battery bank choices

wkobe88822
wkobe88822 Registered Users Posts: 8 ✭✭
in Off Grid Solar & Battery Systems #1
In stalling a off grid system and my installer wants to use 8x EnergyCell 200GH 12v Front terminal VLRA/AGM for the battery bank how does that sound you all?
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  • Photowhit
    Photowhit Solar Expert Posts: 6,009 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #2
    Re: battery bank choices

    We'd like more information.

    Usually we'd like to see what type of match to your system and needs, so if you would like to tell use about your loads/needs/plans for your system?
    Size of array? We can see what type of charging rate...
    Size and type of inverter? We check for system voltage...
    Will this be 2 strings of 48 volts? Typically we would like to see minimal strings.
    Willingness and ability to do maintenance? AGMs tend to be more expensive than flooded, but flooded require more maintenance...
    Home system 4000 watt (Evergreen) array standing, with 2 Midnite Classic Lites,  Midnite E-panel, Magnum MS4024, Prosine 1800(now backup) and Exeltech 1100(former backup...lol), 660 ah 24v Forklift battery(now 10 years old). Off grid for 20 years (if I include 8 months on a bicycle).
    - Assorted other systems, pieces and to many panels in the closet to not do more projects.
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  • PNjunction
    PNjunction Solar Expert Posts: 762 ✭✭✭
    #3
    Re: battery bank choices

    Those are actually Enersys Data-Safe rebrands if coming from Outback. The model you are looking at is primarily designed for grid tie / hybrid battery backup and NOT for cycling.

    Your installer should know your planned style of operation, and these would be the WRONG type for cycling which I'm assuming you are going to do. RED FLAG.

    If you are cycling, then a better choice would be the Energycell "RE" models.

    Note that like most Enersys products, their documentation is excellent. For example, an initial charge upon receipt, or for a "freshening" charge, one should apply 14.4 to 14.8 absorb **continuously** for 16 hours to the RE series. Something we usually don't have with solar, so one should plan on alternative charging if you are entirely off-grid.

    A temporary workaround would be to set your absorb AND float to the same value, ie 14.4v for both during daily operation - accepting the fact that this is not exactly ideal for initial charge or freshening, but better than nothing or dropping to float too soon - which is common for agm degradation.
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