Larry, if you read this.

Am embroiled in a discussion about solar panel controllers.

Aside from the fact that smaller arrays of panes don't put out enough
amperage to over charge a medium bank of batteries, can you comment on
what type of regulator is usually best. I have seen both shunt
regulators and others that simply open either the positive or negative
leg between the panel and the battery, which seems a simpler method. I
have also seen a home-brew regulator the shorted the legs together,
but that seems sort of brutal to me.

It appears to me that a simple voltage sensor and a solid state switch
is all that is needed, but perhaps I can't see the forest for the
trees as regulators, over here, cost a hundred bucks, or more.

Cheers,

Bruce