[RE-wrenches] Aquion batteries - batteries in general

[Greg]

Marco and all wrenches,

Thanks for the cost /benefit comparison on batteries.  We need batteries 
that won't freeze easily.  Even if the cost was the same we'd need to 
know more about the Aquions before we could risk installing them in the 
North.

I need a fact check from someone on Lead Acids:  Years ago I'd heard 
that lead acid batts sold in the US were built from 90+% recycled 
materials.  Supposedly there was somewhere in California that put them 
in a big mixer and busted them up.  Plastic floated to the top and was 
recycled, lead went to the bottom, also recycled. Electrolyte was also 
at least partially recycled.  If this is true it would make the lead 
acids relatively benign since no new smelting would be needed.  Any 
recent info/links on lead acid battery recycling in the US would be 
greatly appreciated

I like lead acids.  There's a little booklet from New England Solar 
Electric called "BATTERY BOOK FOR YOUR PV HOME" that I give away with 
each set of batteries we sell.  It doesn't completely cure premature 
battery death from neglect but I think it helps a lot. They're 
inexpensive and if you buy them by the dozen they'll cut you a deal on 
them.

Keep using your super powers for good!

Greg Egan
Remote Power Inc.
NABCEP Solar Installation Professional
Alaska #00106064 Journeyman Electrician