Solar Panels and those Big Batteries!?
I am attempting to set up a solar panel (or panels) for a small project and I want to hook up the panels to charge a large battery. I am wondering, since I am working with a 12 volt system, can I use a simple motorcycle battery or car battery? Would a deep-cycle marine battery be better?
I understand I will need a charge controller and I intend to use the battery to simultaneously power a couple very small components which shouldn't come close to consuming the energy provided by the panel. (Both components are DC and I won't even need an inverter!)
I am specifically concerned with making sure I can obtain and use a compatible battery and I don't want to pay outrageous prices for a special "solar battery" when a simple car or motorcycle battery will do.
Thanks for your help!
From the sounds of what you will be using the power for, a car battery would probably work ok. In the long run, it would probably be worth it to get a deep cycle battery. They are a little more expensive but they are designed to give moderate power over a long period of discharge whereas a normal automotive battery is designed to give large bursts of power to start the car and immediately get recharged.
You can get deep cycle marine batteries at most big box stores pretty cheap. Sometimes they are labeled 'marine battery' but they'll work fine for what you are doing.
If you are a Costco member, you can buy one of the best deep cycle batteries ever made. They carry the Optima battery line which is famous for very long life, holding a charge for months while not in use and can even be mounted on it's side!
Good Luck!
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