I was talking more about my experience with off-grid. I’ve got lots of batteries in off-grid systems that have loads only occasionally. They get a bulk charge every day.
For an on-grid system, I wouldn’t worry too much about float service as long as the manufacturer’s recommendation for float voltage is followed. I know at least on manufacturer recommended to me that the float voltage be set lower for batteries that are rarely discharged. Again – talk to the manufacturer… Jason Szumlanski Fafco Solar *From:* re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] *On Behalf Of * toddc...@finestplanet.com *Sent:* Wednesday, February 15, 2012 3:08 PM *To:* RE-wrenches *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Interstate L-16 vs Trojan L-16REB the only time an OB GFX bulk charges is after a grid outage. todd On Wednesday, February 15, 2012 10:58am, "Jason Szumlanski" < ja...@fafcosolar.com> said: I’ve had some success with RE batteries in float service by reducing the absorb time and float voltage. Talk to the manufacturer for their recommendation. I think float service is fine for RE batteries, but bulk charging every day when the sun comes up just cooks them unnecessarily. Also anecdotal… Jason Szumlanski Fafco Solar *From:* *re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org*<re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org>[mailto: *re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org*<re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org>] *On Behalf Of *Larry Crutcher, Starlight Solar Power Systems *Sent:* Wednesday, February 15, 2012 1:52 PM *To:* RE-wrenches *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Interstate L-16 vs Trojan L-16REB I would not recommend using an RE battery for standby/back up use. There is a similar problem that I have seen. People use 6 volt golf cart batteries in their motorthome and then stay plugged into shore power for long periods of time. I see premature failures from this type of use. A golf cart battery is designed to be cycled, not left in float service. Without exercising the battery by occasionally discharging it and then charging and equalizing, it is likely to fail early. My opinion is anecdotal but I'm convinced it is true. Larry Crutcher Starlight Solar Power Systems (928) 342-9103 On Feb 15, 2012, at 11:38 AM, *toddc...@finestplanet.com*<toddc...@finestplanet.com>wrote: > I've been happy with Trojan batteries. They do say that they need up to 100 > cycles to reach full capacity. so what does this mean for grid ties/battery back-up? todd Sent from Finest Planet WebMail.
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