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| Author | Message | 
| rugercpl Member
 | # Posted: 27 Jul 2012 05:20pm Reply
 
 I'm wondering how and where people are storing their solar equipment (batteries, controllers, inverters)....inside, outside, in a closet, in a deck box, on shelves....etc. haven't seen any pics yet but I'm new here. Thx
 
 
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| MtnDon Member
 | # Posted: 27 Jul 2012 05:46pm Reply
 
 Flooded wet cell lead-acid batteries belong outside, or in an enclosure that is acid proof and vented to the exterior if there is a need to place them inside.  Ours are outside.  Because of cold weather the battery capacity is reduced, so we have a third more capacity than if the batteries were at 77 F all the time.
 
 Inverters should be close to the batteries, but not above them or in the same sealed box/room as the batteries. Ditto for charge controllers.
 Controllers and inverters have an operating temperature range. That may help determine where they are placed. Inverters also make noise, hum, so for that reason alone I like them outside. Our CC is outside too. Three separate locked compartments, CC, batteries, Inverter/charge.
 
 
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| creeky Member
 | # Posted: 29 Jul 2012 02:21pm Reply
 
 I have a separate shed for the electrical. the batteries are in a box that is vented through the roof and has additional insulation.
 I have a smaller system that uses a plastic camping box for the batteries. This way I can move the system anywhere I need a bit of power for lights etc.
 
 
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| groingo Member
 | # Posted: 29 Jul 2012 05:32pm Reply
 
 Mine is in a heavily insulated and vented box just outside the building, it has a heat vent powered by a computer power supply fan which  is thermostatically controlled and draws miniscule power while pumping heated air into the battery box from the house when needed.
 
 
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| sparky1 Member
 | # Posted: 30 Jul 2012 08:36pm - Edited by: sparky1 Reply
 
 I built a very sturdy Wood rack for my (3) 4D battery's they each sit in a acid resistant tray (granger) incase a possible boil over, fresh water and baking soda on site as well as paper towels rubber gloves,Getting a face shield this week. the (4) group 27 battery's top shelf,same system of things. in my basement free from extreme temps.I did buy 12 volt Battery Blankets for them "if the temp drops below 40 degrees..i live in southern VA.coldest ever here was minus 6 degrees.
 |  Battery rack-solar system.
 
 |  battery tray
 
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