Northstar AGM for solar?

[JGVentura]

New to the forum. Wondering if this particular battery from Northstar would be suitable for a 400w solar system planned for my Sprinter. It doesn't appear to be a "true" deep cycle battery but curious on your thoughts. Reason why this particular battery is a buddy has 6 new ones at his shop that were incorrectly ordered and said i can have them as they arent bothering to ship back. Any info greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Northstar NSB-AGM31

 

[John61CT]

Northstar makes fine batts from a quality POV, and excellent customer service, will provide trustworthy technical info if you contact them

But I believe this line is "dual use" designed for cranking more than their TPPL true deep cycling lines like Blue+ .

Means a shorter life if used for deep cycling is all, if free or super cheap (under $50 per 100AH) then worth the hassle of replacing more frequently.

But contact NS directly see what they say.

 

[Trebor English]

It doesn't appear to be a "true" deep cycle battery

According to their web page:  
"Cycles over 900 times at 50% depth of discharge"

That says deep cycle, not starter battery.  

Why do you say "It doesn't appear to be a "true" deep cycle battery?"  What leads you to that conclusion?  

Deep cycle AGM batteries often have better cold cranking amp capacity than deep cycle flooded batteries of similar amp hour rating.  Because they lack some of the badness of flooded batteries doesn't make them bad, it makes them better.  If you plan to have any high discharge rate loads like a microwave oven you want this enhanced ability compared to flooded batteries.

 

[John61CT]

According to their web page:  
"Cycles over 900 times at 50% depth of discharge"

That says deep cycle, not starter battery.

Yes if that refers to that model / line specifically then that is decent deep cycling, their spec can be trusted.

Just thrown off by the reference to cranking and CCA, as with Odyssey that is a bold move.

With 99% of brands in retail channels, any reference to CCA or cranking power is a red flag, fraudulent use of the "deep cycling" label.

 

[John61CT]

A very high discharge rate for more than a minute or two, requires a larger AH capacity bank as well as suitable chemistry and batt design.

 

[JGVentura]

According to their web page:  
"Cycles over 900 times at 50% depth of discharge"

That says deep cycle, not starter battery.  

Why do you say "It doesn't appear to be a "true" deep cycle battery?"  What leads you to that conclusion?  

Deep cycle AGM batteries often have better cold cranking amp capacity than deep cycle flooded batteries of similar amp hour rating.  Because they lack some of the badness of flooded batteries doesn't make them bad, it makes them better.  If you plan to have any high discharge rate loads like a microwave oven you want this enhanced ability compared to flooded batteries.

I guess i'm referring to the fact that it's not marketed as a "deep cycle". Sorry for confusion. 

On another note, I can have the batteries for free so that's why i'm curious if these would suffice in a solar application. Of course i'd like to have latest & greatest but $1k/ea for lithiums is tough to swallow... i do intend on having either a convection microwave or an induction cooktop. Water heater undecided, electric water pump likely for sink, led lighting, Vitrifrigo DP2600 fridge (ac/dc controller), MaxxFan, USB outlets for charging devices and maybeee a TV... i havent done calculations yet so i MAY be putting the cart before the horse. In the meantime.... these batts wont last long in his shop

 

[Trebor English]

For a fridge, low power high energy, and a microwve, high power, these batteries are what you want.  600 amp hours and free are a great combination.  The only down side is 75 pounds each, 450 pounds.

 

[MrNoodly]

Any free battery is a good battery.

 

[John61CT]

Any new battery from a quality maker that is free is worth using.

These are great even if they cost you $1.20 / AH or a bit more, even without any further warranty.