I am planning to install two 55 watt solar panels on the pushpit of my Express 27. There is an existing 5 watt panel on the back deck. All three will go to a 10 amp charge controller. What is the recommended wiring from the panels to the charge controller?
I spoke with someone from Northern Arizona Wind and Solar who said that I should have each panel individually fused and switched (or circuit breaker) at a junction box followed by another fuse/switch (or circuit breaker) between the junction box and the charge controller.
This sounds a little excessive. I can see the advantage of having each panel individually switchable, for troubleshooting and verifying function, but the maximal short circuit current of all three panels is only 6.9 amps. So why have a fuse?
I do understand that a fuse is required close to the battery to protect the wiring, but I am thinking about not using a fuse between the panel and the charge controller. I would like to keep things as simple as possible, but it must be safe.
Thank you,
Todd
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