GC12 vs. GC2

[bimmel20]

When shopping for two 6v GC2 batteries at Sam's Club today, I ran across a GC12. When comparing the numbers for either 1 GC12 vs. 2 GC2's I had a difficult time seeing the advantage of the GC12:

(2) GC2's: 230AH's, 122 lbs, and $200.00

(1) GC12: 155AH's, 90 lbs, and also $200.00

Given AH's vs. weight and cost, I do not see the benefit of 1 or even 2 GC12 batteries. Are there any?

 

[SternWake]

If you run large loads through an inverter, such as a microwave, the 12v batteries will likely be able to power the load for longer before the low voltage alarm on the inverter kicks on.

If one of 2 12v batteries shorts a cell, you can remove it and still have 12 volts

That 12v battery appears to be one of the very few 12v batteries designed as a true deep battery.  They are made by EastPenn/Deka and they make a good battery.

I'd probably go for that single gc-12v in my personal usage as I do not need 232+AH capacity, but I suspect the gc-2's are built with thicker plates with denser plate material.

 

[bimmel20]

If you run large loads through an inverter, such as a microwave, the 12v batteries will likely be able to power the load for longer before the low voltage alarm on the inverter kicks on.

If one of 2 12v batteries shorts a cell, you can remove it and still have 12 volts

That 12v battery appears to be one of the very few 12v batteries designed as a true deep battery.  They are made by EastPenn/Deka and they make a good battery.

I'd probably go for that single gc-12v in my personal usage as I do not need 232+AH capacity, but I suspect the gc-2's are built with thicker plates with denser plate material.

But at 155 AH's wouldn't I only have about 30% of that to use on an average daily basis, or about 47 AH's?

 

[SternWake]

You can use 50% without issue, as long as you can replace it before sundown/ the next discharge cycle begins.

The 6v gc-2s are likely easier to fully recharge, requiring less time at absorption voltage

 

[bimmel20]

You can use 50% without issue, as long as you can replace it before sundown/ the next discharge cycle begins.

The 6v gc-2s are likely easier to fully recharge, requiring less time at absorption voltage

And you may remember from my previous post that I am looking at the Renogy 300w premium system. I know the fridge and heater use little power, but between those and odds and ends like lights and such, something is almost always running. How does your battery ever actually get to top off in a day. I probably just showed how little I know about this.

 

[SternWake]

I don't really recall everyone's systems.

It helps to turn off all loads, or as many as possible, in the morning and let the maximum solar wattage get the battery upto absorption voltage as soon as possible.

Once absorption voltage is reached, the amps into the battery taper. These extra amps can then be used to charge the laptop, other things, but too big a load will drop voltage below desired absorption voltage.

This time of year I require additional charging sources if I am going to use my laptop a lot.

Luckily I can plug in, but if I could not, then I'd have to severely limit my laptop time, and or drive a lot more. The earlier one can drive and have the alternator feed the depleted batteries a lot of amperage, the better.