How to Calculate 482 Watts of Solar Power

Calculating the exact wattage produced by a solar power generation system is not difficult, through the use of a digital multimeter. However, getting the solar panels to produce exactly 482 watts is much harder. The panels will likely produce more or less than 482, but not exactly it. The best setup involves a 500-watt panel with an 18-watt resistor. This will ensure that the panel will produce an adequate amount of power but will not overload the mainline.

Things You'll Need

• 500-watt Solar panel(s)
• Wires
• 18-watt resistor
• Digital multimeter
• Controller/Inverter
• Battery

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Mount and install a 500-watt solar panel.

   • 2

     Connect the solar panel to the controller/inverter.

   • 3

     Connect the controller/inverter to the battery.

   • 4

     Connect an 18-watt resistor to the power out leads from the battery.

   • 5

     Attach a digital multimeter to the output terminals from the battery.

   • 6

     Check the readouts on the digital multimeter. The power should not go above 482 watts.