Best way to connect a charge controller?

MaineCabin
MaineCabin Solar Expert Posts: 29 ✭
in Solar Beginners Corner #1
What is the best way to connect a charge controller to a battery bank? Just run the wires to the same positive/negative battery terminals that I connected the inverter cables to?

Whats the best way to make the battery connection? Crimp on rings?

This is for a small off-grid system with 4-6V batteries.

Thanks.
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  • mike95490
    mike95490 Solar Expert Posts: 9,583 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #2
    Re: Best way to connect a charge controller?
    MaineCabin wrote: »
    What is the best way to connect a charge controller to a battery bank? Just run the wires to the same positive/negative battery terminals that I connected the inverter cables to?
    Whats the best way to make the battery connection? Crimp on rings?
    This is for a small off-grid system with 4-6V batteries.
    Thanks.

    I don't have a bank to refer to, but here's a great writeup on how to properly wire your battery bank (diagonally)
    http://www.smartgauge.co.uk/batt_con.html
    Powerfab top of pole PV mount | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
    || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
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  • icarus
    icarus Solar Expert Posts: 5,436 ✭✭✭✭
    #3
    Re: Best way to connect a charge controller?

    I have a similar system as yours.

    I run the positive out of the controller to a DC breaker box, with a proper sized breaker, and then to the battery, with an additional 50amp in line fuse at the battery. I use the other buss of the breaker box for my DC loads. That lead is also fused at the battery, and then again at the DC breaker box. All my large gauge wire is connected with ring connecters that are mechanically crimped. My batteries sit on a castered cart under a bench. I have enough wire so that I can roll the batteries out to service them. The whole works is vented with a voltage controlled exhaust fan.

    All pretty simple to wire.

    I believe that NAWS sells a manual crimper that you strike with a hammer. I have one and it works great for wires up to #2 or so.
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