batteries

[ronsmith]

can I use lawnmower batteries to store power from solar panels? They are sealed, deep cycle i think. They come in two different cca's and cost from about 28.00 to 36.00 at Lowes.

[wiredwrong]

I dont think the SLA's in lawnmowers are deepcycle, you'd be better off calling a golf cart repair center and getting salvaged batteries from them for ~6-8$ each, make sure they are not shorted and try and find ones that have a decent charge on them already, there are several ppl that use EDTA to revive these batteries, do a search for EDTA on this board and call the golf cart stores.

[BT Humble]

can I use lawnmower batteries to store power from solar panels? They are sealed, deep cycle i think. They come in two different cca's and cost from about 28.00 to 36.00 at Lowes.

Well I suppose you could, but if you're going to buy new batteries I'd suggest getting a single battery in the Ah size you need, rather than connecting a zillion little ones in parallel.  

You might want to have a read of these first, before you spend money:

http://www.otherpower.com/otherpower_battery.html

http://www.solar4power.com/solar-power-battery.html

BTH

[ghurd]

Tried it a couple years ago.

Not good.  The amp-hours are dismal.

Went back to the 'bad' 85 or 100ah.

It was still much better than the little one.

SOMEBODY makes a wet deep cycle that size,

or at least they did.

I saw them at wally-world about 3 years ago.

Sold for fish finders, etc.  

About $30 and 14ah if I remember correctly.

There are 85ah deep cycles for ~$50.

That $14 would be well spent.

G-