Setting up my solar power system.
Have many used batteries I plan to hook up.
1. Some are Exide 100AHr 6V, ten years old, have held charge for a year, look very clean (clear Lexan cases). BUT some of he positive(?)(black) straps are CRACKED. Dealer says they are NG. Maybe. Has anyone ever opened such cases and welded the straps? Looks possible.
2. Also have 8 1680 AHr 2V cells (will need 4 more for my 24V system). Dry-charged, never filled, 10 years old. Also look perfect. Dealer sez they MAY work briefly, but are basically NG..Says shelf-life of dry-charged bats is only 2 yr. If so, why bother with dry-cahrged at all?
Has anyone relevant experience? It will cost me 7 gal of acid just to test each one, so I want an idea if they ARE junk ahead of time, if possible.
3. Has anyone experience with pulse-chargers, factory or home-made?
Thanks a lot!
John Leyzorek
West Virginia