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how long will my batteries last
By Anonymous Hero, Section Homebrewed Electricity Posted on Tue Jul 01, 2003 at 10:42:21 PM MST
how long wuill batteries last

i want to power 6 compact flouros by solar power how long will batteries keep them running for and how long will my batteries last for, before i have to recharge them and how long until they cant be recharged(car batteries) ? any help would be appreciated

how long will my batteries last | 5 comments (5 topical)

Re: how long will my batteries last (none / 0) (#2)
by Norm on Wed Jul 02, 2003 at 06:18:14 AM MST

You will have to provide more detail...how many batteries, what is the total wattage of the compact fluorescents, car batteries aren't the ideal type of battery for this type of application, still that depends on your individual situation(like if they are free...real cheap etc.) even so still have to know what the amp/hr rating is for each battery, There are so many variables here. Norm.
( :>) Norm

Re: how long will my batteries last (none / 0) (#3)
by Anonymous Hero on Wed Jul 02, 2003 at 04:15:37 PM MST

Assume 85 amp hours per battery. Do not cycle car starting batteries more than 10%, so you have 8.5ah per battery. A 15w flourescent would draw 1.25 amps @ 12v + enough to cover it's losses. Figure 1.5 amps x 6 lights, or 9ah. You can operate for about an hour from 1 car battery. The 10% cycle should give you normal life for a starting battery of about 6 years. Deeper cycles (50%) will destroy the battery quickly - it might last a year or two. You really, really should get deep cycle batteries unless your auto batteries are free, and you have lots of time for maintenance or replacement of them. Russ Hanks

Re: how long will my batteries last (none / 0) (#4)
by Seth on Fri Jul 04, 2003 at 09:39:08 AM MST

Even better.. get some AGM battries or golf cart batteries.... they are meant for 80% discharge levels...... i have 2@335AH agm's(12V@335Ah) and 2 T-105(6V@220Ah)for a tottal of 890Ah.... and probabbly 5% less since i got then all used/Blem's.....
Trying to move my solar pannels is fun.

Re: how long will my batteries last (none / 0) (#5)
by Seth on Fri Jul 04, 2003 at 09:48:45 AM MST

Ill also add.. that my agm's.. will last 200 cycles if discharged to 100%, 250@75%, 500@50%,1200@25% and last but not least 3200 Cycles @ a 10% discharge..... i do my best to not discharge my set up more than 5%..... wich also means that i WANT MORE... yes MORE.... agm's.... and at 263$$ per pluss shipping(ill get mine local) that adds up fast.... from http://telemetryhelp.com/solar_products_deka.htm is where i got my data.......
Trying to move my solar pannels is fun.
[ Parent ]

Re: how long will my batteries last (none / 0) (#6)
by jubalearly on Mon Jul 07, 2003 at 03:31:15 PM MST

I really like my Lifeline AGM, 105AH 12v. I believe it was $180 + about $20 shipping. When considering the cycle life, It's usually most economical to cycle down to the 40-60% range. It varies depending on how you figure your costs for generating the power for recharge. Consider charging efficiency & the number of batteries needed to keep up to 95% with usuable power.
There are other factors affecting life. For example, gell cells (not AGMs, consider a 4AH 12v as typical) will last a maximum of only 7-8 yrs. no matter what because the acid will dissolve the plates. Fortunately the plates are a lot more robust on AGM batteries. But 3200 cycles would take a long time to go thru. Your 5% implies what, 5-10AH? You could buy a hell of a lot of 17AH gell cells for $263 & do that.

[ Parent ]

how long will my batteries last | 5 comments (5 topical)

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