What is the maximum number of batteries that can be connected in parallel

[fopoku2k2]

What do you think is the maximum number of batteries that can be connected in series and why. I need to build a battery bank capacity of 800ah for a 24 volt system. I am thinking of using 12v 200ah batteries. I want to do 2 batteries in each series string and a total of 4 parallel strings. what do you think??

Parallel
4 x 200 = 800ah

Series
2 x 12 = 24v

[Sunking]

Why would you want to use 12 volt batteries?

[Mike90250]

Two parallel strings, wired on the diagonal

http://www.smartgauge.co.uk/batt_con.html

is as much as I would attempt. More than 2, and fraction of an inch cable lengths and lug bolt & crimp quality overwhelm efforts.

48V @ 400ah stores the same amount of power, and more manageable batteries

[fopoku2k2]

Why would you want to use 12 volt batteries?

I want to use 12 volt batteries because they are easier to come by in my part of the world i.e West Africa

[SunEagle]

I want to use 12 volt batteries because they are easier to come by in my part of the world i.e West Africa

Remember that if you have an 800Ah battery system you will need enough panel wattage to generate 80amps of charging.

Also you will more than likely destroy a few of those 12volt batteries wired like you want so they may be easier to come by but you will be purchasing 8 of them again within a year.

[paulcheung]

4 Strings in parallel you are asking for trouble. I run two strings on my system, in the afternoon one of the bank tapping off at 13 amp and the other string still intake over 29 amps. the temperature is approaching 120 degree F which is not good for the battery, and that is only one of the problems.

[Sunny Solar]

This guy has a problem that is suffered by millions in many parts of the world....
12v batteries are easy to get and in most cases locally made and cheap.. .but sadly are never available as true deep cycle batteries.. no matter what the label says..
24v inverters are easy to obtain most places .. 48v inverters and charge controllers are not easy to get..and expensive and most likely come with a 1 day warranty..NO MATTER WHAT THE BRAND.
Warranties are useless in many countries...So it doesnt always pay to buy expensive.
And personal importing has many problems ..

I have installed a few 4 in parallel 100ah batteries and got 2 yrs out of each system...and they were just local truck batteries...