Q/A

• What type of batteries are best for solar power?

  Deep cycle batteries are the recommended batteries to use in solar installations. There are a range of different deep cycle batteries, including flooded lead acid, sealed lead acid, and lithium iron batteries. Flooded lead acid batteries are the most inexpensive option and are available at most big-box and auto stores. They are also the most high maintenance. Sealed lead acid batteries store 10 to 15 percent more energy than lead acid batteries and charge up to four times faster. Lithium iron batteries are the most expensive options, but also last four times longer than lead-acid batteries, weigh much less, and require minimal maintenance.

• Can I wire different battery types and sizes together?

  We recommend wiring batteries of the same type and amp hour rating in your solar installation, i.e. if you go with absorbed glass matt batteries, all the batteries in your battery bank should be AGM batteries. This will limit any efficiency loss due to having different batteries.

• How long does it take to charge a 12v 100ah battery?

  Sunlight, temperature, and battery will influence specific charging times. To get a general idea, you’ll need to calculate amps delivered from your solar panels (total wattage/voltage of your battery). Then you’ll divide the amp hours of your battery by amps delivered. For example, if you have a 100ah 12v battery with three 100 watt solar panels, your system would deliver 25 amps. By dividing 100Ah by 25 amps, you’ll learn it will take four hours for a 300 watt solar panel system to charge a 12v 100ah battery.