Catalog Pg. 54

Batteries

TROJAN BATTERIES

Trojan batteries are considered the Cadillac of the battery world. They have the standard glass mats and high quality separators found in other high quality batteries. However they have a patented Multi Rib Separator that outperforms the competition. Do not settle for the "or equivalent'' listed in some catalogs.

NOTES ON BATTERY MAINTENANCE

Just about the only maintenance required in a solar electric system is to the battery bank. Proper care of your bank will eliminate 99% of all system problems. You will get a one page Battery Care Sheet from us with just about anything you purchase and you will receive our Battery Book for Your PV Home with the purchase of a battery bank. In any case, not using more power than you produce is the first secret to battery bank care! People often ask "How many modules do I need to charge my batteries?". The question should be "How many modules do I need to keep up with my energy use?". The definition of a properly sized system is keeping your batteries fully charged all (or at least most of) the time. You'll need a hydrometer and a digital voltmeter to monitor your system. Another very important maintenance procedure is to equalize (overcharge) your bank periodically - once a month would be ideal.

TROJAN T-105

6 volts 225 amp-hrs 62 lbs

720-105 Trojan T105 $129

(L) 10 3/8 in. (W) 7 1/8 in. (H ) 11 3/16 in.

The Trojan T105 battery is a top quality battery with glass mats and patented Multi-Rib separators. The Multi-Rib separator provides superior electrolyte distribution, less negative plate expansion, less water usage, reduced positive plate shedding and less maintenance. They also utilize a proprietary paste formula, known as Alpha Plus, which is another key ingredient to long life. Trojan T-105's are simply the best battery of this type and size. In fact, based on the new Battery Council International testing procedures, Trojan's T-105 was 225 cycles better than the next leading brand.

The T-105 model has a strong, lightweight case, made of polypropylene. It weighs about 62 pounds. It is easier to use as a building block than the 130 pound L-16 battery. One person can carry the T-105.battery

Don't buy 12 volt marine batteries for your system unless it will have only one battery. Two 6V batteries wired in series make one large 12V battery that is bigger and better than two of the 12V marine batteries.

All of our kits feature Trojan T-105 batteries, and always have for the last ten years. Many of the systems we sold ten years ago are still operating on the original T-105 battery bank. In terms of watts stored over time per dollar, nothing even approaches the Trojan T-105 for value.

TROJAN L16P

6 volts 390 amp-hrs 130 lbs

720-016 Trojan L16 $319

(L) 11 5/8 in. (W) 7 in. (H) 16 11/16 in.

The Trojan L16HC is a tougher deep cycle battery usually used in fork lifts or industrial floor scrubbers. If you insist on a larger, somewhat more robust battery for your bank, the Trojan L16HC is a good choice.

It has been redesigned, and is a much better value than in the past. First, its capacity has been increased to 390 amp-hours from 350 amp-hours. Second, it has been given a new Polyon case complete with carrying handles and a new Trestle design for higher strength and durability.

The L16HC has the same patented Multi-Rib separators, extra thick glass mats and Alpha Plus paste as the T-105 Life expectancy for the L16Hc is approximately 850 deep cycles. This is longer than the 750 deep life cycles for the T-105, but the L16HC still comes out about 20% more expensive per watt stored over its rated life. The other major disadvantage is that the L16HC is heavy. It requires at least two people to carry each one. Rough handling could be a major reason for shorter life (damaged or weakened plates), so be extra careful when transporting any battery and the L16HC in particular because of its weight.

See Page 55 for Pictures of Battery Boxes

Water-Miser Vent Caps

721-006 $7

The Water-Miser Safety Vent cap addresses several areas of battery maintenance. There is no need to remove vent-caps just flip open for inspection and watering. Escaping gasses, exiting through the moisture-return medium, carry fewer electrolyte laden droplets, assuring that cell electrolyte gravities are being better maintained. They do not need to be removed for a battery equalization charge. Tops of batteries remain much drier. Externally initiated explosions, within the battery cells, are virtually eliminated due to the incorporation of the flame and/or spark retardant hydrophobic cindered disc.

Note: Batteries are continued on the next web page.

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