To connect a solar charge controller with an inverter, you will need to first connect the solar panels to the charge controller, which regulates the power coming in. Then, connect the charge controller to the battery bank, allowing it to store power.
Turn the charge controller on: it should be able to measure the charge of the battery. In the user manual of a charge controller, there should be a wiring diagram, which you can consult if in doubt. It’s advised to wire the controller to the battery first before connecting it to a solar array.
If you connect the solar panel to a charge controller first, it may not initialize correctly. After you've connected the charge controller to the battery, it is now safe to connect it to the panels. Out of the junction box of a panel come two cables, a positive and a negative.
Finally, the solar power inverter is connected to the solar battery in an off-grid system. For grid-tied solar panels, large inverters or even small micro inverters may be connected directly after the charge controllers, in lieu of a storage battery onsite. If you do not plan to use any AC electricity, then a solar inverter is entirely optional.
Solar panels can be connected in a series or parallel, and charge controllers should be rated to handle the appropriate amount of wattage, voltage, and amperage of the system’s solar input. The first piece of advice: do not cut corners when purchasing a charge controller.
A solar charge controller acts as a gatekeeper, regulating the voltage and current from the solar panels going to the battery. The controller is crucial in preventing overcharging, which can significantly reduce battery lifespan.