Questions about Solar Power???

[NewYorkRebel]

I was just wondering how long do the batteries last with solar power and also does anyone know if there is an EMP attack would that knock out solar powered items as well or only grid powered items??? Would greatly appreciate any info thanks

[Parttimefarmer]

Do you mean how long do they last in years, or how long can you have lights?

No idea on the EMP, but I am sure someone could figure a way to mess with anything if they really wanted to.

[YuccaFlatsRanch]

Emp is an induced current. The charge controller might be damaged, but I am not sure. Shouldn't hurt the batteries or the solar panels.

[roachhill]

EMPs destroy solid state components that can't withstand a voltage spike, think microchips. Most people say a well maintained golf cart battery bank may offer 10 years service if your lucky.

[radiofish]

Originally Posted by roachhill

EMPs destroy solid state components that can't withstand a voltage spike, think microchips. Most people say a well maintained golf cart battery bank may offer 10 years service if your lucky.

I am nursing along my bank of three 80 Amp hours each/ 240 AH total capacity 'industrial' sealed lead acid batteries going on eight years now - they are charged with 50 watts of solar panels and a 'float charger'. They constantly supply power to a majority of my ham radio gear.

Besides microchips, EMP would also fry unshielded transistors bi-polar and FET (Field Effect Transistors, etc.).

[adamtheha]

A high quality battery bank could last as much as 20 years if well cared for. An EMP induces current in all conductors, and destroys unshielded solid state components. Batteries and large wires would probably be fine, but the controllers would fry. I think that you could shield all of the components with copper mesh, but the wires coming in from the solar panels would also carry induced current. Would a lightning arrestor stop that?

[jwal10]

I am runnig 12 years on 4 deep cycle batteries. No more than about 20% drain. Very light 12 volt use only....James

[texican]

All above comments are correct... the devil is in the details. The more you discharge your bank (higher percentage) the lower the life will be. "IF" you could only do the 20%, a bank would last a long time. It's when you screw up, and leave something on and forget about it, and find out later you've 'drained' your bank below 50% and as far as 80% and permanently? lost some capacity. Sometimes 'stuff' happens.

I'd say the charge controller and any inverters would be subject to EMP damage.

I'd love to have brand new dry batteries, and acid to pour in years later when I actually needed it. My last set of batteries were set up 10 years after getting on the grid... bought new, used four days... and haven't used them since. Occasionally turn the power on, to keep the bank charged... I'm not going to trust them to be anywhere near 100% if I really needed them.

[YuccaFlatsRanch]

Batteries seem to be the long term "Weakest Link". You would think that the research in the batteries for cars would result in better batteries for solar systems.

[roachhill]

I thought it was funny that a book on alternative energy written in the 70's and a book on solar power written just a few years ago both said 6 volt golf cart batteries are your best choice for low budget battery banks. You would think at some point technology would advance. I thought about pointing out that battery life varied wildly depending on use and care (and maybe a little luck) but I just went with the 10 year average lifespan listed in the book for simplicity.

[adamtheha]

I was just reading about nickel-iron batteries. 40 years, and still running! Why, for the love of God are we not using these batteries???
Just google nickel-iron batteries. Invented by Edison of all things. A company out of china makes them, and some US companies sell them. Want.