solar panels

Thanks for that. Panels are 150w with 10metres of cable so some rewiring will be necessary. Bill

no worries Bill,

on second thought, if the whole thing came in a kit (panels, regulator and cable) there is a small chance that the expected voltage drop has been accounted for by the manufacturer.
This can be done by increasing the regulation voltage level at the panel mount regulator.

Only a test with a voltmeter during operation will reveal this voltage level.

If it's higher than the float voltage of your battery, then you should really leave the regulator where it is at the back of the panel.
You can also try to get inside it and look for some trim pots and if they're there would allow you to play with the levels.
Just a thought....

Best regards, Peter

Peter,
Would it not be better from a component longevity point of view if the regulator was not attached to the panels.
I mention this as I have measured the temp of my panels at over 65 deg C on a hot day. Most electronics dislike that sort of temperature.

Pete

Hello Pete,

that's certainly an interesting point.
The one type of component most susceptible to high temperature degradation are electrolytic capacitors.
Cheap ones are rated 85 degrees, better ones 105 degrees.
But that doesn't mean that their life won't get shortened at 65 or 70 degrees.
They all suffer from dry out under high temps.
So unless more durable caps like solid tantalum are being used (unlikely on el cheapo controllers), it's really better to have the regulators operating in a cooler environment.

Best regards, Peter