I am considering golf cart batteries as a storage for photovoltaic panels. Best brand ? Model number ? Personal experiences ? Thanks !

-- reed moore (reed_moore@postmaster.co.uk), May 26, 1999

Answers

Trojan L-16s are the most frequently recommended deep cycle battery. I don't know if they're available in the UK.

-- Doug (douglasjohnson@prodigy.net), May 26, 1999.

Don't scrimp on batteries. If golf cart is the best you can afford, fine. If not, go for better. Remember, more people cut corners on batteries than any other component in a home system. This is usually because they feel the pinch from solar panels, generators, inverters, etc.

THE BATTERIES ARE THE HEART OF THE SYSTEM!

The best are thick plated industrial two-volt. They are also the least expensive when lifespan is factored in. These puppies can last 20 years and will tolerate much more abuse ( read: beginners mistakes ) than the thin plated golf cart batteries.

Hope this helps, Good Luck.

Will

-- Will Huett (willhuett@usa.net), May 26, 1999.

Reed,

Let me suggest that you review the following page:

http://209.52.183.182/Generator/batteries.htm

I do not have experience with the various options, so I cannot offer any personal experience. The above page contains a variety of info and has links to more.

Jerry

-- Jerry B (skeptic76@erols.com), May 26, 1999.

G'Day Reed, I have used golf cart batteries for years to power sump pump and radio gear. They are far superior to 12v marine deep discharge. I usually get 4 years using them in the golf cart, much abuse as they are frequently run low on water, in a high heat environment and many times almost completly discharged. With a little care the Trojan six volt batteries I use at home are 8 years old and holding up well. One reason is that at home I use a "smart Charger". It charges up the batteries at 13.8v and then "Floats" them at 13.2 which reduces gassing and prolongs life.

Hope this helps, Bruce

-- Bruce (bwblanchard@ems.att.com), May 27, 1999.