The Solar Panel Test Bench is a full-size EMS module in which a Solar Panel, Model 8806 (not included, must be ordered separately), can be installed to perform a wide variety of tests and experiments. A powerful halogen lamp is used to illuminate the solar panel under test. The distance between the halogen lamp and solar panel can be changed to adjust the irradiance. A ventilation system is provided in the Solar Panel Test Bench to keep the solar panel at near room temperature and study the effects of temperature. The halogen lamp and ventilation system can be turned on and off through switches mounted on the front panel of the test bench. Pilot lamps on the front panel indicate the status (on or off) of the halogen lamp and ventilation system. The complete Solar Panel Test Bench is powered by a standard wall outlet.

A potentiometer and a set of diodes are included in the Solar Panel Test Bench. The potentiometer is used to apply a variable electrical load to the output of the solar panel under test. The diodes can be connected to the solar panel to serve as either bypass diodes or blocking diodes. Access to the potentiometer and diodes is through miniature (2 mm) banana jacks mounted on the front panel of the test bench. Four other miniature banana jacks on the front panel of the test bench provide direct access to the output terminals of the solar panel to make connections easy. A set of connection leads terminated with miniature banana plugs is provided with the Solar Panel Test Bench.