Charge Controller and Inverter in a Battery Box?

ayurtdweller

Can I put my 300 watt morningstar suresine and morningstar 15 amp controller in the same box (vented!) as a 125AH battery? 200 watts of PV, if it matters.

Thanks for your recommendations!

waynefromnscanada

If it's a flooded type battery, I definitely would not, as these batteries emit from time to time corrosive vapors that will get sucked into your electronics and shorten their lives. Venting will release the fumes to the outside, but not before they get circulated around inside the box.

ayurtdweller

Would an AGM battery suffice for this box idea?

waynefromnscanada

AGM battery don't normally emit gasses / fumes etc, but they are a lot less accepting of improper charging. IF you're sure your charge controller can properly handle and is properly adjusted for AGM, they are maintenance free, no water needs to be added, nor indeed can be added. However, like mentioned, they are relatively easily damaged compared to flooded.
As long as the AGMs are never overcharges, the electronics should be OK in the box - - as long as the inverter and controller do not overhead in the enclosed box. They usually require free airflow for cooling.

zoneblue

Best practice, and often, code, is to maintain 500mm seperation between any kind of lead battery and your electronics. This is to cover the worst case scenerio, sealed battery over charges, vents, hydrogen plus spark from electrics... boom.