Wet Cell Charging rates.

spdas

       I know the optimum charge rates for a wet cell Bulk and Float batteries.   (large 850ah 48v) and that is based on Manufacturers recommended customer assumed usage.   ie battery will be drained and will be recharged at Bulk then tapering off to float voltage rates.  BUT Solar is different, I think, because during the day while charging, the battery acts acts as a "buffer" between the panels and inverter and voltage goes in, but is also used for appliances/loads and so the battery COULD be at Bulk the whole day and possibly "about" a small 30 amps could be used to charge the battery and controller may stay at Bulk the whole day, albeit at a low amp rating.   
       In that case what do you think the bulk rate should be amended to, given the "different than intended usage"  the battery/charging system is being used for?  thanks Francis

mike95490

If the solar is unable to keep up with normal daily loads AND unable to at least spend an appreciable time in Absorb ( on a DAILY basis, cloudy conditions require a generator ) you need to add more solar or manage / reduce your loads .   Flooded batteries that never get a chance to fully recharge, die an early death from mistreatment.

Bulk = as much power for as long as it takes to reach the designated absorb voltage
Absorb = a time that the battery continues to receive more power at the designated voltage.  Almost always more than 90 minutes
Float = slightly lower voltage than Absorb, which reduces gassing, but the battery still is being charged up to full