Practical Warranty Terms

1. Review Guide to VRLA Batteries Manual which covers

a. Safety
b. Receiving Inspection
i. Inspect batteries for damage
c. Proper Storage
i. Cool - dry area
ii. If voltage is below 12.5vdc – charge batteries before deploying
d. Proper Charging
e. Maintenance
2. Use only inverter/chargers that have programmable or custom voltage settings for the
absorption, float and equalize settings (Use Deka Renewable Energy Charging bulletin)
3. Use only inverter/chargers that have temperature compensation option and make sure
it is turned on and installed properly
4. Make sure the absorption time setting is set to a minimum of 4 hours
5. Make sure that the minimum charging current is 20% of the C20 rating of the battery
bank
6. Design system for a maximum of 50% DoD (depth of discharge)
7. Make sure the LVD is set to 12.2 vdc maximum
8. If you discharge more than 50% DoD you will most likely end up in a deficit charging
condition and will most likely need a genset or larger solar array to recover
9. Recommend using a BMS (Battery monitor system) This will allow actual monitoring of
AH’s in and out of batteries
10. Healthy battery usage formula:
a. Ah out = Ah out x 1.2 = FC
b. Ah’s out (discharged) = number of Ah’s out x 1.2 (20% battery efficiency) charged
back in = Full charge
c. Anything less than a FC is a deficit cycle and means that your battery is in a
partial state of charge and you risk the effects of sulphation
11. If using parallel strings:
a. Equal length and diameter cables is critical
b. Use bus bars for 3 or more strings in parallel
12. Ask for help from your battery manufacture and or African Energy