Cheap vs Expensive 6v golf batteries

[VisualMonster]

Hi all,

I have 270 watts of solar panels and will be expanding in the future (probably in increments of 45watts).

My batteries are due for replacement.  I was using 4 old US2200 6v batteries (I got them for free).  They did well, but now wont hold a charge for long.

I'm trying to decide what to replace them with, here are the best options I've found so far (each of these are 225amp hours):

2. x - Trojan T105's 6v golf batteries = $125 each ($250 for two)
   
2. x - US2200 6v golf batteries = $99 each ($200 for two)
   
4. x - energizer 6v golf batteries $67 each ($268 for four)
   
   

If I bought the Trojan's or US2200's, I'd only get two of them.  The energizer's look very similar to the US2200's but are much cheaper.  I'd be able to get 4 of them.

I'm leaning toward the 4x cheap $67 golf cart batteries because I'd use a smaller percentage of the overall capacity (which should help more with battery life).  Then again, the Trojan's are better batteries so I'm not sure what the better choice would be.  Any thoughts?

[wpowokal]

With batteries you get what you pay for, although your thoughts about lower discharge are correct, it's all in the construction of the battery.

With batteries if you depend on them always buy the best you can nearly afford.

allan down under

[Volvo farmer]

I disagree, My neighbors got seven years out of those Energizer batteries (or whatever Sam's was selling at the time). They rarely got a good EQ in and had four parallel strings. I seriously doubt they would have gone 14 years on a set of T105s, which would be necessary for the costs to be equal.

I'd vote for #4 . You get twice the Ahr for the same price, making it less likely that the batteries will be deeply discharged and the cheap batteries seem to hold up pretty good, in my limited real-world experience.

[ghurd]

I've used a lot of the Sam's 6V with no problems.  I'd go with 4 of them.

G-

[ghurd]

Also, with 270W of PV, more than 1 pair will give more usable power per day.

A single pair will get to regulation voltage kind of quickly, meaning much of the day's power will not be stored in the batteries.

Like putting 7 gallons of water in a 5 gallon bucket.  Just because 7 gallons is available, doesn't mean you can store it.

G-

[ghurd]

Also^2,

What controller are you using now?

G-

[VisualMonster]

Ok, I'll probably be going with the 4x batteries.

I don't have a Sam's club membership so I might pick up the costco equivalents which were a bit more expensive but still in a range that I could buy 4 of them.  I don't remember the Costco brand, it wasn't Kirkland, but it did say 6v Golf Cart battery.  I'm pretty sure they're also 225amp hours.

Here's the charge controller I'm using:

http://www.solarcharger.com/s.nl/it.A/id.46/.f?sc=2&category=64

It's been working very well for close to a year now.  I think I paid $60 for it on Amazon.

I'll take new pics of everything after I get the batteries, the new setup actaully looks really good.

[jzeveney]

You might consider going with Blimp batteries.  I just picked up 10 Interstate U2200

here's the spec's

http://www.interstatebatteries.com/www_2001/content/products/product_6volt.asp?mscssid=N5WT1UU7SBJ88
HEEL1F3G62X7T8UB4RB&js=1

They are only warranted for 30 days. $35 bucks each plus $18 core if you don't have a core.

I know you say on 30day why bother.  I learned of these from a friend who works for a boat manufacture.  They put them in new boats.  I've also used them in my boats for years with out issue.  The cases are blemished thus the discount.

FYI,

This is my first venture into wind / solar so I'll let you know how they hold up.

System setup.

10 6v batts in groups of 2 for 12 volts

The groups of 2 are in parallel attached to an AIMS 5000watt inverter.

Charging is by both wind and solar attached at each 12v node.

Thanks,

Z

[freeEnergy4me]

I bought a couple deep cycle marine batteries 75aH, they don't last terribly long when using anything over 100W for a few hours. They're great for stuff around 60W and actually can last days and days after full charge.

Someone recommended 6Vs instead. That 225aH is very appealing.

Just some dumb questions:

1. Just connect the batteries in series in order to connect to solar panels?  And to connect to 12V inverter, right? Are there any weird problems that crop up seeing you have 2 batteries? I'm guessing not.
   
2. Are 6V any less likely to gas or leak? Is there an advantage?
   
   

and finally....I cannot find those energizer's any where doing a google!  That sounds like a great deal. I paid $80 for one 75aH deep cycle.

I'll keep my deep cycles till they stop. But will move to the 6Vs for the longevity of the batteries. As it is now, I charge the batteries and don't use them and then when I use them I go thru them very quickly. 225aH sounds great.

Anything else that a pair of 6V does/doesn't do that a 12V doesn'y/does...that I should know?

[jonas302]

yes just connect the positive on the first one to the negative on the other then the 2 open posts get your solar and inverter

6 volts have heavier plates and are usually expected to last longer at least with cheap batts that is

The energizers are available at sams club your auto parts store will be able to get similar ones for a little more be sure to scrounge up some cores so you don't get charged for that

[freeEnergy4me]

Are they energizers or exides?

And are they more than 30aH??  I can't find any 6v golf cart batteries for under $100 that are over 50ah.

link?

[ghurd]

Not sure what you are looking at, but they are not golf cart batteries.

"Golf Cart" surely means in the 200AH area, about 65 pounds each(?).

Energizer 6V golf cart batteries (only at Sam's Club, AFAIK) are 200~220ah, and $68.50, plus ~$12 core charge, last time I was there.

Costco is/was cheaper for a similar battery.  No Costco around here.

G-

[jonas302]

where about are you located? If your looking online I had trouble finding any real pricing doing internet searching as if they are not local it cost a lot to ship

I accually got mine from the local auto parts store a little more than sams club at 78 dolars or so but saved $40 in gas(:  interstates retail for about $90 I definatly wouldn't pay any more than that

Happy searching