why you’re getting zero. You need to hook the meter in series with the resistor. (Panel to meter, meter to resistor, resistor to panel.)

Keep reducing the resistance until the voltage drops below about 5 volts. That’s when you’re trying to draw more than the maximum amps.

Be careful. Unless this is a tiny panel, you’re going to be creating an extreme amount of heat in that resistor. Your resistor probably won’t be able to handle it, and you’ll have a scalding hot component even if it can.

1 ohm at 7 volts is 7 amps. (V=IR)
7 amps at 7 volts is 49 watts. (P=IV).

You can start putting 1 ohm resistors in parallel, effectively lowering the resistance of the load until the voltage drops, but don’t be surprised if one of them fractures from the heat.

Harbor Freight 45 Watt Solar Panel Kit

solar panel kit

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