Solar charger installation question

[KngTgr]

I have a 30W Mono-crystalline Solar Panel with charge controller, Question: Does it have to be installed as close to the battery as possible? or can it be connected to a powerblock (2 or 4 awg from battery to here) in the cargo area before it gets distributed to amps, power inverter, capacitor. The panel will go on the rack, front or rear depending on answers.

 

[cosmic88]

You will be fine to run anything from 14 awg and larger. Your MAX. (depending on which voltage regulator you have) AMP. supply from panel to controller will be roughly 2.5 amps. 14awg is rated for MAX. 5.9 amps....

In full sun the panel output will vary from 19v to 21v at roughly 2, maybe 2.3 amps to your voltage regulator.... which will step that down to 13.5 - 14 v.

It can go anywhere on the rack you want. These wire run lengths are short so no noticeable loss or excessive resistance will factor in. over size you wire by a factor of 1.5 if unsure. 2awg and 4 awg from a block will be plenty.

 

[KngTgr]

Awesome, thank you, my main concern was length of wire from controller to battery

 

[toadermcgee]

The charge controller may have a temp senor in it to help keep your batts from frying. If it does you may want to keep it as close to the batts or at least in the same container. Some controllers have the ability to attach a remote temp senor.