Charge Controller Distance From Batteries

[Craig1960]

So I started installing my solar setup but don't have a good spot close to the batteries to mount the controller. I ran my wires from the panels down through a vent that goes through a cabinet for a washer/dryer(which I don't have). If I mount the controller in there it's about 4'-5' to the batteries.

Is this too far from the batteries?

[ALLOY]

Originally Posted by Craig1960

So I started installing my solar setup but don't have a good spot close to the batteries to mount the controller. I ran my wires from the panels down through a vent that goes through a cabinet for a washer/dryer(which I don't have). If I mount the controller in there it's about 4'-5' to the batteries.

Is this too far from the batteries?

Any distance is good but as the distance increase the size of the wire increases exponentially.

Ideally the voltage drop is kept below 3%

Use a wire sizing tool like the one below. For this one you'll need to used the combined (pos & neg) length of the run.

Circuit Wizard - Blue Sea Systems

The wire will need to be protected with a fuse or breaker.

[Craig1960]

Thanks Alloy, the link helps me figure it out and I do have a circuit breaker to install as well.