These specific type of batteries have several qualities over different batteries of the same size. The first and foremost being that they do not require watering. This means a low maintenance design construction and a safer battery all together. The term however, is slightly wrong. The name should be more like recombinant batteries. This is because of the process that happens within the battery. The oxygen created at the positive plate will largely recombine with the hydrogen created at the negative plate.

The Advantages of Using AGM Batteries

This design is really helpful when it comes to solar panels for several reasons. The design offers a lot more power for the size than traditional batteries. The AGM batteries have a high rate power capacity and a relatively short duration. These types of batteries can also be found in uninterpretable power supply applications. The specific power, or power density, of these batteries is exceptional. They can be charged and discharged rapidly. They also hold their charge for a long period of time due to their construction.

The AGM battery is called an absorbent glass battery because the electrolyte is absorbed into a material made from glass. It is hard to come up with a better name for it. The plates in these batteries come in either flat cells or cylindrical cells. Each are good for different things. The cylindrical can support weight better, so can have a purer lead, translating to higher power density. The rectangular ones are easier to work with in a series, which is what you will use for your battery bank. Therefore, the rectangular celled batteries should be used.

Why They Work So Well With Solar

So what makes them good for solar application? First, the voltage is the same for any standard battery, that means no special equipment or electrical know-how required. The internal resistance is lower than most batteries, so the battery does not produce nearly as much heat. They also have extremely high charge and discharge current limits. Beyond this, the self-discharge is low. So low that it is 1 to 3 percent every month. This means that if you go for a long period of time without sunlight to boost the system back up to power, the batteries will still retain a charge.

The only drawback to these special batteries is the cost. They can sometimes cost almost two to three times the amount of regular batteries. However, with the easy maintenance, the no spill and the power rating it is well worth the initial cost. For a battery bank, there is few batteries that can really compare to the AGM. That is unless of course you have access to the up and coming technology of the super capacitor. That is however a story for a different time.

Check out this show on The Discovery Channel called The Colony. It’s about what it would be like to recolonize the world after a apocalyptic event occurred and left the world abandoned. Watch as they discover how to use batteries to capture power. This is a simple configuration that takes all the energy from the battery bank and pass it into the inverter to convert it to a usable 120V for standard lights and appliances.

The funny thing is that something so simple, generally abundant and accessible becomes a dire need and can soon cause panic when without it. As individuals, we take for granite what we have and forget that it all could be gone one day when we don’t respect our environments. The colonist soon learn to take there resources serious and use them sparingly.

Check out the website at The Colony on Discovery.com

Do your part without trying

The buzz is definitely in the air and everyone is little by little becoming more eco-friendly and environmentally consiousness. I have been looking into what makes a difference and what will have a large impact in a short amount of time. We obviously know that electric cars are going to make an impact; the news, internet and every other commercial has told us that. Avel’s Law: Solve one problem, gain another(why not Murphy’s got one)! They still require large amounts of energy to recharge their batteries. Energy is a commodity believe it our not. Ask any Californian who has experienced rolling brownouts.

What do you mean: Power is a Commodity?

First of all New York, California, Michigan, Illinois and the list goes on, electricity isnt always the easiest to come by because of the brownouts and blackouts they experience regularly. Secondly, California’s electrical rates are going to take a 30% rate hike as well as the increasing rates in Arizona and Nevada. That is just listing the known problems off the top of my head. Hopefully you can see the pattern that is developing.

So whats the Scooter about?

An Electric Scooter requires minimal power comparatively to its distant cousin, the electric car. The scooters are street legal, require no registration, insurance or driver license to operate. They go about 30 mph depending on terrain and driving conditions. You can travel up to 40 miles on a single charge. They are safe for young kids with proper supervisions obviously.

The effects of reducing the use of a gas powered vehicle without buying a new hybrid or electric car is phenomenal. An electric scooter is an easy way to help with the environment. They come in all different sizes, colors, and styles; even the classic vespa.