So I'm looking to go solar with three 100 watt panels on the top of my Roo and I've picked out the panels and the controller but wonder if I need to run the temperature probe to the panels, batteries, or not at all? I understand that the performance of both panels and batteries is effected by temperature but since this is a fixed system does the probe do anything? Not interested in just seeing what is happening if the probe isn't performing some function.
If my controller has a battery temperature probe option, that suggests the engineers who designed it thought it might be a useful function. At least that's the view I have adopted on each of the four RV solar systems I've built.
It would be a nice to have a temp probe in the battery box if you have the option, but not a necessity in a small system. As for the panels, they do become less efficient as they get hot, but there is little you can do about that and there is no adjustment you can make so I would not worry about panel temp. Try to get the controller as close as possible to the battery(s).
Temp probe wires or plugs into the solar charger controller; the probe near a battery. Follow makers recommendations as to placement. Mine do not need power or ground from a battery. But attach near the battery top. Temperature compensation will optimize charging when temperatures vary quite a bit in the real world and give you correct charging for longer battery life. WW
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