How to test the solar panel output and some other questions.

[Bbasso]

So it would seem that my batteries are nearly full because they aren't suckling up power at a high rate. Correct?

 

[AndrewP]

Either way it looks like your panel is working fine.

 

[dwh]

Both panels clean? No partial shading of a couple cells?

If so then yea, looks like both panels are producing, so probably a full or nearly full battery.

 

[Bbasso]

I clean them a few days ago so there might be some dust, but most of the day was full sunlight no shade ideal conditions for this time of year...

 

[dwh]

Also yea, angle of incidence.

The pic from August (187w) probably had the photons striking more directly dead on than the pic from November (122w) where the photons are coming in at a steeper angle and more are bouncing off.

 

[Bbasso]

I understand the angle of the sun plays a huge roll in solar harvest.
That my I bought this

But I took it of because I drive so much and fear it's a hazzard.

 

[Bbasso]

https://youtu.be/TertQDO98Ak

After two days of rain, clouds and wind my batteries were needing a charge... Here's a short video from earlier today. Yes my fears were just that, fears. My panels and charge controller working fine. thanks for everybody helped out.

 

[jschmidt]

Park in the sun. Put like a 20a load on the batteries.

That will consume all that your solar can produce plus a bit more, and then you can see exactly how much the solar produces when maxxed out.

This. And this:

Engage the split-charge relay by turning on the key without starting the engine. Turn on everything in the truck - headlights on high beam, radios, heater fan, etc. That should probably be enough load to soak up all the solar can produce.

With an ACR, force it on with the engine off and do the same thing.

But you need a pretty good ammeter to measure small amps. And I don't even see amps on yours. Glad you got it sorted.