Solar question

This Renology kit just isn’t up to the task you are asking but at least it’s expandable. Note this quote: “Ideal output: 500Wh per day; can fully charge a 50Ah battery from 50% in 3 hours (depending on the availability of sunlight)”

Twenty-five amps hours on an ideal day isn’t going to happen and if it does it isn’t going to fill much. Two panels might work, three would, four is better.

Vented battery box(es) with 2 6v GC2 batteries. I'd screw the controller leads to the battery terminals. Controller can be up to 8' away from the batteries. In the past, I simply kept my battery compartment door open and I'd likely do the same thing, except during rain.

Looking at this Renogy Starter Kit: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BFCNFRM/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

Lyle

What kit are you getting? you may be unhappy with the performance...

But there is a lot of missing info.. Batterys, usage, etc..

Yes keep controller near batts but not in same area due to possible sparking of controller can ignite gassing battery fumes...

Fridge fan wouldn't be much of a draw.

Yes, corrosion. If they are in a vented box you should be fine. Have you looked at Anderson type connector for your panel for easy connection.

AZ, WindyNation sells an outdoor 10 amp PWM controller that I use to keep my batteries charged during storage with a small panel. But other than the WN controller I haven't seen any controllers that are weatherproof.

azrving wrote:
You don't want the controller close to wet cell batteries.

Is this due to outgassing causing corrosion or electrical efficiency? Batteries are in a vented box and controller would be screwed to the wall...somewhere. This kit does come with 8' of "tray cable" to go from the controller to the batteries.

Lyle

laknox wrote:


As I said, I'm making a portable system, for now, though I could easily hard-mount the controller next to the battery(ies). Kit comes with 10AWG wires. I don't know how weather-resistant the controller is, which is a consideration.

Lyle

They do make small generic waterproof enclosures for your controller.

Easy to set up.

You don't want the controller close to wet cell batteries and it most surely needs to be in a protected dry location

azrving wrote:
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.

As I said, I'm making a portable system, for now, though I could easily hard-mount the controller next to the battery(ies). Kit comes with 10AWG wires. I don't know how weather-resistant the controller is, which is a consideration.

Lyle