Battery life [RE-wrenches]

[Bob Galbreath]

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At 4:13 AM -0800 3/3/02, graham at solarexpert.com wrote:

>While we are on the subject of batteries I have another question.  How
>long is a battery bank specifically used for "grid-connected back-up"
>power going to last?

Graham,
Informal anecdote #1: In recent discussions with two different 
companies that install AND MAINTAIN battery banks for the telecom 
trade, I was told the same thing by both; that they: 1) Use AGMs. 2) 
Tell the client informally that the batteries will last fifteen 
years. 3) Warranty the batteries for seven years. 4) Change out the 
batteries at five years. 5) Offer the used batteries ("15-year 
batteries with ten years of life left") for sale to low-end 
resellers. 6) Build all of the above into the contract.

Informal anecdote #2: Our company sells PV packages as part of a 
larger "whole house" package. We usually have no control over how the 
system is used and expect the worst. We use AGM's and defeat the 
equalization function of the controller. We have never had (in seven 
years) a complaint that the batteries didn't last long enough.

Informal anecdote #3: In previous businesses I have been in that 
involve installation contracts, we made more profit on maintenance 
than installation.

I wouldn't avoid battery systems if I were you, just use sealed 
batteries and build the additional cost for anticipated maintenance 
into the contract.

I'd also suggest that you offer an additional maintenance contract 
(quarterly, semi-annual or annual) to all the clients, with or 
without batteries. Wash off the panels, check the connections, check 
the program. Then send them a usage report along with the bill. It's 
a good profit center.

Bob Galbreath
Geo-Lite Systems
http://www.geolitesystems.com

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