zlacker

> 1 thing I found lacking: discussion of optimal power point tracking. If ignored (PV panel -> load directly) then depending on the load's characteristics, it can pull the solar panel into very sub-optimal power generation.

The discussion: Buy MPPT controller

End of discussion

> That is an advantage of heaving batteries in the system: they can serve as a predictable / constant load, which a charge controller uses to have the solar panel operate at near-maximum output.

Well the single disadvantage of batteries is cost, everything else is an advantage so there is not much else to discuss here too.