I need a schematic for 36v Solar Charge Controller, or do I?

A design which decreases the charge current as the terminal voltage of the battery rises to fully charged would be nicer.

You can get about twice the rated power out of standard solar panels if you have space to surround them with mirrors in an equilateral triangle configuration. In its simplest form the mirrors go either side at 60 degerees to form a part of a hexagon \_/ just about doubles the solar flux. Some cheap devices will degrade the epoxy if any more is used.

You can do even better with parabolas - look up non imaging flux concentrators for details.

The OP would probably be better served by using one 12v or 24v battery and keeping a spare on charge at home. Swapping them as and when needed.

Solar PV power never really keeps pace with demand in mid winter.

Regards, Martin brown

Thanks again guys. The discussion on power boosting is so far above my head I think planes can fly under it. :)

I live in the AZ high desert. Sunshine 330+ days of the year. Trees causing shadows ? What's a tree? OK, there are a few here but the front gate is well clear of any trees and shadows. Probably the only shadow a panel might get is if a lizard crawled up on one to view the surroundings. Hell, last Monday evening walking the dog, a full grown Mountain Lion raced past us about 200 feet away. Boonies guys, boonies. :)

Fire Department? What Fire Department? :) Closest town is 23 miles away. All they would be able to do is warm their hands on the burning foundations. :) There is a Community garage about a mile from here with "The site of the Volunteer Fire Department," but the sign is so faded it is almost impossible to read. It's been there for 40 years and still we apparently have not managed to get an FD. LOL

Thanks again for all the good advice and help.

Dave