Re: Solar power – help/advice needed please

[elnav]

Your last point about keeping the 12V DC wiring as short as possible gives the hint for most of your other questions. Shifting from the 220V mains to direct DC is going to be lossier. Power loss in a cable or wire is a linear function of current flow in amps. Generally one of the small inverters running around 80% loaded can reach conversion values above 90% efficiency. Your wiring losses could be much greater. Connect your charger controller to battery terminal and take your 12V feed from the battery. You need the presence of the battery in order for the charge controller to work effectively. since this is a 12V system adding extra batteries must be connected in parallel. Given your location in Greece adding extra panel capacity if you are not increasing your load may simply result in the charge controller disconnecting earlier due to lots of sunshine. You may be better off using the area to install a solar hot water collector.