When you’re kitting out your solar setup, you’ll have to choose between different batteries, including gel batteries. This choice has a big impact on your entire setup!
All batteries work and perform differently. Some are easier to charge than others, while certain types are better at storing power. The batteries you choose for your solar system setup will also impact what you can power with them. In this article, I walk you through solar gel batteries. I explain what they are, list their pros and cons, and compare them to the two other most common batteries available for solar setups.
Gel batteries differ from regular lead acid batteries since they have a thick gel electrolyte within. This gel consists of sulphuric acid, electrolyte, and silica, creating a thick liquid or gel when mixed. It’s immobile and won’t spill when you tilt the battery. If we could harness all the energy of the sun with more efficient solar panels we would barely have the need for batteries, but until then gel batteries are some of our best options.
Like lead acid batteries, gel batteries work with lead plates and terminals. You just don’t have to refill the water every now and then because the batteries’ gases make their own liquid.
Versatile: You can tilt gel batteries and install them at any angle. Their acid can’t spill since they don’t build up pressure. Gel batteries are also adequately sealed.
Indoor Use: You can install gel batteries in your house without worrying about their safety. They don’t release fumes like regular batteries, making them safe for indoor use.
Expensive: Gel batteries typically have a high price tag, making your initial investment high. The cost is worth it in the long run, but getting started can be challenging.
Charging Requirements: While gel batteries have valves to protect them from overcharging, learning to charge your batteries the right way can be tricky. Overcharging can drain all their water and burn them out. Since you can’t refill these batteries, they are useless when this happens.
Gel batteries also need a specific type of charger. You need to ensure you have the right one because using the wrong charger can damage your battery. You need to use a controlled voltage at all times to prevent overcharging. This makes these batteries take longer to charge.
Temperature Sensitive: Gel batteries are sensitive to high temperatures and can fail when you expose them to it. This is true for all batteries, but regular lead acid batteries are cheaper to replace.
Some batteries aren’t simply better than others. Many factors need to be considered when looking for a new battery. Gel batteries seem the best choice if you have the money to cover the initial cost. However, they aren’t suited for people who don’t know much about charging. They’re sensitive and require special care.
Solar setups are expensive to get going, and batteries contribute a huge cut to this cost. You might be tempted to choose the cheapest option, but it’s important to consider performance and maintenance. Some investments might seem more affordable now but cost you more over time.
Gel batteries are one of the best for solar setups, and many people save longer to afford these. If they appeal to you, I suggest doing the same. I hope this article was helpful and that you can make the right choice for your solar setup. If you have more questions, ask them in the comments!
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About Solar Gel Batteries
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