| Photovoltaics: PV Solar Systems |
Location
of Batteries for Stand-Alone PV Solar Systems
Renewable or Alternative Energy for Green Homes
and Businesses
|
News
of
Renewable & Alternative Energy Join our email list here. Renewable Energy Directory
|
Batteries
should never be placed directly on cement floors or against cement walls.
It cools the batteries on the bottom/sides, creating unequal temperatures
in the battery cells. The unequal temperatures cause the batteries to lose
production capacity. By
the same token, you should not locate your batteries in garages or other
non-conditioned spaces. This causes batteries to fail prematurely. In
fact, batteries can loose over half of their charge if they are exposed to
temperature swings. It is best to keep them between 50º and 80º, even if
it requires insulating a battery box. The
best location for batteries is a specially vented and insulated battery
vault in your home. In short, you need to seal the area and vent it to the
outside because: 1.
It protects the batteries. 2.
It insulates the batteries. 3.
It prevents hydrogen gas from escaping into your home. If
you can afford the more expensive gel or absorbed glass matte (AGM)
batteries, you can be more flexible about location and venting. These
batteries do not need to be refilled either. Cautions When
working with batteries, always wear eye protection and acid-proof gloves.
Keep water and baking soda with you, also, to neutralize acid spills. The
importance of ventilation of gases can not be overstressed. In addition,
do not locate your battery bank near a hot water heater or other flame
which might ignite a hydrogen gas build-up. Regardless
of where you locate them, however, It is strongly advised that you place a
lock on the battery location, particularly if you have children. Back
to Solar Power Directory For
further information about Renewable
Energy or this area of Texas
contact Terry
Jensen Renewable Energy & Green Services
|
Join our email list here. Green
& Renewable Energy Home |
Copyright © 2008-2009 DFW Green Building and Renewable Energy. All rights reserved.