Bobbo wrote:
Reason for weatherproof: set up suitcase panels with controller not in enclosed space and go sightseeing. It rains. Rain can happen when not expected.
Voltage drop CAN be mitigated by shorter distances and larger gauge wire. However, putting a suitcase panel in the sun may require longer distance with a wire gauge that is, ummm, more flexible. Hence my desire to put panels in series for higher voltage/lower current, and, put the solar controller close to the batteries rather than at the panels. A voltage drop from 36 volts/5 amps is much lower than voltage drop from 14 volts/10 amps. Especially when the dropped voltage from 36 volts is then converted to 14 volts.
Yes, so just put the controller inside with short wires to the battery and long wires to the array.
Instead of clamping the portable to the battery you clamp/plug to the terminals on the array side of the controller. Eg, run wires with connectors on them from the array side of the controller to where you can get at the ends to connect the portable array wires with matching connectors on them.
In one set-up with the 5er we had, I put a "cable hatch" in the cargo bay door to pass wires through while still having the door locked shut. Others here have rigged Anderson connectors externally from wires going inside to the controller array side.
