How do I hookup a three-terminal potentiometer to a solar panel? I seek to vary the resistance and measure the voltage and current in order to determine the maximum power output of the solar panel.
Hooking up a two terminal resistor can be done as shown in the figure below. However, it is not clear what each of the three terminals of the potentiometer should be connected to.
Is the wiper and one end of connected to the solar panel, and is the other end left free?
That works. Some people also connect the "free" end and the wiper together.
While I have no idea what current your solar panel is capable of or how much current you plan to measure keep something in mind, your load needs to be able to support the power out of your solar cell. This is where load resistors need to be about twice the anticipated wattage for a load. Normally power resistors are used. This would go much better if your anticipated or expected current was known.
Ron
I've used a 25W 100 Ohm rheostat, depends on PV panel voltage and current which you haven't said.
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