Solar Battery

The battery type you choose is normally based on a number of different circumstances, not just your budget. Consider what the charging system will be compatible with. New systems are easier as the equipment can be chosen to work together. Older systems require special care especially if there is a ‘Manual’ controlled battery charger. It is highly recommended to install a modern MPPT type solar regulator to get more power and control over the charge cycle when upgrading older systems too.

Most likely you will be installing a battery type based on the lead-acid chemistry. This is because lead-acid is a well proven, readily available, cost effective technology that is easily recycled in Australia.

The lead plates in all batteries are made in either grid or tubular types. Grid plate is the best choice for mobile applications as it is better “locked” into position, while tubular plate is normally the best choice in home systems due to the longer life expectancy it offers.

The lead-acid variants consist of;

• Conventional/flooded/vented “wet” cell. Also commonly referred to simply as “Lead-acid” this is the oldest of the lead-acid technologies and must be maintained well. Depths of discharge (DOD) should be kept as low as possible to get the maximum service life. They are available in both grid and tubular plate designs and normally come in a 4V or 6V “pack” that doubles as an acid containment system. NOTE that the packs can often weigh well over 100kg!
• Gel cell. This is the oldest and most proven of the Sealed Lead-Acid (SLA) type maintenance free batteries available and they are sometimes referred to as a Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA). Gel batteries are able to tolerate a much higher daily DOD without any adverse effect on their operation or life which means a smaller battery can generally be used to do the same job. Gel batteries are available in grid plate and tubular plate designs.
• Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) cell. This is a relatively newcomer in the solar market and are commonly confused with a Gel battery due to the fact they are also a sealed, maintenance free and they can also be classified as SLA or VRLA. AGM batteries are available only in Grid plate design.

Both Gel and AGM types are the professional choice for new installations as they are maintenance free, generally smaller/lighter/easier to install and have no free acid that is of any danger to the user, children and animals. Both VRLA types have significantly less compliance issues with Australian Standards too making battery room construction quicker and easier.

INSTALLATION NOTES:

• Always use a battery fuse!
• Heat is the mortal enemy of any battery, so make sure your site is as cool as possible and consider: Installing on the southern side of the building, well insulating the room and installing the cells on a plinth so air can flow naturally around them.
• Make sure there is a minimum of a 10mm air gap between all cells/batteries.
• The batteries MUST be segregated from the other equipment (inverter/charger, solar controller, etc), have relevant warning signs and locked from general public access.
• Good ventilation, eyewash, acid spill trays, etc is mandatory with wet cells to meet Australian Standards for safety and to ensure no build-up of hydrogen gas.
• Also consider the load bearing capacity of the floor as it is not uncommon to install several thousand kilograms in one place!
• If the charging system has an optional battery temperature sensor available USE IT!

We offer the renewable energy industry the following storage choices;

Interstate are one of the USA's leading manufacturers with equivalent models to many common American sizes. Their 6V range is suitable for small to medium power systems with models from 232Ah to 420Ah.

Fullriver have a full range of AGM batteries to suit small, medium and large applications.