[rogertee]

I wish to use a solar panel this summer. I have the panel and it's compatible control. At this stage I do not want to permanently mount it on the roof of my 'van, rather have it as a separate unit. Is it as straight forward as it seems?
My idea is to use an Anderson plug/socket between the panel and the controller and then from the controller to the battery via an inline fuse. Is this correct or should I also incorporate a switch to isolate panel and controller before I plug or unplug. Advise please.

[Paul]

Hi, as long as you connect battery first and disconnect it last you should be OK.A fuse right at the output of the controller would be a good idea as you will be connecting and disconnecting a lot .Paul

[Neddy]

"My idea is to use an Anderson plug/socket between the panel and the controller....."
That is the usual approach.

".... then from the controller to the battery via an inline fuse. Is this correct?"
Yes, with the inline fuse being sited at the Battery end of the cable, not the Controller end.

"... or should I also incorporate a switch to isolate panel?"
No need. Simply disconnecting the Anderson plug/socket will accomplish the same thing.

Neville.

[Paul]

Hi sorry my bad , fuse at battery end .Paul

[NeilV]

If at all possible, site the controller as close to the batteries as possible, and wire it permanently to avoid having to connect/disconnect it, then you’ll only need to connect up the panel when you need it, and will avoid accidentally disconnecting the controller while having the panel connected

[Paul-Carter]

The most important thing is as others have said above is disconnect the panel first (before the battery) and reconnect last (after the battery) otherwise you stand a chance of frying your controller. So to my mind a fuse or switch between the controller and battery is a risk point.

[NeilV]

The battery end fuse is designed to protect the WIRE, so if the controller is 10A make it a 15A fuse (etc) so the controller itself won’t ever blow the fuse, but the fuse will blow before the wire itself burns out (or lights on fire)

I’d rather blow the fuse (and maybe the controller) than have an electrical fire onboard

[rogertee]

Thank you all for the advice! I seem to be on the right track.