Voc & Isc

Open-Circuit Voltage (Voc) Test
To perform the Voc Test, simply measure the voltage between the positive and negative
terminals. This voltage should be within ~10% of the rating on the data sheet under
most sunlight conditions.
Testing Voc at Controller or Combiner Box (if present)
Reverse Polarity
Sign: A negative voltage number would indicate a reverse polarity of the wiring.
Cause: Positive and Negative wiring leads are reversed between Module, Controller, or
Combiner Box (if present).
Solution: Reverse plus and minus on wiring between each connection point for correct
polarity reading. Re-test to confirm correct polarity after changing.
Wiring Open/Short Circuit

Sign: A voltage number near zero would indicate either an open circuit in the wiring or a
short circuit in the wiring.
Cause: Bad or loose connections within module junction box, or between module,

combiner box (if present), or charge controller.
Solution: Trace wires to find open or short circuit.

Correct problem (tighten or repairing wire) between bad connection points.
Incorrect Array Wiring

Sign: A voltage number that is higher or lower than
expected.
Cause: Too many modules wired together in series will

result in a Voc number that is too high. Too few modules
wired in series will result in a Voc number that is too low.
Remember to add the Voc values together for as many modules as you have wired in
series (see ohm’s power law)!
Solution: Check system design and voltage drop calculations to verify enough voltage
is passing through from the array to the controller or combiner box and that the voltage
matches expected values.
Testing Voc at Module
Failed Bypass Diode

Sign: A voltage number that is half the expected value.
Cause: Incorrect diode orientation, diode damage, or diode failure is most likely. Also
check any wiring, if present, to make sure it’s actually the diodes that are the issue.
Solution: Confirm diode orientation or replace diode in module. If accessible, you will

need to remove the Junction Box cover on the back of the solar module.
Incorrect/Loose Wiring
Sign: A voltage number that is lower than the expected value.
Cause: Check any wiring, if present, to make sure there are no wiring mistakes or bad
connections. Tighten all screws and gently pull wires to make sure they’re secured.
Check for corrosion on wires if in a humid environment.
Solution: Fix wiring mistake or loose/bad connection issues. Confirm connection to the

correct terminals in the module junction box (confirm with voltmeter).
Failed Module
Sign: A voltage number that is lower than the expected
value.
Cause: Check any wiring, if present, to make sure there

are no wiring mistakes or bad connections. Tighten all
screws and gently pull wires to make sure they’re secured.
Check for corrosion on wires if in a humid environment. If all of this is ruled out, then the
module may be failing.
Solution: Fix wiring mistake or loose/bad connection issues. If you are still experiencing
a lower voltage number than expected, you may need to replace the solar module by
contacting the module manufacturer.
Short-Circuit Current (Isc) Test

Caution: when performing the Isc test confirm the maximum current being
measured is less than maximum meter rating. An arc is very common when
breaking the connection, therefor it should be done quickly.
Although the Voc Test is a good troubleshooting technique to detect many common
array and module issues, the Isc Test can be used to find additional problems.
The Isc Test should be done on

the module or string level, as the currents
should be kept to 10A or less.
The test should be done on a sunny day, and

the measured value should be linear with the
sunlight conditions available. An insolation or
solar radiation meter can be very helpful in
determining the sunlight conditions.
To perform the test using an inline

ammeter, place the positive lead on the
positive module terminal and the negative
lead on the module negative terminal.
The measured value should be within 20% of the module rating adjusted for sunlight
conditions. E.g. on a partly sunny day if the sunlight conditions are about half, then the
Isc current will be about half.
No Current
Sign: No current is measured.
Cause: Open circuit in the wiring, a bad or loose connection, incorrect wiring, or an
internal problem with the solar module. It’s possible the connection point is sufficient
enough for full voltage reading, but limited current.
Solution: Fix wiring mistake or loose/bad connection issues.
Less Than Expected Current

Sign: Measured Short-Circuit Current (Isc) value is less than expected.
Cause: Solar modules degrade by approximately 1% per year; however, if the

measured current is less than 20% of the expected value after adjusting for sunlight
conditions then the module maybe failing.
Solution: Determine whether current loss is appropriate with age of module. If it’s not,
then the module may be prematurely failing. Consult power performance warranty from
module manufacture.
Conclusion
A couple of simple measurements are a great way to quickly troubleshoot and isolate
possible problems in a solar array.

Voc & Isc

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Open-Circuit Voltage (Voc) Test

Testing Voc at Controller or Combiner Box (if present)

Wiring Open/Short Circuit

Cause: Bad or loose connections within module junction box, or between module,

Solution: Trace wires to find open or short circuit.

Incorrect Array Wiring

Cause: Too many modules wired together in series will

Testing Voc at Module

Failed Bypass Diode

Solution: Confirm diode orientation or replace diode in module. If accessible, you will

Solution: Fix wiring mistake or loose/bad connection issues. Confirm connection to the

Cause: Check any wiring, if present, to make sure there

Short-Circuit Current (Isc) Test

The Isc Test should be done on

The test should be done on a sunny day, and

To perform the test using an inline

Solution: Fix wiring mistake or loose/bad connection issues.

Less Than Expected Current

Cause: Solar modules degrade by approximately 1% per year; however, if the

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