6 volt or 12 volt batteries

[ranger4327]

Greetings folks..... Here it is, my first post !! Well, I've actually just started dabbling into solar recently and am building/buying components slowly over time. At the moment, I have 3 100 watt solar modules and (1) 12 Volt DCM battery that I am just experimenting with, with a few LED lights.

My plan is to establish an extensive outdoor lighting system using solely solar power and LED lights.... Along with emergency lighting in the event of an extended power outage.

Soooooooo..... when I go to purchase my next 2-4 batteries.... should I consider using 6 volt batteries, run in series for my 12 Volt system?

What are the pro's and cons versus 6 volt batteries and 12 volt ? I am starting new, so it really doesn't matter.

thanks !!

cb from maine

[inetdog]

Greetings folks..... Here it is, my first post !! Well, I've actually just started dabbling into solar recently and am building/buying components slowly over time. At the moment, I have 3 100 watt solar modules and (1) 12 Volt DCM battery that I am just experimenting with, with a few LED lights.

My plan is to establish an extensive outdoor lighting system using solely solar power and LED lights.... Along with emergency lighting in the event of an extended power outage.

Soooooooo..... when I go to purchase my next 2-4 batteries.... should I consider using 6 volt batteries, run in series for my 12 Volt system?

What are the pro's and cons versus 6 volt batteries and 12 volt ? I am starting new, so it really doesn't matter.

thanks !!

cb from maine

You need to look at the size battery (in Amp-Hours) that you want. If you can get that size in one 12V battery, that is the best.
If you need to use two batteries to get the needed capacity (say 400Ah at 12 volts), then you are better off getting two 400Ah 6 volt batteries and putting them in series instead of getting two 200Ah 12 volt batteries and putting them in parallel.
Batteries in parallel should be avoided whenever possible.

[Sunking]

Ranger you use whatever AH battery you need so to have a single string. If you need a 12 volt 4000 AH string you use 2 volt 4000 AH batteries. If you only need 100 AH at 12 volts you buy a 12 volt 100 AH battery.

Weight and size dictates the voltage and AH capacity. A 12 volt 4000 AH battery does not exist as it would weigh in around 2500 to 3000 pounds. A 2-volt 4000 AH call weighs in around 400 to 600 pounds.