A device that is attached to portable solar panels so as to allow users to readily verify panel quality and performance. In one example implementation, a device may perform a self-test by measuring the illuminated I-V (current-voltage) curve or dark I-V curve of the solar panel. The measured values derived from the self-test may be compared against a threshold to identify whether either the solar cells and/or the interconnects of the solar panel may have suffered damage affecting the performance of the portable solar panels. A user in the field may be able to dynamically determine whether the performance degradation is due to weather or setup conditions, or if the deviations are due to cell breakage, creases, and/or cracks on the solar cell or other comprised performance factors, such as compromised integrity of the system interconnect.