I have a DC to DC battery charger that also has an integrated MPPT solar charger all in a single unit. So far I’ve only used the DC to DC charger to charge a 100AH LifePo4 battery to run my fridge and a couple of LED lights. I’m very pleased with the performance. Our camping/road trip style usually puts us on the road for a couple of hours or more every day, so the drive time is mostly sufficient to keep the battery charged. However, on a few occasions we will stay in one place for a few days, so I purchased a 130 watt portable “suit case” style solar panel to supplement the DC to DC charger setup. I’ll have a 20 foot extension cable as well so I can place the panel where needed. Being new to solar, I have a couple of wiring questions I hope you guys can help me with: 1). I’m concerned about the prospect of directly connecting and/or disconnecting a live panel to the charge controller. So, should there be some sort of in-line switch to the panel to enable live connection to the charge controller after the panel is set up and for disabling the connection before disassembling the panel set up? 2). The panel produces just under 7 amps max. Should the cable line be fused? If so, should it be near the controller or at the solar panel connection? 3). Am I simply over complicating the whole issue and if so, what is the simplest way to connect and disconnect the panel whenever it’s needed?
The owner’s manual for the charger has wiring instructions that are simple and well illustrated, however, neither of the above questions is addressed. The charge controller is a CTEK D250SE if that matters.
As always, thanks for the help,
Mike