Batteries

A deep cycle battery, contrary to a car battery, generates a natural continuous flow of electrical current over a long period of time. It can be recharged by solar energy, wind energy or any other means of renewable energy. A car battery can hold a huge quantity of energy but it is used over a shorter period of time. Deep cycle batteries allow a huge discharge of current even while being charged by a weak current. They can be repeatedly recharged and discharged for any renewable energy installation. They will most often be used on off-grid systems or in remote areas.

A deep cycle battery will generally provide 80% of its total capacity without being damaged. However, if the discharge exceeds 80%, the battery can eventually be damaged. If a deep cycle battery is always fully charged and fully emptied, it can have a lifespan of anywhere between 100 and 1000 cycles. The car battery, on the other hand, has a shorter lifespan, between 30 and 50 cycles.

Deep cycle batteries will most often be found on RVs, boats and in solar powered systems. A deep cycle battery is made up of one or more small batteries. They are a vital part of a renewable energy system which is measured in amp hours of storage capacity. Each battery consists of either 6 or 12 volts. Deciding on which voltage to use depends on your voltage system (12, 24 or 48 volts DC) and the desired number of amp hours of storage capacity. This type of battery can either be connected in parallel or in chains and with care, they can last a solid 5 to 10 years.

To manage and extend the battery's life, most manufacturers suggest that a discharge of roughly 20% of its maximum capacity spread across multiple cycles. Recommended batteries for solar systems: Lead acid batteries are known for their long lifespan. They are the batteries most commonly used in renewable energy systems. Not only do they last a long time, but they are less expensive per amp hour. Sealed gel-cell batteries contain acid that has been solidified by adding silica, thus having a disk-like shape. One of the perks of using this battery is that it won't cause any acid leaks even if broken. On the other hand, they need to be used at a slower pace to avoid any gas excess which could cause harm to the cells. Furthermore, if this type of battery is recharged by using a standard battery charger, it can cause major damage to the battery. To avoid this problem, simply use the proper inverter for the required discharge.

Sealed batteries are able to function independently and without much care. However, they are not fully airtight since they need to allow the gas to ventilate properly during the charging stage. If the battery sustains too many overloads, its lifespan can be cut short. To extend their lifespan, lead-calcium plates have been added to the batteries. The desulfator is a great affordable investment that can prevent sulfation and increase the battery's performance. After a few uses, a layer of lead can build up on the sulfate crystal lead plates. When this happens, the desulfator shakes away those built up crystals by electronic vibes, thus extending the battery's lifespan.

Deep cycle batteries are offered in various sizes; they can be as light as 4,5 kg (10 lbs) up to 90 plus kg (200 plus lbs) per battery. Generally, the weight and size is representative of the amps per hour stocking capability. If you plan on stocking as much power as you can, be sure to have enough space to store the required batteries.