Solar Power Batteries | Deep Cycle Solar Battery Systems

Normal Lead Acid batteries, as used in a normal motor vehicle, are called shallow cycle batteries. This means that if the batteries are repeatedly discharged by as little as 20%, their life becomes shortened. They are designed to give a burst of high power for a very short time, for example when starting a vehicle engine. This type of battery, though it can be charged by solar power, would be of little use in a solar power system, for example in a house or boat running off solar power.

Deep cycle lead acid batteries have been developed to cover the needs not only of solar power systems, but also of marine and aviation requirements. These systems need to draw a steady current over a potentially long period of time. For example in a solar power system for a home, battery power might be needed to run a washing machine or a television, the house lights and hot water system. A bank of shallow cycle batteries would discharge quickly and the battery life would not be long. Deep cycle batteries are specially designed to give a steady current over a long period of time, and to be recharged from solar cells through an accurate regulator. They are specifically designed to withstand deep cycling - that is deep discharge, and must be topped up completely each time they have discharged. Deep cycle batteries are able to be discharged by as much as 80% repeatedly and are the perfect battery to be used in conjunction with a solar power system. They are sealed and maintenance free, requiring no topping up with water. They will not freeze or spill, making them ideal for marine and aviation uses as well as for solar power systems.

One thing that is essential as part of any system employing solar powered batteries is a good controller - this acts to control the amount of charge going from the solar panels to the batteries so that it is always at an optimum, and at the same time prevents a feedback current from the batteries to the solar array after sundown. This would normally damage the solar cells. A good controller will allow an increase in charge current of more than 30% over and above that of conventional charge controllers.

Before purchasing your solar batteries always consult an expert regarding exactly which battery is the right one for the job in hand.