Battery Options for WindGens.

Selecting your batteries is important. Some are not made for the deep discharge/charge cycles that usually take place with 'house' battery banks. A customer asked me what type of battery I use and here are the options:

  1. Starter type:

    inexpensive, light, thin plates, fast discharge, low number of discharge cycles before becoming sulfated: poor choice

  2. Larger engine starting batteries:

    a little better than regular starting batteries: still a poor choice.

  3. Marine starting batteries:

    commonly called 8Ds or D8s - a little better than previous options, but they really aren't made for deep discharge/charge cycles either and considering their price: a poor choice.

  4. Deep cycle batteries:

    often used in RV's and what retailers will try to sell you. They do have a slightly thicker plate and can handle a few more discharges, but are a bit expensive and if you're going to pay more, get the best.

  5. Golf Cart batteries:

    usually 6 volts and you use two in series to make a 12 volt 'battery'. I use 8 altogether for 4 banks, plus I have a marine battery for starting the engine. Besides having a very thick plate, made for deep discharge/charge cycles, they are light enough (individually) that you can move them without help and without breaking your back. Good choice for the money, about $100-$120 a pair and they last 2-5 times longer (my experience) than any of the prior options.

  6. Fork Lift betteries:

    usually 2 volts and you use 6 in series to make a 12 volt 'battery'. These are tall, thick and very heavy. You generally need help moving them, they aren't cheap, but have the thickest plates and will take extreme discharge abuse and last a very long time, even longer than golf cart batteries, although for the money, they are probably comparable in a 'cost/lifespan ratio' so I stick with golf carts for the weight management.

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