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Lead acid... it's dead isn't it?
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Renate:
Lead acid is still a bit voodoo to me.
Can you get a battery acid hydrometer reading off it?
Is it sealed? How are the levels?

When the capacity goes down the voltages can stay about the same.
You start noticing when the charge time (and discharge time) starts turning really short.

Then there's equalization, giving a charge at 14.6 to 14.8 V to drag the weakest cell up.
Some solar chargers do it once a month.
SilverSolder:
Lead acid really hates standing around while discharged or even partially discharged.  If the solar system isn't generating enough to keep the batteries topped up during winter, you will get much better life out of the batteries if you hook up a float charger during that time, just to keep them in good condition.

I do that with cars.  I just noticed that the battery in my wife's car (daily driver) is getting a little weaker than it used to be, but still passes the load tests.  It will likely need to be changed this year.  That battery is 8 years old now...
paulca:

--- Quote from: SilverSolder on February 24, 2021, 04:22:53 pm ---Lead acid really hates standing around while discharged or even partially discharged.  If the solar system isn't generating enough to keep the batteries topped up during winter, you will get much better life out of the batteries if you hook up a float charger during that time, just to keep them in good condition.

I do that with cars.  I just noticed that the battery in my wife's car (daily driver) is getting a little weaker than it used to be, but still passes the load tests.  It will likely need to be changed this year.  That battery is 8 years old now...

--- End quote ---

That's impressive innings for a car starter battery.  My last one lasted 3.5 years and lockdown - stood for weeks and short trips to the shop - killed it.  That is one advantage of having a 100Ah marine lead acid sitting in the garage.  I can just disconnect it from the solar panel and jump start the car with it.
Nauris:
I think a Start-Stop AGM type battery would serve well for your solar system. It is designed to withstand cycling at partial state of charge and readily accepts charge when available. They are maybe twice the price of regular starter battery but much better.

For car batteries I have found that BMW-branded batteries sometimes found among scrap batteries do well in regular car or tractor even when they are past ten years old.
CJay:

--- Quote from: paulca on February 24, 2021, 02:31:01 pm ---Enersys Cyclon batteries

Ouch!  12V 25Ah is £400+

--- End quote ---

Yeah, they're scary expensive but they really are the business.

Worth chasing down government surplus auctions though, they turn up on those quite regularly as do 'dry charge' batteries which may be useful, they're more cranking and starting and aren't sealed. You also need a supply of sulphuric acid.
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