I have just connected four 50 watt panels (approximately 18V - 3 Amp) to a Xantrex C40 Charge Controller and in turn to two 6V 220AH golf cart batteries in series (Interstate batteries made by Johnson Controls). The batteries gave me 12.6V when I brought them home from the store and after being on the charge controller all day they are at 12.6V still which sounds OK to this newbie. I have had little opportunity to put any kind of a load on the batteries yet as they are brand new.
My question however is about the proper Bulk and Float voltage settings on the charge controller. The manual suggests 14.6V Bulk and 13.4V Float for Deep-Cycle - Liquid Electrolyte Lead batteries.
The charge controller manual states that the LED will stay on without blinking if the batteries are fully charged and the LED blink slowly indicating that the batteries are not fully charged. I am guessing that behavior is based on my Bulk and Float settings as suggested. Ny charge controller suggests to me that the batteries are not fully charged yet they are sitting at 12.6V.
I am looking for a reality check. Are my settings correct? Don't want to damage my new batteries and hopefully I can have them for a several years of service.
We newbies appreciate the advice of those in the know and thanks in advance for any feedback.
My question however is about the proper Bulk and Float voltage settings on the charge controller. The manual suggests 14.6V Bulk and 13.4V Float for Deep-Cycle - Liquid Electrolyte Lead batteries.
The charge controller manual states that the LED will stay on without blinking if the batteries are fully charged and the LED blink slowly indicating that the batteries are not fully charged. I am guessing that behavior is based on my Bulk and Float settings as suggested. Ny charge controller suggests to me that the batteries are not fully charged yet they are sitting at 12.6V.
I am looking for a reality check. Are my settings correct? Don't want to damage my new batteries and hopefully I can have them for a several years of service.
We newbies appreciate the advice of those in the know and thanks in advance for any feedback.
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