Where to find used batteries for panels

 Hi, Happy New Year.  I've been debating on setting up
some solar panels. The next step in my planning is
where to find used batteries for panels? What is
better form the home lead acid or deep charge?
And if the batteries are going to be in a shed
outside, how fast will the batteries drain because
it's cold outside?

thank you
Al

 

Greetings Al
I suggest you may want to do a search for "RE batteries" or "deep
cycle batteries" - or maybe just visit Steve Spence's site and learn a
bit more about the different type of batteries used with solar panels.
Deep cycle batteries ARE lead acid, but not all lead acid batteries
are really suitable for renewable energy systems. (There are other
batteries as well, such as nickel-cadmium or even nife cells - but
these are used much less than lead-acid).

I THINK the answer to your question (if I have interpreted it
correctly) is that you need to be looking at deep cycle lead acid
batteries.
However, there are a number of other issues which you also need to
consider, such as -
"what do you intend to power with these batteries?"
 "how much energy do you need per day?"
 "what might your max power draw be at any one time?"
 "do you intend to use an inverter?"
" what might you do about a regulator?"

For a very simple, small system some of these questions might not be
very relevant - but you don't want to ruin a good set of expensive
batteries by not being aware of the pitfalls.

So I suggest doing some reading and then ask some more questions here
to clarify things, along with statements about exactly what you want
to achieve.

Best wishes with your project

Eric.

 You don't say why you want battereies, but if you are on the grid, it
could be worthwhile reading up a bit on grid connected systems.




Mel



Eric Sears a écrit :

 
You don't say why you want battereies, but if you are on the grid, it
could be worthwhile reading up a bit on grid connected systems.




Mel

  I have seen ICP panels and chargers as well as Optima spiral and deep cycle
lead acid
at Auto Zone. They may not have the best prices, but one stop shopping has its
advantages.
They have square wave inverters too, but I found the Coleman inverters better at
Kragen.
You still need to answer a few questions on the specifications before buying
anything, but
a 12v panel. 12v deep cycle lead acid battery, ICP charger and a Coleman
inverter will
run tools and such.
  Battery life due to cold is a factor that more experience people can address.
If you keep
the water level right and charge almost every day, I don't think this would be
any more of
a problem than your car battery, under equivalent circumstances.



Eric Sears a écrit :

acid or deep charge?

 

lead acid

advantages.

at Kragen.

anything, but

inverter will

If you keep

any more of

   Update to the previous posting..Auto Zone no longer carries the ICP panels
nor controllers.
But you can find a vendor off their web site. There are lots of charge
controllers available,
but if solar PV is going to be widely used, I think it would have to be readily
available.
http://icpsolar.com/4105/rv_charging.asp

acid or deep charge?