Renogy batteries

[climbing coastie]

I'm getting ready to buy my solar setup and batteries. I've read a couple times that you should buy your batteries from a brick and mortar shop so you can check the dates. Should I pass on buying Renogy's compete kit and buy my battery somewhere else, or are they reputable enough to go ahead and use them?

 

[climbing coastie]

Actually I just looked at the contents of the kit again. I'll be going with one of their premium kits instead, but still considering one of their batteries.

 

[John61CT]

No. Duracell golf car batts from Sam's Club or Batteries+, 2x 6V.

Cannot be beat for value.

Post a link to your panel specs, you may be able to get a much better controller like Victron for not much more.

 

[climbing coastie]

Here's what I plan on getting: Solar Package , Battery

I'm looking at AGM batteries as I don't want to deal with off gassing/water levels.

 

[jonsun]

hey that kit is a bit over-priced btw. you an get those controllers (or any of the ones with that mt-50 remote...they're all chinese clones just rebranded) on amazon for about $150 and 4 100w panels for $85 a piece plus shipping ($40 usually) at solar blvd. If you want to save a few hundred. I know a kit is convenient too.


https://www.solarblvd.com/products/solar-cynergy-100-watt-12-volt-solar-panel/
https://www.amazon.com/TOOGOO-Charg...=1502837534&sr=8-17&keywords=mppt+with+remote

 

[GotSmart]

You buy name brand, you have the guarentee.  Renogy is worth buying as they stand 100% behind their products. The others???  No proof that what is inside matches the fancy box. 

Buy batteries from a national chain so you have the option of returning them anywhere. 

Why buy things twice?

 

[highdesertranger]

I don't like gel batteries. to touchy on the charging. hopefully others will chime in. I agree that kit is to much money. highdesertranger

 

[John61CT]

You buy name brand, you have the guarentee.  Renogy is worth buying as they stand 100% behind their products. The others???  No proof that what is inside matches the fancy box.

Their controller is meh, 10 y.o. design rebadged. Just like the batteries, better to buy a quality specialist brand.

If the panels work within specs of a Victron 75/15 for under $100, IMO much better value, and many excellent dealers that back the warranty at least as well.

For panels Renogy is fine, just can't justify the kit's "noob tax".

 

[John61CT]

On quality but good value AGM

The OP here https://vanlivingforum.com/showthread.php?pid=322487#pid322487 also thinks she shouldn't get AGM.

AFAIK Northstar, Odyssey and Lifeline are the only good quality makers, Firefly for the PSOC niche. But they are so pricey!

What are some lower-cost alternatives that will last a noob at least half as long as Duracell GC's?

Or is there a distribution source that carries lower-end lines of the top vendors?

Or rebadged versions?

 

[jonsun]

$55 starting batteries from walmart because you're likely going to mess up your first set anyway. AGM are great if you're going to bump with a generator so you can throw a lot of amps in.

 

[Weight]

Duracell Jell battery is less than $120 from Batteries plus Bulbs retail store. Made by Deka. You need a charger that can be programed for this special lead acid chemistry. Most marine users recommend them over other chemistries.

 

[John61CT]

Duracell Gel are not true deep cycle.

And Gel needs **all** charge sources to be properly calibrated, easily damaged.

Don't last nearly as long as quality FLA, but that's also true for most AGM.

 

[Weight]

I was wrong on the Deka Gel. The ones I posted are rather small. Those renogy are well over 100+ pounds each. I'm joining SternWake sooner rather than later