Solar panels & controller - am I missing anything?

gatorcq wrote:
Yes, you are missing performing a Search on the forum.

Excellent. Nice links.

I would recommend mocking it up with any old 12v battery you can find or borrow. Test drawing amp hours out and replacing them.

Jim

Verify that you have the wiring and the connectors to hook everything together. Most charge controllers have connections for 10ga or smaller wire connections so running 6ga or heavier wire requires a way to make the connectors work using junction blocks or jumper wires.

Also get a switch/circuit breaker so you can kill power from the panel to the controller as it makes it safer to hook up everything without voltage from the panel.

A lot of what you may find yourself needing can be purchased at a marine chandlry in whatever part of the country your RV is situated.

Yes, you are missing performing a Search on the forum.

Example:

Link 1

Link 2

Link 3

Link 4

Exactly which controller have you bought? The link shows 3 different models: 5, 10 and 15A. As noted, you need at least 15A. Buying unknown brands is taking chances, though this one has some record already - known for low prices. I suspect they are pirating all their models. I would get some simple 15-16A model from known brand like ASC, but that one would will cost $50-60.

Yes, cables of proper gauge and length (no too thin or too long), terminated with lugs, and a fuse between controller and battery.

Good to go. Make sure you have the right size and length cables, terminals, connectors, fuse, strain relief, tape, solder, heat gun, shrink wrap, crimper, mounting hardware & tools, roof sealant and some beer :B Otherwise yes panels to the controller and controller to the battery and you are in business.

The 200w will get you about 12.6amps at high noon plus more with cloud effect at times, briefly. You need the 15a controller at least. You need a 15a fuse near the battery between battery and controller, but not between controller and array.

Make sure the controller is not downstream on the array side from your converter. The converter and controller will be in parallel on the battery side of the controller

Yes you need some wires! :)

You don't need a fancier controller.

Read the instructions closely on the controller. You're going to need some circuit protection and shutoff ability. A CB near the batteries, one on each side of the controller if the wire run is long, and perhaps one near the panel if you are going to permanently locate it and the wiring is to be hidden. CB's can be used to shut off the power for maintenance, even though I don't think they meet the letter of the code.

I hope you got the 15 amp controller @ $15.50
I've seen this same controller at solar dealers for $59. There, now its no longer a cheap controller. And it will work just fine.

BlueSky controller

This way if you add more panels you don't have to buy a new controller. What can happen with the cheaper ones is they are vastly overrated for their amperage and will get hot, wasting energy.

Your controller spec says:
"3-stage charging algorithm: impulse, bulk and float". I do not know what impulse is, and I see 'absorbtion' is missing. That's not good in my opinion.

It also says "lightning protection." Yeah, sure