Solar Battery
A solar battery can be used in a variety of remote applications.
Storage capacity of any battery is usually expressed in amp hours. In
a solar power application, batteries should have sufficient amp hour
capacity to supply power during the longest expected sunless period
or in cloudy conditions. For wind energy systems include an allowance
for "no wind" days. A backup generator removes the need for
these considerations.
A solar battery bank can be wired in a series or parallel. Series wiring
is employed to increase volts (but not amps) and is achieved by connection
positive terminals to negative terminals. Parallel wiring is the opposite
on all counts: parallel wiring increases amps, not volts and is achieved
by connecting positive terminals to other positive terminals.
There are three basic types of materials used to construct a solar battery:
lead-acid (deep-cycle are best), sealed deep-cycle lead-acid, and sealed
gel cell (gelled electrolyte). Sealed deep-cycle lead-acid aren’t
the least expensive but are considered the best all-around and are virtually
maintenance-free. Dont forget a solar battery charger.