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Julie2Oregon
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# Posted: 29 Feb 2016 15:08
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So I spent some time chatting with the electrical/solar company people today. They've never done an installation as small as mine, and they're on the fence about lithium batteries. So are their customers thus far.
Because we're still unsure about the battery situation, it isn't easy for them to give me a firm quote. They warranty and stand behind all of their work and their systems working properly because they use components that they're sure of. So lithium batteries add a wrinkle in the equation unless we can find a supplier and name that has a good rep.
Anyhoo, I want them to do my wiring -- no question about that -- and what we've decided is that since my solar installation is so small compared to what they normally do, they'll install the components I buy as long as they're good names. I told them that I was looking at an Outback inverter charger and they were pleased.
They also gave me the website for a company in Bend that's been around for a long time and caters to the off-grid solar market. They can get me dealer pricing if I'm interested in any of their kits.
This is looking really good! Still mulling the battery dilemma, though, lol.
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Coyote Flats
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# Posted: 29 Feb 2016 15:40
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Outback is good name but support isn't good and they have ongoing problems that are getting old with still no answers. Make sure you check out Outbacks Power Forum because this is going to be your best support.
I purchased there system can't believe they don't respond to help requests. In regards to batteries I would consider surrette ask for Steve Higgins
You will need to spend some time reading out backs forum most importantly SOC suddenly jumps to 100%
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Julie2Oregon
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# Posted: 29 Feb 2016 15:54
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Coyote Flats
Well, I'll check the model I'm buying with the solar guys who are going to install my stuff. And if I have a problem, they'll call Outback and deal with them. That's the benefit of paying an installer.
Thanks for the heads-up! We discussed some other brands, too, and I'll look at them.
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NorthRick
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# Posted: 1 Mar 2016 01:07
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I'd go with flooded lead-acid batteries for now. These are a well known and understood technology. Lithium is still getting figured out for a solar system. The FLA will last 5-10 years depending on what you get and how you treat them. By then I'd guess that the lithiums would be more common and better supported.
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Julie2Oregon
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# Posted: 1 Mar 2016 02:52
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Quoting: NorthRick I'd go with flooded lead-acid batteries for now.
Curious why you recommend FLAs over AGMs, NorthRick. Do they require more monitoring/maintenance? I'm a solo chick and don't have any mechanical or battery experience. Would FLAs be blonde chick/Julie-proof?
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beachman
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# Posted: 1 Mar 2016 06:20
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Nothing is blond chick/Julie-proof. For that matter, nothing is beachman-proof. I have had FLAs for going on 3 years now with good results so far. They do take a little maintenance but not extreme amounts. I am about 220lbs and have been lifting and lugging things all my life and I have to say that those FLA suckers are HEAVY. You really don't want to move them around a lot. From what I have read, the AGMs are less susceptible to freezing but generally do not have the amps the FLAs have.
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NorthRick
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# Posted: 1 Mar 2016 16:06
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Quoting: Julie2Oregon Curious why you recommend FLAs over AGMs, NorthRick. Do they require more monitoring/maintenance? I'm a solo chick and don't have any mechanical or battery experience. Would FLAs be blonde chick/Julie-proof?
Simple - cost. FLA's are the cheapest option, AGM is more expensive. Not only do they cost more up front, they have a shorter cycle life. AGM's real advantage is not having an acid that can spill. That's not nearly as big an issue with a stationary application as it is with say a vehicle.
Like it or not, you are setting yourself up to become a power plant manager. No matter which way you go, you will have something that requires looking after. With FLA, the two biggest things is making sure they are being recharged properly and that they have enough water.
The other reason I suggest going FLA initially is that if you screw up and destroy the batteries, you aren't out as much money as you would be with other types of batteries.
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FishSeeker
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# Posted: 1 Mar 2016 17:04
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I agree with northrick. Twice the cost and shorter cycle life for AGM.
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Julie2Oregon
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# Posted: 1 Mar 2016 17:45
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So how and where does one store each type? I was planning on AGM and thought they should be kept warm so I was going to put them in my little utility room. But it I went with FLA, those are like car batteries, yeah? Would I want them outside in an enclosed little vented shelter?
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NorthRick
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# Posted: 1 Mar 2016 19:46
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Depends on who you talk to. FLA like to be warm also, but not too warm. Having them outside will greatly reduce their capacity when they are cold. It won't damage them, just won't get as much power from them before they need to be charged. If you are worried about fumes you can have them inside with an enclosure vented to the outside.
However, I think that it's a bit of a stretch to think enough hydrogen will come off the batteries to accumulate to an explosive level inside a normal room. Mine are on a rack inside the cabin (12'x16') and have been for six years with no issues. My wife is pretty sensitive to smells and chemicals and she hasn't noticed anything from the batteries.
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