Can I connect my charge controller to my panel?

red31 wrote:
"Locate the controller within 10 ft (3 M) of the battery bank."

Are you trying to prove something? If so, you should provide a proper source. That phrase is nowhere to be found in the manuals for the Morningstar Prostar (gen3) or Prostar MPPT controllers.

mike-s wrote:

red31 wrote:
A Morningstar manual might suggest 10' MAX from controller to batt.

They might, but they don't.

But they do. Let me spoon fed it to you.

https://2n1s7w3qw84d2ysnx3ia2bct-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SS3.IOM_.Operators_Manual.01.EN_.pdf

red31 wrote:
https://2n1s7w3qw84d2ysnx3ia2bct-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SS3.IOM_.Operators_Manual.01.EN_.pdf

Fail. That's not Morningstar, and I'm not clicking on a link hosted by "2n1s7w3qw84d2ysnx3ia2bct-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com".

Oh, and if you look at the _real_, and current, Morningstar manual for the Sunsaver, http://support.morningstarcorp.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/SS-3-IOM_v3.3_WEB.pdf , the phrase in context is:

The unit should be located in the same ambient temperature as the battery.
Locate the controller within 10 ft (3 M) of the battery bank.

The SunSaver does not support remote battery temperature sensing, and it's clear that's why they suggest (should, not must) it be mounted close to the battery. As I said, having the controller adjust for the battery temperature is more important than worrying about voltage drop, which becomes minimal as the battery gets full. Typical temperature adjustment is 0.03 V/degree C, so a 10 degree (18F) change in temperature makes more difference than a 2% voltage drop, even at full current. The SS maxes out at 20A, so that's the drop for a 29 foot one-way run of 8 gauge copper.

It's Sunsaver Morningstar. Subsidiary? Nothing nefarious about the link.

charge controller do temp compensation, keep the controller near the battery for proper temp compensation or find one with remote temp and remote v sensors. Easier and cheaper to stay near the battery.

Charge controllers do not prevent undercharging, poor installs make undercharging worse.

Glad you agree what MS puts in manuals.

BTW, that controller won't accept 8g

As stated in MS manual, the voltage drop does not reduce as the batt fills unless there is less power potential from the panel from heating or less sun.

Yeah if you mount the controller between the water heater and the electric panel while the battery sits outside... that will cause charging and float voltages to be artificially low.

My mppt charge controller is in the same cabinet, and is wired directly to the output of the converter, which is a straight run to the batteries. It's been between my two 75 watt panels and the batteries for years, and has taken great care of them. Unless I become a fulltimer and need to eek out every little ounce of power, I will stick with this tried and true method. I do have switches and fuses in between the controller and panels, and batteries.

jplante4 wrote:

red31 wrote:
"Locate the controller within 10 ft (3 M) of the battery bank."

Is that based on the recommended wire gauge between the controller and battery? If so, you can up the gauge and go longer.

The OP never told controller brand, or MPPT/PWM, or panel size. IMO, hard to suggest anything constructive at this point.

red31 wrote:
As stated in MS manual, the voltage drop does not reduce as the batt fills unless there is less power potential from the panel from heating or less sun.

Either you're unclear on the concept, or simply making things up. The manual says no such thing, because it would incorrect.