Where to mount Solar Controller (Tacoma)

[mtnbike28]

I just purchased the Renogy 100w panel with the MPPT controller, the instructions say mount it vertically and away from high heat and water, so that means not in engine bay as I planned, it's going into a 3rd gen Tacoma. Anywhere else I will have to get new wire for the battery to controller since the supplied ones are 8 feet or so. The panel is mounted on the roof.

 

[EMR714]

Got any room behind the rear bench seat?

 

[Kevin108]

I had the Renogy Wandered and BT-1 module. Both lived happily screwed to the lid of the OEM fuse panel.

 

[Joe917]

Be aware of voltage drop if you are putting a long run between the controller and battery.

 

[rkfoote]

I've done this on two trucks now (a Tacoma and RAM 1500). In both cases I had a canopy and put the controller in the bed.

12v Bed Outlet Install Write-Up

Toyota Tacoma bed 12v outlet install Richard Foote richard_foote@hotmail.com It all began when I wanted to save a ton of money on ice. I’ve been...

www.tacomaworld.com

12v outlets and solar controller in truck bed

I used to have a 2011 Toyota Tacoma and wired up a 12v outlet in the bed (see write up here: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/12v-bed-outlet-install-write-up.378833/ ) Well fast forward a few years and I found that a teenager, 7 yr old, and newborn don't fit so well in a Tacoma. Go figure...

www.expeditionportal.com

 

[rkfoote]

Here is a picture of the controller in the bed in the Tacoma:

AC vs. DC for solar powered fridge

Being in a "circle" means voltage doesn't drop makes no sense at all. Connect the circuit and measure the voltage at the panel, then measure it 100ft away at the battery and it will be lower = voltage drop. The current on the other hand will be the same at any point in the circuit, but voltage no.

www.expeditionportal.com

 

[PeterChang]

Excessive ambient temperature will reduce the efficiency of the controller, so it needs to be installed in a well-ventilated place. If the distance between the controller and the battery becomes far, the influence of distance and pressure drop should be added when considering the wire specifications.

 

[228B]

Ideally, in order to properly charge that battery (assuming it's the lead acid, factory starting battery for the truck), the battery needs to see ALL of the voltage that the charge controller is sending.

This is a tough thing to accomplish if the charge controller is far away from the battery. In order to mitigate the voltage drop over this longer run, one must! inve$t in larger, all-copper stranded marine cable for this very important run. Think of something along the lines of #2AWG or even #1AWG (not to be confused with the larger 1/0).

Yes, there may not be a ton of amperage to transmit, but you must! eliminate voltage drop! or your battery will never see a 100% SoC (state of charge).

 

[mtnbike28]

Thanks for the info, I have a set up for now, but lots more to learn.

 

[Joe917]

One note on voltage drop, Quality charge controllers will have a separate voltage sensor at the battery, the charge controller then uses that to adjust charging voltage. Bottom line though the charging wire cannot be too short or too big.