Battery selection advice requested

[SolarSteve]

How little I know about AGM! OK, will definitely keep the runaway problem in mind and opt for a temperature sensor. The box is outside and very well ventilated, which means the temp is rarely above 85 and usually around 70 during the day. Even in the middle of summer it can scrape into the 40s. So quite a range overall, though not too much during charging times.

If there's a regular problem with high amp load into the battery, could I not knock down the max amperage via the controller? Wouldn't that be better than losing a panel because I get more oomph during the earlier and later hours, not to mention the often present clouds?

Discharging at night will be steady, but unknown at this point exactly how much. Rough estimate based on limited observation is I might discharge as much as 6-8Ah after the sun goes down. Provided I'm not running low going into the evening, that seems pretty modest.

OK, I think I have the system planned out now. I learned a lot in the process, that's for sure! You all have helped enormously to keep my beer cold

Steve

[sensij]

If there's a regular problem with high amp load into the battery, could I not knock down the max amperage via the controller? Wouldn't that be better than losing a panel because I get more oomph during the earlier and later hours, not to mention the often present clouds?

Yes, removing a panel is only a last resort... Even remounting them to a less optimal angle is probably a better choice if you can. Really, sizing the charge controller so it can't overcharge the battery is the right way to do it, which is why I thought the 35 A victron would be a really good fit.

[Mike90250]

Several of the higher end charge controllers can be programmed for a Max Battery Amps Limit

[SolarSteve]

Thanks! I'll look at the pros and cons of the 35A charger vs. a programmable one. Price being just one of the considerations.

Steve