Need For Solar Controller?

[pedsto]

I have 5W and 1.5W panels. The 5 W charges a battery to which only a
bilge pump is connected. The 1.5w charges a battery to which nothing is
connected. I believe that considering the normal daily discharge this arrangement (which I've been using for years) does not need controllers. Lately I've been getting negative comments. Would anyone else join in?
Am I right or wrong?

[Jim Cate]

With tiny panels such as you describe, no controller is needed, or even desirable. All controllers have some small insertion losses, and would reduce the already small current that your panels deliver to the batteries.

Jim