Charge Controller
In order to regulate the amount of energy the batteries were to receive from the solar panels - which vary in their output - we installed a charge controller. Not only does it make sure the batteries are not damaged, it also protects the solar array. Without the controller's reverse blocking diode energy could travel from the batteries back through the array at night, potentially damaging the panels.
The SunSaver 10 charge controller.
The batteries were not directly connected to the charge controller, however. We installed a 30A DC disconnect switch so that the batteries could be disconnected easily from the solar array, without having to unscrew the wires from the charge controller.
The DC switch between the array and the batteries.
Batteries
The batteries were lined up next to each other on top of cinder blocks (which were left over from when the guest house was built). We connected the leads on the batteries together, and then connected them to the switch. At this point we could close the switch and start charging the batteries.
The batteries lined up. The black wire on the left comes from the DC switch.
We made our own battery contacts and labeled the positive and negative leads. The moisture is acidic, and is the result of the batteries being fully charged for the first time.
An overhead view of the batteries, numbered 1-3.
