When Installing a Solar Controller Should It Go Before or After the Shunt?

Question:

I'm installing solar panels on my boat and I already have a Victorian Battery Monitor on board. Do I attach the negative wire from the solar monitor going to the batteries to the Victorian shunt or straight to the batteries? - John

Answer:

Thanks for contacting PYS.  Since you have a battery monitor, install the negative from the controller after the shunt (i.e. load side) and NOT directly to the batteries. Otherwise, you’ll be bypassing the shunt and therefore the solar amps won’t be counted by the solar controller.