Batteries are a major component in solar systems. A number of different types and capacities are available. The best battery for your system depends on many factors and often requires analysis and advice from a solar enegy profesional. Many small to medium sized system can use photovoltaic or marine grade batteries. These are designed to be deep-cycled (discharge-recharge) many times and are generally maintenance-free. They are available in capacities of about 90 Amp-hours. Batteries must be able to store enough energy for daily operations. A reserve should be considered to have additional capacity to operate the loads during anticipated periods of cloudy, sunless weather. This reserve capacity is referred to as system 'autonomy'and is rated in days. The amount of autonomy needed varies. For critical loads such as telecommunica-tions you may want 10 or more days of autonomy, fora residence perhaps five days, and only a day or two for a vacation cabin.

Batterie types for Photovoltaic Applications

IIP
Nominal capacity 104 - 4800Ah,
Design life: 25 years at 25°C ambient.
The Absolyte IIP represents the third generation of the Absolyte product line.The patentde MFX positive grid alloy gives Absolyte IIP a superior cycling performance and excellent float characteristics.

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XL
Nominal capacity 2000 - 6000Ah,
Design life: 25 years at 25°C ambient.
The Absolyte XL is the newest member of the Absolyte family - a high capacity line to complement the Absolyte IIP. The only single-cell VRLA-AGM battery available with up to 3000 amp-hours, the XL reduces your need for paralleling.

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Solar
Nominal capacity 6,6 - 230Ah.
Up to 800 cycles.
Designed for small to medium performance in leisure and consumer applications, this battery is the compact alternative for smaller solar applications.

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A600Solar
Nominal capacity 240 - 3500Ah.
Up to1600 cycles.
Developed for medium to large applications, the A600 Solar are absolutely recommendable for sophisticated requirement profiles.

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SolarBloc
Nominal capacity 60 - 330Ah.
Up to 1200 cycles.
This range is the ideal energy source for medium industrial applications as well as for use in private areas.

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OPzS Solar
Nominal capacity 70 - 4600Ah.
Up to 2000 cycles.
Developed for medium to large applications, the OPzS Solar batteries are absolutely recommendable for sophisticated requirement profiles.

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EnerSol T
Nominal capacity 367 -1251Ah.
Up to 1500 cycles.
This range is the ideal energy source for medium industrial applications as well as for use in private areas.

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EnerSol
Nominal capacity 53 - 256Ah.
Longer Design Life in cyclic applications in comparison to a standard automotive battery. Designed for small to medium performance in leisure and consumer applications, this battery is the compact alternative for smaller solar applications.

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GEL batteries is
ABSOLUTELY MAINTENANCE-FREE!!

During the entire battery lifetime there is no need for you to check the acid level, grease the terminal posts or top up with distilled water. These benefits are a result of the sealed construction of the EXIDE GEL.
But that also means: you must never open the battery! Otherwise the battery would be destroyed by oxidation.

In case your battery is installed where an external charger is necessary:
“Absolutely maintenance-free” does not mean that you can neglect your GEL battery as far as charging with the charger is concerned! Correct recharging (IU-charge characteristic) is the only way to preserve the performance benefits of your EXIDE GEL for a prolonged time.

As a result of its future-proofed technology with an immobilised gel electrolyte, your GEL is not only absolutely maintenance-free but also absolutely electrolyte-tight - vibration-resistant - extremely low gassing - cycling-proof - permitted angle of inclination up to 180 degrees - deep-discharge-proof (recharge after a maximum of 4 weeks)

More cycles – longer lifetime:
Compared to an HD-commercial vehicle starter battery, the EXIDE GEL allows a much greater number of cycles at the same depth of discharge. A clear advantage in regard to performance and economy.

External charging of EXIDE GEL batteries:
I phase with current intensities of between 10 and 30 A/100Ah (recommendation 1/10 of the battery capacity, e.g. 10 A for 100 Ah)
U phase or U1 phase (main charging phase) with constant voltage between 14.1 and 14.4 V
U2 phase (charge retention) with constant voltage of 13.8 V
Charging times phase IU or IU1 at least 12 hrs, changeover point for U2 phase after 12-16 hrs

Charging with on-board generator:
With 12 V system 14.1 to 14.4 V regulator voltage
With 24 V system 28.2 to 28.8 V regulator voltage

With solar system:
14.2 V constant