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Old 10-13-2017, 02:32 AM   #1
Mini-Skoolie
 
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6 volt batteries and solar?

anyone use two 6 volt golf cart batteries wired in series for their 12 volt power system and keep them charged with solar? im looking at a 60 amp mppt controller to keep my batteries charged with a solar array. (leaves room for expansion) the controller charges in 12,24,or 48 volts but ill have it set to 12 volt. any potential problems for doing it this way? hoping i havent overlooked something. i figure it should charge just fine.

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Old 10-13-2017, 06:59 AM   #2
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Bog standard.

Best value is flooded Duracell from Sam's Club or Batteries+
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Old 10-13-2017, 10:01 AM   #3
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60 amp? How many batteries are you planning on using?

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Old 10-13-2017, 10:30 AM   #4
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6v batteries are definitely the best way to go. 60 amp is kind of big. How many panels do you plan to have? Handybob has a pretty informative blog all about solar. Plus theres youtube videos that talk about how to size you solar system properly.
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Old 10-13-2017, 04:17 PM   #5
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60 amp is big yes. I plan on being off grid for weeks at a time. Ive done my research and already sized my solar battery bank and panels to meet my needs while flat mounted on a school bus roof on the winter solstice in canada. Ive done all my reseach on the solar end of things. I was more just wondering about batteries themselves though i do appreciate you dropoing the link.

Wanted to know about any potential charging issues. Ill have them charging on alternator or shore power aswell and dont want any issues with the mppt controller and the 6 volt batteries. The theory is sound but theory isnt everything. Is there anything i might have to watch out for with 6 volt batteries?
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Old 10-13-2017, 04:42 PM   #6
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A 12V lead acid battery is basically 6 cells with a nominal voltage of 2 volts. A 6 volt battery is 3 cells. Hook 2, 6 volt batteries in series and you have a 12V battery with an external connection in the middle. You could use 6, 2 volt batteries. The voltage regulator or charge controller don't care as long as you have 6 x 2volt cells that are all alike.
If you look at my batteries you can clearly see that each 6 volt battery has 3 cells. Under the long plastic cap is a lead connector that ties the cells together. If you follow the wiring you will see that it is a series/parallel setup that gives 12 volts
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Old 10-13-2017, 07:04 PM   #7
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If anything it seems like 6 volt batteries can be better. For whatever reason 6 volt batteries like the Trojan T-105s often seem to have significantly better cycle life ratings than their 12v counterparts.
http://www.trojanbattery.com/pdf/Sig...tLineSheet.pdf


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Old 10-13-2017, 07:30 PM   #8
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Yes there are some top-vendor 12V that are true deep cycle, but not available in auto or big box consumer retail.

The Duracell GCs listed above are (nearly?) as good as T-105 but usually lots cheaper.

Trojans RE series are better yet but pricey.
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Old 10-13-2017, 07:38 PM   #9
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I think you'll want more than one pair.

60A is what, nominal over 1000W, and in far north conditions, you want 2-3 days' usage only 50% usable so at least three pair, 600+AH

See http://www.smartgauge.co.uk/batt_con.html
for wiring patterns, #2 is fine.

If you can't get to shore power on demand, may want to get a little genny to make sure the bank gets to 100% (most) each day for longevity. A battery monitor will help.

Run the genny in the morning say 80-85% SoC then let solar finish another 4-5 hours.
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Old 10-13-2017, 07:44 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by miscrms View Post
If anything it seems like 6 volt batteries can be better. For whatever reason 6 volt batteries like the Trojan T-105s often seem to have significantly better cycle life ratings than their 12v counterparts.
http://www.trojanbattery.com/pdf/Sig...tLineSheet.pdf


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I use these batteries. Love them

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Old 10-13-2017, 07:49 PM   #11
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Trojan 6v seem really hard to beat if you take care of them. The Duracell looks to be a rebranded Deka, which should also be quite good.




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Old 10-13-2017, 07:58 PM   #12
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I love my trojans. 2 years old and going strong

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Old 10-13-2017, 08:11 PM   #13
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Yes Duracell is Deka / East Penn, great design and build quality. But not AGMs, just FLA.

I've seen increasing reports in the last couple years of bad-egg Trojans, often on boats far away from any suppliers.

If the Deka weren't much cheaper I'd still go Trojan though.

Other good FLA are Crown, Superior, US Battery and Rolls / Surrette at top of the heap
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