Fuel for Thought

House Batteries, Revisited

I’ve talked about the batteries that I use for auxiliary power. I’m revisiting the subject, because it occurred to me that these things are over five years old and still going strong, so it can’t hurt to emphasize the successes.

The batteries are GPL-6CT RV batteries made by Lifeline Battery Corporation. They are 6 volt batteries wired in series to make a single 180 pound 12 volt, 300 amp hour battery. Even though these batteries cost $450 each, I bought them for their high amp per pound rating and long life. They are specifically not recommended for use with solar panels, because they do not stand up well to the typical battery abuse of a photo-voltaic system. I’ve taken special care to not discharge the batteries past 12.0 volts, and they continue to serve me well.

The first year I charged the batteries with both the solar panels and the alternator through a battery separator. The next two years I disconnected the alternator connection during the summer since the sun could handle all my power needs in the summer, and I wanted to make sure I wasn’t making the alternator work too much. The last two years I’ve left the house bank completely separate from the starter battery and alternator. It takes closer power management in the winter, but I manage.

The year round loads are the engel refrigerator, tablet computer and phone; and occassionally a laptop computer, laser printer and vacuum cleaner. In the summer, the main load is a Fan-tastic roof vent and its sister 12 volt Endless Breeze fan that is made by the same company.  The main winter load is an Espar D-4 diesel fired heater.

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