Solar conundrum (updated with shopping list)

clotus wrote:
You guys are really using 2/0 and 4/0 cable for the batteries. I didn't think I needed to go that high. What is the reason?

I am also going to look into an inverted further down the road, but something closed to 300 watts to just charge phones and maybe run a small LED LCD TV.

Right now I am trying to figure out the solar system to keep my batteries charged while in storage and extend my boondocking outtings without having to worry about the battery levels. Maybe I am trying to build too big of a system.

I guess I am back to what kind of charger, MPPT or PWM. I was already planning on the Bogart battery monitor and in conjunction with their charger seem to give similar benefits of MPPT regarding voltage with battery, just not the added efficieny. Given that I live in So Cal where it is hot, my research is suggesting that the "boost" from MPPT might not be worth the money at this point. I am aware that I need to run larger wire for the PWM, but I still think I come out ahead.

Your only going to need one battery cable , just to tie the 6 volts to make them 12 volt , unless you plan on an inverter soon just make sure its the same as the larger of the house bat connects or the solar charger wire to the batterys , I would get a cheap terminal crimper and make your own , you have many uses in the future with solar and possible inverter , and making your own you can make them the exact length you need
On an rv the angle of the panels , shade , inadequate ventilation under the panel and heat will all cause the watts you get from the panels to be lower most of the time , heat above the low 70`s will lower the panels efficiency a lot . doing everything within means to counter that , ie MPPT , more panels, to me seems prudent
You get everything you can out of what you have in all situations with a MPPT , VOLTS IN X AMPS IN = VOLTS OUT X AMPS OUT
The system you have figured has good wireing , #4 is necessary from comb box to controller with what your doing , and that will allow you to add a panel or two , or tie sets in series and parallel them at the comb box later if you want
You can always change the PWM down the road , its not big enough for more panels anyway
What you cut into the wall inside , remote panel wise may have to be changed to though
I know your not doing this thinking your going to change anything , but it re enforces the way you do it , knowing that you can

Nothing wrong with building a system and adding more cheap PV to compensate for the PWM not delivering all the available watts , it just takes bigger wire