ELECSOL gel batteries

[DamonHD]

Hi,

I'm specing a small project needing about 10kWh of storage to reasonable DoD, cycling daily (not just float service), so say 2000Ah@12V or 500Ah@48V, and was directed to the ELECSOL batteries here:

http://www.energyenv.co.uk/ElecsolCarbonFibreBatteries.asp

which claims:

Deep cycle and engine start.

A carbon fibre monobloc battery. Full traction design. Can be used with Solar, renewable energy systems, electric vehicles and off-grid applications.

Is it really likely to be a decent battery for cycling down to (say) 50% DoD every day without too much loss?

Rgds

Damon

[Flux]

I don't think they are gel. Unless things have changed they are flooded.

I think basically they are ok but I have heard adverse comments in the marine world but mainly about the back up if you have trouble. It's a nice warranty if you can get it but it seems as though you have to fight to get it.

Flux

[bob golding]

i had 2 of them that didnt last very long. enough said? i would go for rolls s430 s 8 year lifetime like being deep cycled a bit more expensive but you get what you pay for.

cheers

bob

[DamonHD]

Thanks for the data point!

Rgds

Damon

[DamonHD]

Thanks Flux!

Rgds

Damon

[DamonHD]

OK, let me try again... B^>

Anyone any view on how good or bad Haze gel (lead-acid) batteries are?

I'm itching to upgrade/replace my 12V 40Ah gel with 100Ah--200Ah, and I've really no idea of the virtues or vices of the various gel brands readily available in the UK.

It's a non-critical application.

I'll basically never drop below 50% DoD.

The main load will be a constant ~4W (!) and there's 120Wp (to 200Wp in winter) of solar charging it via an MPPT controller (plus a tiny tiny bit of wind).

At the moment my 40Ah isn't quite cutting it at least in part because I'm having longer runs of very dark days than I anticipated.  (I'm getting <1% of rated power out of my large grid-tie array for example.)

I mention Haze because a supplier I like is stocking them:

http://midsummerenergy.co.uk/buy/gel_batteries/haze_200ah_gel_battery.html

but other recommendations are welcome.

Rgds

Damon