Dennis's points are very good, and I second the Trojan website: http://www.trojanbattery.com/ We have their batteries in a PV-light system in a high mtn cabin. Their tech support is excellent, too. Anyway, one point: To use voltage to measure the charge of the battery, not only must it be "open" voltage as Dennis points out--no load--but the batteries must "rest" for some period of time. Trojan says 6 hours min and preferably 24 hours. That is to allow electrolyte to completely mix. Under charging or under load, the solution next to the plates reflects what's happening and the electrolyte isn't uniform in the cell. See: http://www.trojanbattery.com/Tech-Support/BatteryMaintenance/Testing.aspx Richard A Jones Boulder, Colorado |
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