I am new to solar (sighs from crowd). I am wanting to build a small system on a VERY tight budget, trying to buy decent stuff that will have many years good use and a system I can grow. Intended use is to charge AA batteries, charge handheld electronics (phones and such); run future small HAM radio, and run a string of LED lights; all in the unlikely event of "lights out" SHTF. I understand the basics of calculating demand and recharge. I am planning on a Renogy 100w panel and hopefully an entry level MPPT controller.
My big question is the batteries. I would like to keep the initial battery cost at $100 but dont want to throw money away. I am not understanding the difference in usability and life span between Walmart 29DC and a true deep cycle. The usable AH is almost impossible to compare and I think the hybrid Walmart battery's tolerable discharge level is no where as deep as a true deep cycle. I cant really afford two Sams Club GC2 batteries at $85 bucks (to get to 12v) each but will if it makes a world of difference, but it appears (without better knowledge) that the Sams 29DC has a similar capacity to two GC2 batteries??? Quality 20AH 12volt deep cycle batteries run about $45 each, but how would two of those compare to the Sams 29DC? If the 29DC serves its purpose for 3-4 years then junks out with light usage, that is not completely unacceptable.
Harbor freight has 12 Volt, 35 Amp Hour AGM for $73. That would give me true deep cycle without having to buy two right away to get to 12v.
Finding 12v appliances for a prolonged lights out would be nice but I understand I would quickly outgrow this small setup. Being able to smartly add panels and increase the capacity of battery bank would be nice without throwing the initial batteries away.
Any help understanding the differences in the 29DC, 12v 20AH, and the Sams golf cart GC2 (or maybe I am missing a better option) would be greatly appreciated. Trying to go cheap but not stupid.
My big question is the batteries. I would like to keep the initial battery cost at $100 but dont want to throw money away. I am not understanding the difference in usability and life span between Walmart 29DC and a true deep cycle. The usable AH is almost impossible to compare and I think the hybrid Walmart battery's tolerable discharge level is no where as deep as a true deep cycle. I cant really afford two Sams Club GC2 batteries at $85 bucks (to get to 12v) each but will if it makes a world of difference, but it appears (without better knowledge) that the Sams 29DC has a similar capacity to two GC2 batteries??? Quality 20AH 12volt deep cycle batteries run about $45 each, but how would two of those compare to the Sams 29DC? If the 29DC serves its purpose for 3-4 years then junks out with light usage, that is not completely unacceptable.
Harbor freight has 12 Volt, 35 Amp Hour AGM for $73. That would give me true deep cycle without having to buy two right away to get to 12v.
Finding 12v appliances for a prolonged lights out would be nice but I understand I would quickly outgrow this small setup. Being able to smartly add panels and increase the capacity of battery bank would be nice without throwing the initial batteries away.
Any help understanding the differences in the 29DC, 12v 20AH, and the Sams golf cart GC2 (or maybe I am missing a better option) would be greatly appreciated. Trying to go cheap but not stupid.
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