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Solar Batteries |
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Like other renewable energy systems, solar energy systems use a lead-acid deep cycle battery . This type of battery is different from a conventional car battery, as it is designed to be more tolerant of the kind of ongoing charging and discharging you would expect when you have variable sunshine from one day to the next.
Lead-acid deep cycle batteries last longer but they also cost more than a conventional battery. The major difference between lead acid batteries and other batteries is that they have solid lead plates; in conventional car batteries, the plate is made of a sponge-like material. You may not be able to tell this difference simply by looking at the battery, and some batteries are labeled "deep cycle" when they are not. If you are looking at a battery that is rated for cranking amps , this will likely mean that it is not a deep cycle battery.
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Battery FAQs
- What are AGM batteries? AGM batteries are not gelled batteries, and take a higher voltage setting.
- What is the difference between flooded and AGM batteries? The difference between flooded and AGM batteries, are that AGM's do not generally require equalisation. Damage will not neccessarly occur, but they don't need equalisation, unlike flooded batteries (main purpose of equalising is to stir up the liquid, and AGM's don't have liquid).
- Are batteries of lower voltage of lower quality? No difference in quality between 12 volt batteries and smaller cells (ie. 6V, 4V, & 2V).
- Are "marine" batteries deep-cycle batteries? Some of the "Marine" batteries found in some stores (not at Energy Matters!) are no more deep cycle than your car battery. If it does not specifically state "deep cycle" on the battery, it probably is not.
- What are the advantages of smaller batteries? Some 12 volt true deep cycle batteries are large and heavy, and may be much harder to handle than a pair of smaller 6 volt batteries.
- What are the advanatges of AGM and Gel type batteries over flooded? There are lots of advanatges with AGM and Gel type batteries over flooded, including longer life (see individual batteries for sale in the Energy Matters online store). However, the cost is typically 2 to 3 times the price of an equivalent sized flooded cell battery.
- Will small solar panels charge my batteries? Eventually, yes, but it might take several days or weeks!
- What can small solar panels be used for? Small solar panel systems (eg. 5-30 Watts) are intended for trickle charging or small energy consumption requirements (eg. one or two light globes). A trickle charge can be used to stop batteries going dead while sitting unused for long periods of time. Small solar panels will not be able to cope with most day to day energy consumption. A 5 watt panel will give you around 2 Amps per day back into your system. Note: wiring from small panels to batteries are usually not large enough to handle higher currents from larger panels.
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