Gel+AGM in parallel

Hello! I hope somebody can help me with the following question: I already use a gel battery on my off-grid installation, but find the capacity not sufficient. That's why I plan to add a second battery in parallel. Do you see any issues if I add a AGM battery, using the same charge/decharge controller? Cheers, Markus

Comments

  • niel
    niel Solar Expert Posts: 10,300 ✭✭✭✭
    Re: Gel+AGM in parallel

    yes, i do see problems in doing that for the general rule of thumb is to not mix batteries of different age and/or type. you'd be doing both in adding an agm. without going into all of the reasons that have been talked of before i'll just say that you could place a heavy duty dc switch inline and switch the batteries for one at a time operation.
  • n3qik
    n3qik Solar Expert Posts: 741 ✭✭
    Re: Gel+AGM in parallel

    If the gel is over 3 years old, it is getting close to end of life. Best to get replacement battery(ies) of the size you need.