I'm starting my solar journey with just a single 100-watt panel and a 12V 50Ah battery. I understand controllers and inverters, but I'm unsure whether I need a breaker in my setup. If I do, where should I install it?
2 Answers
Definitely include at least a fuse right at the battery to ensure safety. It's also good practice to have a method to disconnect the solar panel. Charge controllers typically recommend disconnecting the solar before you unplug from the battery. Also, if your inverter doesn't already have a breaker, incorporate one that matches its specifications.
For your solar panel, a breaker isn't strictly necessary since 100 watts is pretty typical for portable setups, and they can be safely plugged in and unplugged. However, on the battery side, it’s a good idea to install a fuse or breaker to protect the wiring and controller from the battery's output. The reason is that the solar panel and controller naturally limit current, so the main concern is with the battery.
Got it! But where exactly should I put that breaker?