Loose weight in the pocket book up front, but (hopefully) recoup all of the extra spending and much more by having a battery that will last 10 times longer. Of course, only time will tell at this early stage of their existence, but the theory is sound.Boonie said:
There is no one set value for the amount of solar to be used because the positioning of the array and temperature affects the output. The biggest factor in charging is the Amp-Hour capacity of the battery and the relative amount of current that the charge controller can deliver. Most battery manufacturers will recommend a charge rate of 10-25% of the AH capacity of the AGM battery. In your case that would put you somewhere between 12.5 and 31.25A at for the output of the charge controller(s). If you are figuring on a total depth of discharge of 50% and want to be able to recharge in one day, and that day has let's say 4 peak hours of sun, then you'll need about 20 Amps of charge current to get the job done as there are some losses in the process.Boonie said:
Yes, the battery will need an extra 10% +/- to overcome losses in the charging process, and flat-mounted modules will likely only put out about 70% of their rated capacity under real world conditions.Vic Harder said:
from needing a battery so will wait until then before purchasing.Boonie, you need to decide on a chemistry, decide how much overall weight will factor in, and determine what size battery(s) will fit your space. That will narrow down your options plenty. Then, it's just a shopping decision. Most high quality batteries are going to deliver the ah listed and last a long time if charged and maintained correctly. So look for the battery with the best price/warranty/etc. Any of the batteries on your list will work.Boonie said:Vic, these were the only specific batteries mentioned by other members in their response to my question. I am still wide open to all other choices. My build is still two months away
Boonie, on 07 Apr 2017 - 12:00 PM, said:
Score sheet:
VMax 100AH .................................1
Dual golf cart 6V 205AH.................1
Solar PG-12V103 FR (100AH?).....1
Lithium 100AH................................1
No consensus, I guess if it works for you, do it.
In sealed lead cell batteries it's the thickness of the lead plates that makes it a true "deep cycle" which means weight. To save weight and gain life cycles (but lose weight in the pocket book) go lithium.
I would echo Esus, and focus on the size of your battery compartment, and choose the biggest AH AGM deep cycle battery from a reputable brand. Trojan, Crown, Rolls/Surrette, VMAX. I went with two 6V Rolls "golf cart" style batteries. Regardless of which brand, look at if they have detailed spec sheets with their desired charging voltages, currents, temp compensation values, etc, because you will want to program all that info into the Trimetric.Boonie said:Vic, these were the only specific batteries mentioned by other members in their response to my question. I am still wide open to all other choices. My build is still two months away
Their chargers don't look especially different from a generic charger. Non-adjustable, it seems. By on board, do you mean to say you have an Iota installed? That will be fine, especially if you have the IQ4 add on.hebegebe said:
