Is this a good battery for solar panel?

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• niel Solar Expert Posts: 10,300 ✭✭✭✭

  November 2008 #2

  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?

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• JESSICA Solar Expert Posts: 289 ✭✭

  November 2008 #3

  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.

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• crewzer Registered Users, Solar Expert Posts: 1,832 ✭✭✭✭

  November 2008 #4

  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

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• niel Solar Expert Posts: 10,300 ✭✭✭✭

  November 2008 #5

  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.

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