Rednecktek
Solar Wizard
So I know a little about batteries, but I've never found a comprehensive list on the pro's and cons of each battery type, so I thought I'd just poll here for input and any corrections, and info that I don't have. It may be a good to add into the FAQ option in the future too.
To start:
FLA - Flooded Lead Acid:
Pro's: Charges in really cold weather, super cheap per watt, handles temperature fluctuations better than many other types
Con's: Limited lifespan of 3-5 years best case, only a max of 50% discharge rate so cost x2 per Usable Amp Hour, requires maintenance, releases flammable gasses, very heavy
AGM - Absorbed Glass Mat Lead Acid:
Pro's: Charges in really cold weather, handles temperature fluctuations better than many other types, no maintenance required, longer average lifespan than FLA's
Con's: About 3x as expensive per Amp Hour than FLA's, similar weight to FLA's, Limited lifespan of 5-10 years best case, only a max of 50% discharge rate so cost x2 per Usable Amp Hour
Gel Filled:
Pro's: ??
Con's: Same as AGM? More expensive than AGM
LiFePo4 - Lithium Iron Phosphate:
Pro's: Deep discharge cycle, average 80% available power, very light, can be made to any size/rating at home, very long service life
Con's: Expensive per Amp Hour, requires Battery Management System to roll your own, does not charge below freezing temperatures,
OK Guys, fill in the blanks!
To start:
FLA - Flooded Lead Acid:
Pro's: Charges in really cold weather, super cheap per watt, handles temperature fluctuations better than many other types
Con's: Limited lifespan of 3-5 years best case, only a max of 50% discharge rate so cost x2 per Usable Amp Hour, requires maintenance, releases flammable gasses, very heavy
AGM - Absorbed Glass Mat Lead Acid:
Pro's: Charges in really cold weather, handles temperature fluctuations better than many other types, no maintenance required, longer average lifespan than FLA's
Con's: About 3x as expensive per Amp Hour than FLA's, similar weight to FLA's, Limited lifespan of 5-10 years best case, only a max of 50% discharge rate so cost x2 per Usable Amp Hour
Gel Filled:
Pro's: ??
Con's: Same as AGM? More expensive than AGM
LiFePo4 - Lithium Iron Phosphate:
Pro's: Deep discharge cycle, average 80% available power, very light, can be made to any size/rating at home, very long service life
Con's: Expensive per Amp Hour, requires Battery Management System to roll your own, does not charge below freezing temperatures,
OK Guys, fill in the blanks!