Just Starting Solar Research
Man, there's a lot to read and digest with possibly installing a small solar panel. I very recently replaced my original 1-stage converter/charger with the Progressive Dynamics PD4600 series conve...
Forum Discussion
Mitch, for running cables to the inside, check the List of finished solar projects in the link on previous pages. Mostly, panel cables go through the roof, because this is where panels mostly are. Basically, one big hole, or through the fridge vent.
Controller is mounted inside, close to the front, because with large panels and high current it has to be close to battery (NOT your case, see the last paragraph). Most often people put it in front storage. There is one project where he routed the cable to battery through 2 Strain Relief fittings in the front diamond plate. And there is a project where Roy B mounted an A-frame box on the tongue, and placed there his batteries and controller. I don't remember whether his project is on the List.
Take time and go through the List, it is very useful.
If you have a front storage, you don't have to mount anything. Lean panel to the tongue, put controller in the front storage and pass the cables to and from controller through the almost-closed lid. You will remove the panel and close the lid if you leave the site, anyway. You can't leave anything valuable outside in Mexico, and pretty much anywhere in the US or Canada.
About controller-battery distance. I've run the numbers on voltage calculator. BFL was right and you can place controller as far as 20ft from the battery if you use gauge 8 copper booster cable. So behind the fridge might work. There are 20ft gauge 8 booster cables (aka jumper cables) at Home Depot and Amazon. With a thicker gauge 6 cable the controller can be farther yet from the battery.
Controller is mounted inside, close to the front, because with large panels and high current it has to be close to battery (NOT your case, see the last paragraph). Most often people put it in front storage. There is one project where he routed the cable to battery through 2 Strain Relief fittings in the front diamond plate. And there is a project where Roy B mounted an A-frame box on the tongue, and placed there his batteries and controller. I don't remember whether his project is on the List.
Take time and go through the List, it is very useful.
If you have a front storage, you don't have to mount anything. Lean panel to the tongue, put controller in the front storage and pass the cables to and from controller through the almost-closed lid. You will remove the panel and close the lid if you leave the site, anyway. You can't leave anything valuable outside in Mexico, and pretty much anywhere in the US or Canada.
About controller-battery distance. I've run the numbers on voltage calculator. BFL was right and you can place controller as far as 20ft from the battery if you use gauge 8 copper booster cable. So behind the fridge might work. There are 20ft gauge 8 booster cables (aka jumper cables) at Home Depot and Amazon. With a thicker gauge 6 cable the controller can be farther yet from the battery.
