Can I connect this to the leads of my solars panel to get a readout?
1099549
I don't see why not, I have mine hooked up to my batteries so basically I'm using it like a multi-meter.as long as you're not going over the voltage rated for the meter.use caution as most 12v panels exceed 20v open curcuit.
2242776
You won't want to connect the panel directly to a battery, as it could damage or overcharge it. The panel itself only provides a voltage, you need a charge controller between the panel and the battery. The one I used (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001HWQZNQ/ref=wms_ohs_product?ie=UTF8&psc=1) is not currently available, but should give you an idea of what to look for. You want a controller that can handle at least 30 watts and 17.5 volts input for charging 12v batteries.
1560204
You connect the panel to the batteries via the the charge controller. It will come with simple to read instructions.
567128
Without seeing the schematic for the hook up, it is hard to advise you. There should be a charge input, that would go to the solar panel. There should be a load, that should be the device you are running, and there should be a battery connection, which is of course the battery. Make sure you observe the correct polarities on all of them. They should me marked + and -. If you are not sure, use a volt-ohm-meter to check.
467336
to get an actual through-put reading, you will need to disconnect the feed from the panel(s) to the controller, then disconnect from the controller from the batteries. after that re-connect the solar feed to the controller and measure the voltage on the disconnected lines to the batteries. you must do it in this sequence. i had mine for about two years and it quit working. naturally, the controller was the last part of the system i checked. i went back to a seven amp controller for my two 55 watt panels. i have three batteries that charge quite well and provides light in the downstairs plus it recharges all of my battery operated devices - tools and so on. good luck! to get an actual through-put reading, you will need to disconnect the feed from the panel(s) to the controller, then disconnect from the controller from the batteries. after that re-connect the solar feed to the controller and measure the voltage on the disconnected lines to the batteries. you must do it in this sequence. i had mine for about two years and it quit working. naturally, the controller was the last part of the system i checked. i went back to a seven amp controller for my two 55 watt panels. i have three batteries that charge quite well and provides light in the downstairs plus... » Read More to get an actual through-put reading, you will need to disconnect the feed from the panel(s) to the controller, then disconnect from the controller from the batteries. after that re-connect the solar feed to the controller and measure the voltage on the disconnected lines to the batteries. you must do it in this sequence. i had mine for about two years and it quit working. naturally, the controller was the last part of the system i checked. i went back to a seven amp controller for my two 55 watt panels. i have three batteries that charge quite well and provides light in the downstairs plus it recharges all of my battery operated devices - tools and so on. good luck! « Show Less
420931
No, but it will tell you at the bottom where to connect the solar and the battery. I haven't use the load yet. The color from this panel will also tell you where the positive (+) and the negative (-) are. Make sure the connector to your battery is in the correct place. You will know it if you placed the connections wrong, because the light on the panel will dim. If you placed it correctly, then the charging light is brightly lit. If you battery is already fully charged, the high voltage light will lit up. Mine goes on and off alternating with the charging light indicator. Correct me if I'm wrong, I assume it's doing the float mode. No, but it will tell you at the bottom where to connect the solar and the battery. I haven't use the load yet. The color from this panel will also tell you where the positive (+) and the negative (-) are. Make sure the connector to your battery is in the correct place. You will know it if you placed the connections wrong, because the light on the panel will dim. If you placed it correctly, then the charging light is brightly lit. If you battery is already fully charged, the high voltage light will lit up. Mine goes on and off alternating with the charging light indicator. Correct me if I'm... » Read More No, but it will tell you at the bottom where to connect the solar and the battery. I haven't use the load yet. The color from this panel will also tell you where the positive (+) and the negative (-) are. Make sure the connector to your battery is in the correct place. You will know it if you placed the connections wrong, because the light on the panel will dim. If you placed it correctly, then the charging light is brightly lit. If you battery is already fully charged, the high voltage light will lit up. Mine goes on and off alternating with the charging light indicator. Correct me if I'm wrong, I assume it's doing the float mode. « Show Less
1397705
Sorry Louis, I can't help you on the solar component. I didn't set mine up with one. I might be able to help you with other questions.
1008811
Hello I hope which I hope you you need 10gauge wire you need a shunt a amp meter for you know how many amps you are receiving from your solar panel it could be 100w or 50w.the wires coming out of the path into the charge controller must be 12 V have the battery don't forget your user have relayed or fuses him all the connections and you should be good if you could go to youtube on your computer and you will learn everything you need to know I hope this helps you and thank you for asking my pleasure to help you
1557672
Sure, but it will only measure the AC side of things. If you want to measure the entire RV, you'll need to attach it to the main feed wires going into the distribution panel where it will see power from any source (generator, shore, inverter). To measure power going to/from your battery bank, use meters designed for DC (with an appropriately sized shunt) and place them for either incoming (charger, solar panels, etc.) or outgoing (to the inverter or the DC breakout panel) power. For simple DC voltage measurement in my RV, I use one of these http://www.amazon.com/VoltMinder-Digital-Volt-Meter-Batteries/dp/B001IQ1XW4
925844
The short answer is, "Yes." You could connect the output of the solar panel to a 12 volt battery bank. The battery bank will recharge. HOWEVER, if you don't either monitor or regulate this, you will damage the battery bank from overcharging it. Specifically, if you could manually check on the voltage very couple hours, you could disconnect the solar panel when the voltage reaches full charge. or you could get a charge controller that is wired in between the solar panel and the battery bank. This inexpensive device will both optimize the charging current to the battery and will stop the charging when the battery is full.
1882110
That's why I bought one. I use it to check my batteries in my solar system. Works great. You need to disconnect each battery and check them individually.
2144577
So long as connectors end in 12 gauge wire to plug into controller. That's all you car about. You MUST plug the 12 volt connectors ( connected to batteries ) first. If you plug the solar panels into controller first, you WILL blow the controller . OK!!
1947999
I could not find cable for sale that would connect the two. i purchased an extension cable for the solar panel, cut one end off and attached it to the controller.
1152736
connect the battery first, then connect the solar panel, then connect the load
898471
It comes with instructions. .yes. I use it to monitor battery volts. And monitor amps in from solar panels.
1052286
The plug-in charger only puts out 2 amps. If your solar panel USB port has similar output there should not be a problem.
378624
You can install the inverter directly to a solar panel but then you need to plug it into a cable and then that cable needs to be connected into you meter boxThanks, JEff