Solar Controller Mounted and Battery Info

[Ozz]

I mounted my controller and breaker box today, got the Communication cables ready to run to the remote panel and one to the router for computer access.
I checked the batteries that were low on electrolyte and found a few cells that showed weak, and bad. Turned out the three 6 volt batteries were about 4 years old, three others showed 100% and they were just 2 years old.
I bought 3 new ones today.
Here is a slide show on the batteries and the pricing on them for your info.

http://tinyurl.com/OzzSolarControllerBatteries





Mounting my Solar Controller and D.C. Breaker box.
Driver's side of Basement, Inverter on Passenger side, same bulkhead.
I moved light up, and cut the tank drain, On right.
I had a wye on it to drain my R.O. Water treatment waste into.
Will move it around out of the way

[jswharton]

Looking good!

[7.3Ford]

Jim,

You do pretty work as usual.

You might want to replace the other three batteries too. Every thing I have ever heard said don't mix the batteries. I know that I read not to mix 12 volts with two 6 volts, but may also apply to new and old batteries should not be mixed as well. The older batteries may pull down the new ones.

[DQDick]

The job is looking every bit as good as a professional could do

[Ozz]

When I checked all of them with the specific gravity check the three I am leaving were 98-100%, the three I am changing were weak, I could have left one in, but elected to change it. I think all will be within a very close percentage of charge, or ability to charge. I feel comfortable with the older/new mix.
I have read not to mix old and new, but you have to use a little reasoning, and the check I did with a full charge is the best way.
I talked with an engineer at a battery factory.. he gave me a few tips.

[CORattler]

Those 6 volt batteries are HEAVY! The GC2 107 model is 63 pounds EACH!
I just pulled mine yesterday to keep in the garage for off season storage and trickle charging. They have to weigh about the same.

[NCFischers]

Nice custom backboard. Looks good.

[Ozz]

The batteries are heavy! I don't know if it is that I am getting older, or weaker, but wow.. I loaded them in the top part of two carts at Sam's, so I wouldn't have to lift them out of the bottom of the basket. Then I went to THREE auto parts stores to find a battery carrying strap, the stores carry two or three of any part or accessory, and that's it. The third store had it.
Thanks Jim, hope it works as good as it looks