AGM batteries?
Is it imperative to have AGM batteries with a solar set-up? Why? Could you not just use 2 6v batteries (not AGM's)? Do they last longer? How much and are they really worth the price difference?
Forum Discussion
As usual HMS, you are right on target.
The other obvious LFP advantage, especially for a TC is size and weight. I am building a 600Ah (480 usable) bank that will weight 175 pounds. That is not much more than one pair of AGM batteries. To achieve the same usable Amp Hours I would need 8 6v AGM batteries weighing in at 520 pounds. Not practical for most TC applications.
As far as cost. "drop in" units are fairly pricey. About $900-1000 dollars per 100Ah. You can build a far less expensive high quality LFP bank though if you are willing to buy individual cells, build and balance the bank yourself. My cost per 100Ah battery delivered with bus bars is $ 550. Fo me at least this takes AGM and wet cell batteries out of the game for what I was looking for.
The other obvious LFP advantage, especially for a TC is size and weight. I am building a 600Ah (480 usable) bank that will weight 175 pounds. That is not much more than one pair of AGM batteries. To achieve the same usable Amp Hours I would need 8 6v AGM batteries weighing in at 520 pounds. Not practical for most TC applications.
As far as cost. "drop in" units are fairly pricey. About $900-1000 dollars per 100Ah. You can build a far less expensive high quality LFP bank though if you are willing to buy individual cells, build and balance the bank yourself. My cost per 100Ah battery delivered with bus bars is $ 550. Fo me at least this takes AGM and wet cell batteries out of the game for what I was looking for.
