Why Use a Sealed L16 Solar Battery Vs. Flooded Conventional Batteries?
Many installers use the L16 solar battery in their renewable energy projects. However, most tend to use the old flooded conventional deep cycle batteries rather than the newer more versatile sealed AGM solar batteries. What is the rationale for this decision? The question begs to be asked, why not use a sealed L16 solar battery?
Mike Chose the Sealed UB63800 L16 Solar Battery
A few weeks ago a customer of ours purchased 24 of the 6 volt 380 amp hour sealed L16 solar battery made by Universal Power Group. This workhorse of a battery, part number UB63800, has very favorable specs when comparing to some of the traditional flooded batteries still used by installers. Two of the more popular flooded versions, the Trojan L16RE-B and US Battery RE-L16 both have 370 amp hours. A quick check on cost also places these three L16 solar batteries in the same ball park, with variances mainly occurring with shipping policies and quantities ordered. Due to the weight, all of these batteries will arrive via a truck freight carrier.
So if price and specs are so similar, what is the advantage (or disadvantage) of switching to the sealed AGM L16 battery?
Three AGM Battery Advantages Mike Considered
As Mike’s installation pictures of the UB63800 illustrate, the main advantage is that they can be placed into service on their side! The overall footprint ended up being much smaller as he was able to build the rack vertically. The floor space saved from not having batteries sprawled out horizontally means he can use that shop space for other purposes.
The second advantage is that you will not require an expensive watering system. Since these sealed AGM batteries are known as Valve Regulated Lead Acid or VRLA they do not require constant monitoring of electrolyte levels. In fact, they do not require watering at all. The sealed AGM technology means the L16 solar battery recombinants the liquid back into itself. It will not leak, unless the safety pressure release valves are triggered due to over-charging.
Another advantage of a sealed solar battery is that they will not corrode around the terminals or on metal in the vicinity of the batteries. Again your battery maintenance is reduced and your equipment will last longer by using AGM sealed batteries.
It seems to me that the floor space saved, time saved not having to worry about regular maintenance and money saved from not having to replace corroded equipment is definitely a win-win-win situation. So could people still be using flooded solar batteries simply because they do not know any better? Does it come down to education and product awareness? I hope this short article sheds some light on the decision making process and will allow consumers to see they have better options available. You do not have to stick with the L16 solar battery your local installer has readily available. We can work with them or the homeowner directly to have sealed AGM batteries arrive at your door.
