Sorry, bit complicated.
I am installing a 25 watt solar panel along with a 5 amp charge controller (PWM5) using 14 amp wire.
Of course I am aware of the basics. Solar panel connects to the charge controller which in turn connects to the battery.
The solar panel is for a sailing boat and will be connected while on the mooring but disconnected via a deck plug while out sailing. I have decided there is no suitable location on the boat to have a permanently installed panel.
Firstly I need to decide which side of the deck plug the charge controller should be. Close to the panel where it will be exposed to the elements or close to the batteries where it will be warm and snug in a locker.
Between the deck plug and the battery it is about 1 metre. The wire connected to the solar panel is 8 metres but this may be shortened depending on where the panel is located (yet to be determined).
Next I need to consider fusing the system. I understand ideally there should be 3 fuses. 1 close to the panel, 1 close to the charge controller between the panel and the controller and 1 between the controller and the battery. I guess 5 amp fuses would be OK?
Look forward to replies.
Thanks
Mike
I am installing a 25 watt solar panel along with a 5 amp charge controller (PWM5) using 14 amp wire.
Of course I am aware of the basics. Solar panel connects to the charge controller which in turn connects to the battery.
The solar panel is for a sailing boat and will be connected while on the mooring but disconnected via a deck plug while out sailing. I have decided there is no suitable location on the boat to have a permanently installed panel.
Firstly I need to decide which side of the deck plug the charge controller should be. Close to the panel where it will be exposed to the elements or close to the batteries where it will be warm and snug in a locker.
Between the deck plug and the battery it is about 1 metre. The wire connected to the solar panel is 8 metres but this may be shortened depending on where the panel is located (yet to be determined).
Next I need to consider fusing the system. I understand ideally there should be 3 fuses. 1 close to the panel, 1 close to the charge controller between the panel and the controller and 1 between the controller and the battery. I guess 5 amp fuses would be OK?
Look forward to replies.
Thanks
Mike
