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N0ZYC solar test box:


I cobbled together this box to test the performance of solar controllers, and to compare solar panels. It's
NOT pretty, but it gets the job done, for the most part.

This box has inputs for four solar panels, as well as a fifth port for higher current input. The panels are
connected into the box through a switch. From there, they go through a meter, and to a port on the bottom to be
connected to a solar controller's Panel port. The other controller port connects the controller's Battery back
into the box, where it passes through another meter. From there it connects to a pair of switchable 2 ohm power
resistors, and finally through a switch to an external battery port.

The resistors are 100w power wire-wound and are connected to CPU coolers with fans, and the fans can be turned
on for extended operation. (current draw is approximately 7 amps per resistor at 13.8v - about 100 watts)
Fuses are positioned to disconnect the battery or panels in the event of an overload.

The problem I haven't quite managed to solve yet is how to have a consistent battery / load for the various
solar controllers I connect to it. I could just partly discharge a battery and then test, but the next time
I go to test a controller, how do I make sure the battery condition and charge draw is the same?

box left	box rear	box right	box top	solar test box schematic

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last updated 06/14/2024 at 20:17:38 by make_www_index.command version 2024.05.25.A