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laknox's avatar
laknox
Nomad
Apr 26, 2018

Solar question

OK, so I'm going to add a mild 100w solar kit to my new FW, as a =helper= to give me an extra day or two for our short boondock trips. Biggest concern is the draw from the fridge fan due to it being in a slideout.

Question is, is it better to have the charge controller closer to the panel or closer to the battery or does it make a difference?

TIA,
Lyle

42 Replies

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  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Nomad
    Apr 26, 2018
    Always have the controller close as possible to the batteries.
    Why start out to fail on your solar system? Do an energy audit to determine what you need...batteries, panels, controller...for your camping. And don't think "helper=to give me an extra day or two." A good solar system will recharge the batteries fully almost every day. Even some cloudy days!
  • azrving's avatar
    azrving
    Explorer
    Apr 26, 2018
    Closer to the battery. Always use heavy enough wire or even a little heavier that planned. It's common for people to add more panels. It also takes just as many holes in the roof the install maybe a 160 or 180 as it does for a 100.

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