Jim, I don,t see any thing wrong with the direction you are going. But I want to make a few recommendations. I would look at larger, grid tie type panels. These are usually 30 to 38 volt output. These panels will give the most output for the panel size and dollar. Using high voltage panels will require you to use a MPPT charge controller but will give you a better performing system. You need a way to disconnect the panels from the charge controller, I use a circuit breaker, it serves as a switch and fuse. You also need a breaker between the charge controller and the battery. I like to keep the charge controller very close to the battery to reduce the voltage drop. I don't know anything about the charge controller you are looking at. I like Morningstar charge controllers. They have proven to be reliable and versatile. Some charge controllers are limited to the voltage they will charge at. Make sure the controller you chose will charge to the voltage that your battery manufacturer recommends. You can get long interconnect cables with MC4 connectors from ecodirect.com. I order a long cable with connectors on each end and cut in half for a male and female cable. Shadows, don't under estimate the impact of shadows. A small shadow can greatly reduce the output. Shay Glass DeFever CPMY "Escape" Green Turtle Cay -- Shay Glass