Hi @Woodsie8* Some things you should know. There are only two types of solar panels. Those that are bolted down and broken ones. The difference is one gust of wind. Second thing you should know. Solar controllers save batteries and should be considered a necessary part of the package. two types are available PWM(not great) and MPPT controllers. MPPT stands for maximum Power Point Tracking. The idea is panels produce their highest power level at only one point on the output scale and the controller is designed to find and maintain that point. Don't think that a charge controller need break the bank. My charge controllers are MPPT controllers the last one a 60 amp controller from Amazon cost me 100 dollars with shipping. I use a different controller for panels (individually or strings) because different angles or shading will bring down that string. I am inclined to use flexible panels where I can for weight reasons. But for my setup I need the frame so use house panels (250 watt 60 cell panels). If you want to run the panels in series have fun. When voltages are more than 2.5 times the battery voltage, efficiency of the controller goes down. can't get around it, it is the nature of the buck converter. (DC to DC converter) question this, look up buck converter data and design data for them. A point here. with only small losses in output you can use a buck converter as a solar controller, I know I have done it. They work better when lithium is used and the voltage drops to low they will self start because they never shut down. You only need enough batteries to get through the night, or if you have the space 4 days of cloud cover. That depends on your usage, and enough solar to supply power enough to keep up with demand and trickle charge the bank. You can never have to much solar, I repeat what I hear like a record. I happen to believe it though, would like to aquire another 500watts because I can make them fit on the roof, already have 1000 watts, and a 280 watt panel I see no way of putting on the roof.
