Solar panel disconnect switch.

Blue Sea makes a marine grade switched circuit breaker which is what I use. I can mechanically switch it off or it trips with a short in the circuit. I used it so that I can kill from the panels as they are still "hot" current even after the sun has set.

With most charge controllers if the positive and ground wires are switched even for a second it destroys the controller. I wanted to be able to kill power from the panels at the C-box. Not current into the controller then no current out to the batteries. I have a separate fuse on the output from the controller to the batteries.

A good charge controller will function like a trickle charger to keep your batteries topped off and maximize their life. Discharged batteries freeze at higher temperatures and will deteriorate faster so keep the controller connected.

ken white wrote:
I use these -> Cooper-Bussmann

X2
I have a single C-B Midrange between module and controller.

I use these -> Cooper-Bussmann

Alright I will stop thinking, guess I already stopped as the charge controller and being able to set it didn't enter my brain. Geez I may be a gray hair but I'm not that old yet.

I disliked dealing with my panels portable the one time I set them out so I'm planning on getting the 2 panels I have mounted before my next trip the end of October. I'll set up the wiring so all I have to do is mount another 2 in the spring and plug them in.

The solar controller will not overheat the battery or cook the battery.

No need to shut off the controller. I have had solar since 1994, and it helps prolong the battery life when you keep the battery full all the time.

Fred.

Hi Muddy,

So far as I am aware no one has ever cooked a battery using solar with a controller.

If you want a disconnect certainly use a DC rated breaker of appropriate amperage. Square D QO series breakers are DC rated to 50 volts, they may be easier to find then a specialty breaker. MidNite or Outback are good sources for the special ones.
I believe you are over thinking things. If you have a good charge controller and it's programed correctly you could have several kW of PV hooked to your batteries and it wouldn't overcharge. On the other hand, a poorly designed/programed charge controller could easily allow one little panel to overcharge a battery.

pianotuna wrote:

You may as well use a breaker.

Try a MidNite breaker.

No over thinking ...actually a very good idea

We have 550 watts fixed to the roof with a plug in connection to remote a few external panels if/when needed while on the road. When the rig is in it's summer (at home) shed we have 300watts on the top of the shed a simply plugin and all is good, winter it's in a heated barn with a 24/7 15/20/30/50amp connection.

Yes a disconnect at both the controller to battery and array to controller is advised - check out the Blue Seas / Bussman switchable breakers - been using them for years no problems

What is the controller charging profile? Good profile, no worries.
Otherwise any DC switch is fine unless you have a high voltage system.

Don't bother with some odd 3 and 1 panel system. The controller handles this automatic.