Anybody trying to set up an off-grid or islanded power system will know how much a bank of storage batteries cost. As an example a 24 volt 400 ah forklift battery bank often used as a storage bank would cost around $8000. A 12 volt 200 ah wet deep cycle battery would cost about $800.
However our batteries would cost only a fraction of it’s price when new.
We sold a 24 volt 400 ah 2 volt cell bank five years ago and it is still in use today.
2 Volt Gel Bank
These are 2 volt Gel Cells. Made in US and EU they are good quality cells and will last many years before needing desulphation again. They are ideal if you have to house the battery bank indoors.
First used by the utilities, telcos or banks in ups systems they have very little cycling use. Sulphation (crystallisation of lead sulphate) accumulates over time reducing the capacity of the battery. They are normally changed on scheduled maintenance. After desulphation they normally have very good capacity.
2 Volt Glass Cells
2 Volt wet cells are very much in demand. These cells are more tolerant to overcharging as you can easily replace the water electrolyte. Due to the possibility of fumes being produced they should be housed in a well ventilated area.
Forklift Batteries
A cheap option is to use forklift bank for storage batteries. After desulphation and reconditioning theses batteries are suitable for use as storage banks.
2 Volt Gel Cells
These have been used as backup battery banks for telcos and banks and utility companie As they have never been cycled they are excellent for use as storage batteries We have tested these batteries after reconditioning and have found them to be very close or even exceed their rated capacity.
12 Volt Deep Cycle
A small battery bank can be constructed by using these batteries in parallel to make up the battery bank. Suitable for use in motor homes and for the batch.
6 Volt Deep Cycle
These batteries are very common and are used in most mobility vehicles such as golf carts. For this reason they are excellent for building a battery bank as they are low cost and easy to obtain. Easy to replace if one battery should develop a fault.
