Is this a good battery for solar panel?

System

I don't want to buy one online and pay like $100 for shipping fees. So I'm thinking of get this at Sears,. if it don't work out I can return it.

So what you think about this battery?

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02850131000P

Product Overview:
Item Weight: 75.0 lbs.
Battery Type:
Transportation Type: Marine and recreational vehicle
Battery Group Size: 31M
Temperate Zone: North or South
Power Configuration:
Voltage: 12.0
Power Ratings:
Cold Cranking Amps (CCA at 0 deg.F): 1150
Reserve Capacity (RC): 205 min.
Amp Hours at 20 Hour Rate: 100
Design & Construction:
Container Material: Polycarbonate/polyester
Warranties & Coverage:
Months in Use Free Replacement: 36
Dimensions:
Height: 9-1/2 in.
Width: 6-4/5 in.
Length: 13 in.

niel

Re: Is this a good battery for solar panel?

the battery seems ok, but i think it's overpriced for you can get 2 of these batteries (wired in series) in this link for $50 over that sears price and have 225ah or more than double the capacity than the sears.
http://store.solar-electric.com/cr225am6vode.html
now this is only an example as i know you don't want it shipped, but you can do better. got any rv places, auto parts stores, marine supply stores, etc. around you?

JESSICA

Re: Is this a good battery for solar panel?

This battery does not seem to be a true “deep cycle”.

If you want a very similar product, for just $80 you will find a marine, deep cycle, Interstate battery (105 amps/20h) at Sam's Club.

Even better: Also at Sam’s you can find 6 volts golf cart batteries (210 amp/20h) for about $70 each.

crewzer

Re: Is this a good battery for solar panel?

Interesting battery, especially from Sears... check the following select "Overview" comments (bold emphasis mine):

...for RVs, trolling motors, marine accessories and starting needs. The combination stud/post terminal design allows for multiple connections. Its corrosion-resistant high quality tin-coated brass terminals provide reliable starting power in all weather conditions. Its rugged, military-grade construction features robust casing for increased compression and offers superior vibration resistance.

• Longer off-season storage time - ideal for boats
• Deep discharge recovery - ideal for marine & deep cycle applications
• Plates made of 99.99% pure virgin lead
• High purity grade acid held safely in place by glass mats; non-spillable design
• Absorbed Glass Mat construction provides mounting flexibility & guarantees longer service life

This appears to be an AGM battery... I'm a big fan of AGM's, and, while they require little/no maintenance, they are very sensitive to overcharge, so you must have a charger (with a remote battery temp sensor) that can be set to the battery's specific charge voltage targets.

You might also chack a local battery warehouse for AGM batteries from East Penn (Deka) or MK.

HTH,
Jim / crewzer

niel

Re: Is this a good battery for solar panel?

that explains the overpricing as agms are more expensive too, but as agms go this isn't a bad price.