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Another popular and inexpensive battery of this type is the “golf cart”
(T-105 or CG220 or US 2200) battery. These six-volt batteries can be connected in
series to form a 12 V system and can be discharged repeatedly to 80% of their
capacity without being severely damaged. This is the minimum quality of battery
that should be used with the inverter in normal applications.
Some systems use the L16 type of battery. These are 6-volt batteries rated at
350Ah and are available from a number of manufacturers. They are 17 inches
(43 cm) high and weigh up to 130 pounds (60 kg) each — which may be
troublesome in some installations.
Type 8D batteries are available in either cranking or deep-cycle construction. The
deep-cycle versions are 12-volt batteries rated at approximately 200 Ah. Since
they are mostly commonly used to start truck engines, you should make sure you
purchase the deep-cycle version, not the cranking version. Type 4D batteries are
very similar in construction but are somewhat smaller (approximately 170 Ah).
Sealed Gel-Cell
Another type of deep-cycle battery is the sealed gel-cell. The electrolyte is in the
form of a gel rather than a liquid and never requires topping up. Battery caps are
not removable. The sealed construction allows the batteries to be mounted in any
position without spilling. The advantages are no maintenance to the battery itself
(the system still requires routine maintenance), long life (800 cycles claimed), and
low self-discharge. The disadvantages are high initial cost and the possibility of
damage from overcharging.
While many manufacturers produce quality flooded (or wet) batteries, only a few
produce suitable gel-cells. Don’t confuse gel batteries with maintenance-free
batteries, which are typically standard flooded (or wet) electrolyte batteries
without caps for adding water, and when the electrolyte gets low, you replace the
battery.
AGM (absorbed glass mat) batteries are similar to gel-cells and deep-cycle types
and can be used in inverter applications.
Environment
For long life and good performance, batteries need to be located in a protected,
ventilated enclosure insulated from temperature extremes.
Location
Batteries should be located in an accessible location that allows for access to the
battery caps and terminals. At least 12 to 18 inches of clearance above the
batteries is recommended. They must be located as close as possible to the
inverter/charger to keep the cable run short. However, do not locate the batteries
in the same space as the inverter/charger unless they are of the sealed gel-cell
type.