OffGridKindaGuy: Thanks for the detail.
Yes, I am running directly from the inverter now.
The inverter is 24" from the connection to the battery. The inverter directions "require" 2 #4 cables for the positive and 2 for the negative. I connected it with 1 #6 and the losses through the inverter seem to be great during the day. I have it powering ONLY the yard light which is pulling 37-39 watts per Kill A Watt.
If I leave it on during the day, I gain very little charge. For temporary, I have a Harbor Freight 45 watt system charging. If I leave the inverter on, very little voltage is gained during the day.
I haven't ordered the PV panels yet. As I mentioned previously, I am shooting for the "best bang for the buck!" $1 to 1.5k is what I'm looking out.
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