Question about solar panels

Brettmm92 wrote:
I'm aware an inverter is needed to convert the dc power from the panels to ac.

This statement indicates you're thinking of panels as devices that 'run things.' They don't, they charge batteries, then it's the power from the batteries through the inverter that runs things. Ok, picky picky, but it's really how it works. An analogy is you don't take your paycheck to the grocery store for a loaf of bread, you deposit it in your bank first, then draw from that.

Inverters should be as close to batteries as possible with fat wire to handle the largest expected load on them.