ToddW,

One caution to be aware of when adding distance between the solar panels and the battery banks, every inch of conductor (wire) added to the overall length comes at a price called VOLTAGE DROP. In the case of lower voltages and direct current, this can be a steep price to pay.

You will have a minimum to two conductors to complete the circuit) and this will increase the overall circuit voltage drop due to increased conductor resistance. Thus, if you locate your power source 100 feet from your load (in this case your battery bank/s) you will have 200 feet of conductor overall creating added resistance to your circuit supply voltage and creating voltage drop

Within certain practical standards this concern can be addressed by increasing the conductors cross sectional area by using a bigger conductor (i.e. going from a small wire #18 wire gauge to a larger #10 wire gauge). With proper up front planning / engineering this can be addressed within the limitations of your physical layout and available budget.

The trade off comes in practical aspects such as CO$T, flexibility, weight, handling time etc. With electrical circuits as in many other aspects of our lives, "there ain't no such thing as a free lunch".

Regards,
Comanche7