Battery Tips
Battery Tips
WARNING
Review “Precautions When Working With Batteries” on page vi before you work with the batteries in your system.
Explosive/
Corrosive
Gases
•Vent the battery compartment to prevent the accumulation of gases.
•Do not install electronic or electrical equipment in the battery compartment.
| • Do not smoke or use an open flame when working around batteries. |
Temperature | The capacity of |
Sensitivity | capacity is rated at 77 ºF (25 ºC). At 0 ºF |
| about half the rated capacity. You should consider temperature when |
| designing your system. |
| • Low Temperatures If extremely low temperatures are expected |
| where the inverter is going to be located, you should consider a |
| heated equipment room. If the system is located in an unheated space, |
| an insulated battery enclosure is recommended. |
| • High Temperatures The batteries should also be protected from high |
| temperatures. These can be caused by high ambient temperatures, |
| solar heating of the battery enclosure, or heat released by a nearby |
| engine or generator. High battery temperatures shorten battery life |
| and therefore you should ventilate the enclosure and use shade and |
| insulation as appropriate. |
Discharged | Do not leave batteries in a discharged state for more than a day or two. |
Batteries | They will undergo a chemical process (sulfation) that can permanently |
| damage the battery. As well, batteries |
| to six months, and they should be recharged periodically even if they are |
| not being used. |
Electrolyte | If your batteries are not the |
Level | level at least once a month. Excessive fluid loss is a sign of overcharging. |
| Replenish the electrolyte using only distilled water. |
