Can I connect my charge controller to my panel?

You guys make some excellent points that I hadn't considered. I'm glad I asked before going through with it.

Thanks for saving me a headache!

Is there not a fuse between the battery and the fuse block? If so, and that fuse blows, that could blow your controller.

How "small" panel? Converter wires are probably #12, so... you can wire controller to converter output, if panel is 50-60W. 100W panel (which is still "small", in my books) will work fine most of the time, but sometimes will cause too much voltage drop (6-8ft to converter + another 15-20ft to battery), and then your battery won't get a good charge.

This all should concern you less than the fact that controller-converter path usually doesn't have easy and/or obvious means to disconnect the controller before disconnecting the battery. If you forget, controller might get a heart attack - or it might survive. Better not to take chances.

You might want to run the numbers here: Voltage drop

Can you do it?
Yes with a few gotchas
Never disconnect the battery
You will have to disconnect or cover the solar panel up
Before even cleaning the battery posts, same rules with direct run to battery
But easier to forget when the wires are some place else
It may not charge as well, as with a direct connection to batteries
Depending on the wire gauge involved

Flyfasteddie wrote:
If you can get to your converter you can tie in to the battery connection there.

My solar panel is right above my converter which is about 15' horizontal from the battery. Instead of running additional cable to the battery I just ran the solar controller output to the lugs that connect the converter to the battery.Instead of running additional cable to the battery I just ran the solar controller output to the lugs that connect the converter to the battery.

You'll lose a few tenths of a volt (depending on how many watts you're pushing and how large the existing wire is) but in my case it wasn't worth running the extra wire.

Thank you - I think you stated a better way of stating the question that I am asking.

The wires from my batteries connect to my electrical panel. Can I connect the output from my controller to where the wires from my battery connect to the circuit breaker panel or do I need to run them directly to the batteries?

If you have an empty branch circuit in the 12 volt distribution panel with proper amp rating then it will work.

Many controllers require a battery connection at all times if the panels are connected or the controller can be damaged.

Depending on power and connections you will get better performance with the controller close to the battery.

JoshInReno wrote:
I'm wondering if there is a spot on my breaker panel that I can wire to?

I don't think your 12v panel has breakers, but if you want to connect somewhere that connects directly the batteries (like the converter connection) that would be ok.

If you can get to your converter you can tie in to the battery connection there.

My solar panel is right above my converter which is about 15' horizontal from the battery. Instead of running additional cable to the battery I just ran the solar controller output to the lugs that connect the converter to the battery.

You'll lose a few tenths of a volt (depending on how many watts you're pushing and how large the existing wire is) but in my case it wasn't worth running the extra wire.

Bad idea as most controllers want the battery to be connected. If you go to the dc power distribution panel and then use the battery disconnect the controller won't be connected either.