[RE-wrenches] Frozen T-105s

[frenergy]

Larry, et al.

         Yes, good point< I should have mentioned the batteries are only 
1 1/2 years old.  There are many of the first time homeowner mistakes 
going on here...not a good site for winter sun due to tree shade, 
batteries in cold environment, didn't mention a recently sporadically 
working CC, etc. Its the whole enchilada.

         Though I just met the customer he's a nice guy, burned by the 
first dealer and very un-solar-educated.  I want to help him but he has 
very few funds.  After a thorough thaw, we thought we would "test" 2 
batts on a car trickle charger (his friends' house) to see if/how they 
respond.  I've been training him on monitoring temps, electrolyte, 
keeping the amps low for the first many hours and watching, documenting 
voltage.  If he wants to spend his time doing this to see if some life 
can be scratched out of all that sulphation, I'm willing to mentor 
him...for now.

         I know we been in this discussion before but the frozen cells 
were a new twist for me.  Thanks you guys,

Bill


On 12/3/2015 5:32 PM, Starlight Solar Power Systems wrote:
> Hi Bill,
>
> You did not mention the age but I would bet that the batteries have 
> more of a problem from being deficit charged since the owner has no 
> alternative charge source. So many DIY systems are poorly designed and 
> usually underpowered. We see T-105’s murdered in just 2-3 years. Top 
> that off with the likely damage from the big freeze event and I would 
> condemn the bank.
>
> Larry Crutcher
> Starlight Solar Power Systems
>
>
> On Dec 3, 2015, at 7:00 AM, Feather River Solar Electric 
> <info at frenergy.net <mailto:info at frenergy.net>> wrote:
>
> Hey Folks,
>
>         I came across an off-gridder yesterday whom was getting zero 
> support from the dealer he had purchased his small system from, self 
> installed, batteries in a lightly insulated box outside.  When I 
> inspected the electrolyte levels I discovered it was frozen in some 
> cells, the voltage of the 48 volt pack was ~8 volts, I didn't check 
> individual batteries due to these facts...I'd seen "enough".  Recently 
> temps have been in the high teens, though we are back up to low 30's.
>
>         He does not have a genny or battery charger! I have a DC genny 
> which I could use to charge these batteries but should I waste my time 
> and his money trying to save them?  Others' experience with this 
> situation?
>
> TIA,
>
> Bill
> <FRS_working_logo, 50%.JPG>
> -- 
> Feather River Solar Electric
> Bill Battagin, Owner
> 4291 Nelson St.
> Taylorsville, CA 95983
> 530.284.7849
> CA Lic 874049
> www.frenergy.net
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