Agm solar lead acid batteries have many advantages over older gel-based batteries. They are cheaper and less likely to sulfate. They are also more efficient. This means less heat produced in the battery. Older flooded batteries can be very hot and cause a dangerous thermal runaway.
Less likely to sulfate
It is important to properly charge the batteries in your solar system. A battery can experience sulfation if it is not fully charged. This can be tricky to determine visually, but the best way to tell if your battery is sulfated is to check the voltage. If the voltage is less than 12.6 volts, it is most likely due to sulfation.
Luckily, it is possible to reverse sulfation in a battery if you follow certain steps. First, monitor the voltage discharge curve. If the battery can hold a stable voltage profile on discharge, this is a good indication that sulfation is temporary. However, if the battery’s voltage drops quickly with the load, it’s unlikely that it’s possible to reverse the sulfation. This is because permanent sulfation builds up when the battery remains in a low-state-of-charge for weeks at a time.
Another sign that a battery has begun to sulfate is a buildup of lead sulfate crystals on its plates. This buildup can reduce the battery’s capacity, and can even cause the battery to fail. Lead sulfate crystals normally disperse during the recharging process, but larger ones can stick to the battery’s plates and be permanently harmful.
An additional benefit of AGM solar lead acid batteries is that they are less likely to sulfate. This is because they trap nearly all of the electrolyte inside the cell. Therefore, you can discharge them more deeply than standard lead acid batteries. However, they still require venting to remove any hydrogen gas buildup. As such, you should only discharge the battery to 50% of its capacity.
There are two main types of AGM solar lead acid batteries. The first type is commonly known as flooded cell, while the other type is VRLA. VRLA solar lead acid batteries contain glass microfiber separators. These separators are made of glass microfibers and provide separation between the plates. During the charge and discharge processes, the electrolyte is absorbed through a porous network of empty pores. This makes it possible for oxygen to freely diffuse through the electrolyte in the gas phase.
Another difference between agm solar lead acid batteries and traditional lead acid batteries is the way that the negative plate interacts with sulfuric acid when charging. While PSoC cycling is good for lead acid batteries, lithium-ion batteries require intermittent conditioning and long charging cycles.
Cheaper than gel batteries
Solar power systems that use AGM solar lead acid batteries are generally less expensive than those using gel batteries. The main difference between the two is that gel batteries are sealed and do not require maintenance. They are also safer to use because they do not emit gas or water when in use. Besides, they are more versatile and can be installed in many positions. They are ideal for off-grid homes or battery backup systems, and require little maintenance.
However, gel batteries have many disadvantages. They are not compatible with AGM and flooded cells, and their charging voltage is lower. This means that it is easy to accidentally overcharge the battery, particularly if the system is using solar power. Also, gel cells are much more expensive than FLA batteries, and they do not provide as much amp-hour capacity.
AGM solar lead acid batteries are often lighter than gel ones, making them a more affordable option. The cost per amp-hour is also significantly lower. For example, a Trojan AGM 12V 100-amp-hour battery weighs 64 pounds and costs $241. By comparison, a Trojan Gel 12V 77-amp-hour battery weighs 52 pounds and costs $231. The cost of the AGM battery is only about $0.68 lbs/AH, which is less than $3.00 per amp-hour. Gel batteries must be recharged using a specific method, while AGM batteries are more forgiving.
Despite being cheaper, AGM solar lead acid batteries are not as reliable as gel batteries. They have shorter cycle life and are not as versatile as gel batteries. However, they do offer superior performance in hot and cold weather. They also have superior charge rates and are better suited for slow deep discharges.
Moreover, AGM batteries are non-hazardous and lightweight. Unlike gel and flooded lead acid batteries, AGM batteries have lower internal resistance, which increases output voltage and reduces charging time. They also do not produce heat when power passes through them. Finally, premium AGM batteries require little maintenance and recombine internal gasses back into liquid. They also do not leak acid and do not cause corrosion to surrounding parts.
Solar batteries are available in several sizes, shapes, and chemistries. Lithium batteries are the most expensive, while flooded lead acid batteries are cheaper. In general, AGM solar lead acid batteries are cheaper than gel batteries.