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Topic: Locate Solar Charge Controller on wall behind kitchen drawers? (Read 756 times) previous topic - next topic - Topic derived from Re: 150 psi rear tank...

Locate Solar Charge Controller on wall behind kitchen drawers?

Starting to plan my solar install and wondering if the controller needs direct access or if it can be tucked away behind the kitchen drawers which, in this case, would be directly above the batteries and inverter.  Any thoughts appreciated.
2019 Pleasure Way Lexor

Re: Locate Solar Charge Controller on wall behind kitchen drawers?

Reply #1 –
I would suggest you put it where you have reasonable access and installing it is easier.  Behind the drawers might be OK but after a couple times in there for something and you will wish it were somewhere else.  Don't forget fuses between your panels and the controller.  An on/off switch between the controller abd the batteries is a good idea and there should be a fuse between the controller and the battery.

Every coach is different so trying to say where to put yours is difficult.  Longer solar cables are probably cheaper then longer, bigger battery cables.  Solar input does not have to connect directly to the batteries.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Locate Solar Charge Controller on wall behind kitchen drawers?

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Rick & Robyn –
Starting to plan my solar install and wondering if the controller needs direct access or if it can be tucked away behind the kitchen drawers which, in this case, would be directly above the batteries and inverter.  Any thoughts appreciated.
I have the same year and model. This was my choice.

Finished solar!
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Locate Solar Charge Controller on wall behind kitchen drawers?

Reply #3 –
It would be fine IF you don't feel the need to look at to see what it's doing.
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country

Re: Locate Solar Charge Controller on wall behind kitchen drawers?

Reply #4 –
Quote from: bbeane –
It would be fine IF you don't feel the need to look at to see what it's doing.
There is nothing to look at on my controller, am I missing something?
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Locate Solar Charge Controller on wall behind kitchen drawers?

Reply #5 –
This particular controller has a digital readout and several indicator lights on the face  but the remote display should provide the same data. 
2019 Pleasure Way Lexor

Re: Locate Solar Charge Controller on wall behind kitchen drawers?

Reply #6 –
I mounted all of my parts on a panel and then the panel in place.  It made the wiring easier to do on my workbench.  This is in the bay where the water manifold is located.  Cabels come down through the refrigerator bay just above.

The more detailed your plan the easier these projects are to get done.  Make sure you know what parts you will need and get them all ahead of time and think through each step. 

Keep asking questions. Many of this have done this ourselves and the range of experience is good.  In the end choose what is best for you.

A Second House Battery Bank, Solar Panels, 2 New Inverters
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Locate Solar Charge Controller on wall behind kitchen drawers?

Reply #7 –
I installed my controller in a closet -- right above the batteries and directly below the panels, and I mounted a 750 watt inverter right next to it....
1993 U225 Build #: 4285
500 Watts Solar
Honda CRV AWD
Former 1981 Foretravel Travco
Retired, Full Time Off Grid Snowbird
 

Re: Locate Solar Charge Controller on wall behind kitchen drawers?

Reply #8 –
Solar controller would benefit by not being in a confined air space to dissipate heat.