Need new batteries

Thom
Thom Solar Expert Posts: 196 ✭✭✭
in Off Grid Solar & Battery Systems #1
my 51/2 year Energizer gc2 are dying . 12v system with 4 @ 6v. Have to decide what to get next . Would getting a higher quality be a good choice or just go to SAMs for the low cost battery ? 51/2 years is not to bad I guess ?? What are your thoughts on this ? . I never checked specific gravity . Only added water and keep all conections tight and clean monthly . I eq for 30 min once a month. 

Thanks Thom
Off grid since 1984. 430w of panel, 300w suresine , 4 gc batteries 12v system, Rogue mpt3024 charge controller , air breeze windmill, Mikita 2400w generator . Added 2@ 100w panel with a midnight brat 
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Comments

  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,613 admin
    #2
    It is difficult to get a better bang for your buck ($$/AH) for your set.

    Pay 2x or more for a battery bank that lasts ~8 years (assuming nothing goes wrong) helpful for you or not?

    How is security at your place? Do you worry about leaving stuff for thieves when you go out traveling?

    Do you want a larger system (higher peak watts, more storage, etc.)?

    -Bill
    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
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  • Mountain Don
    Mountain Don Solar Expert Posts: 494 ✭✭✭
    #3
    IMO, if the battery bank capacity has been sufficient go buy another set of whatever GC-2's Sam's Club or Costco have. 
    Northern NM, 624 watts PV, The Kid CC, GC-2 batteries @ 24 VDC, Outback VFX3524M
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  • Thom
    Thom Solar Expert Posts: 196 ✭✭✭
    #4
    its a full time home . So no theft danger. Don't need it any bigger. So might just get another SAMs set
    Off grid since 1984. 430w of panel, 300w suresine , 4 gc batteries 12v system, Rogue mpt3024 charge controller , air breeze windmill, Mikita 2400w generator . Added 2@ 100w panel with a midnight brat 
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  • zoneblue
    zoneblue Solar Expert Posts: 1,220 ✭✭✭✭
    #5
    >I never checked specific gravity

    How do you know if they were getting fully charged?
    1.8kWp CSUN, 10kWh AGM, Midnite Classic 150, Outback VFX3024E,
    http://zoneblue.org/cms/page.php?view=off-grid-solar


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  • Thom
    Thom Solar Expert Posts: 196 ✭✭✭
    #6
    zoneblue said:
    >I never checked specific gravity

    How do you know if they were getting fully charged?
    I did check the specific gravity. Will try to EQ them . 

    Thanks Thom
    Off grid since 1984. 430w of panel, 300w suresine , 4 gc batteries 12v system, Rogue mpt3024 charge controller , air breeze windmill, Mikita 2400w generator . Added 2@ 100w panel with a midnight brat 
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