Solar Regulator has no AGM setting will GEL setting work??
Submitted: Tuesday, Jan 28, 2014 at 08:54
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Member - troopydan
Hi all.
I have a Morningstar, Prostar-30amp solar regulator currently running my 3 solar panels totalling 420 watts, when the sun is out we are capable of making 25 amp/h. Even after a day like this my batteries seem to be only be able to power our fridge through the night. So its time for a batterie upgrade from 2x100amp/h deep cycle sealed lead acid batteries that have had it, to (hopefully) 3x 100 amp/h AGM Batteries. Problem is my regulator only has 3 settings. 1 Gel, 2 Sealed, 3 Floored. I was told i can use The GEL setting for AGM Batteries but i am sceptical. Can anyone shed some light on my situation??????
Reply By: MEMBER - Darian, SA - Tuesday, Jan 28, 2014 at 16:12
Tuesday, Jan 28, 2014 at 16:12
My van has the same controller - my battery selection is 2 (sealed).....I have 3 x 100 Ah AGM deep cycles (and 240W of fixed solar + 120W folding portable). The mainstream battery makers can supply ideal charging and maintenance specifications - maybe
check for those details when you choose the new batteries.
AnswerID:
525278
Reply By: Member - Frank P (NSW) - Tuesday, Jan 28, 2014 at 18:19
Tuesday, Jan 28, 2014 at 18:19
I would choose a setting that best matches what the battery manufacture recommends.
My AGM manufacturer says max voltage 14.4, so I would use the flooded setting on that reg.
Beware of the Equalisation routine. On that reg the sealed and flooded settings contain one, and equalisation is not usually recommended for VRLA batteries (ie most AGMs). My battery manufacturer specifically prohibits it -
check yours. Though it is available if you want it, it is usually disabled by default, but it would be worth a
check.
Cheers
AnswerID:
525283
Follow Up By: Racey - Wednesday, Jan 29, 2014 at 07:51
Wednesday, Jan 29, 2014 at 07:51
Frank, which manufacturer?
FollowupID:
807243
Follow Up By: Member - Frank P (NSW) - Wednesday, Jan 29, 2014 at 09:42
Wednesday, Jan 29, 2014 at 09:42
Info was from Exide, via their distributor in
Wollongong.
FollowupID:
807253