Forklift batteries

[tonygcan]

Can I use forklift batteries in lieu of RE deep cycle batteries for my proposed solar system?

[Sunking]

Yeah that is what a lot of people did used in the beginning, but like golf cart batteries they will not last as long as a true deep cycle battery

[tonygcan]

So it's not true when others claim that fork lift batteries can last up to 15 years?

[Sunking]

I do not know of any lead acid battery that can last 15 years except pure lead round cells made for telephone company battery plants. Someone could push them that long but the capacity would be a very small fraction of the rated capacity.

However Forklift batteries are good batteries so don't let me make you think otherwise. But for the price of a good fork lift battery, you can get a good RE battery more suited to RE applications.

You really have to look at depth of discharge v cycle life because their is a huge variance and you get what you pay for. Typical cycle life for a fork lift battery is 1500 to 2000 cycles. A top of the line RE battery around 5000 cycles.

Click here and scroll down to the bottom of the page

[tonygcan]

Thanks for the information and the link.

[SteveC]

My set of forklift batteries is 20 years and counting. I did size them for no more than 20% discharge. I haven't always been able to meet that, but it is our norm. These are C&D brand, don't know about any others as they are all I've had.

Before this bank, our first one was a used set of "phone co. batteries" as were being sold back in the 80s. They were also made by C&D. When we bought them, they were said to be 12 yr. old. I have no idea if that was accurate. But they lasted us 4 more years for a total life of 16 years, assuming the info' I had on them was correct.

[tonygcan]

That sounds encouraging steve. It's difficult to find good RE deep cycle batteries in manila but we have suppliers of forklift batteries.

[ckchok]

Integrate Golf Cart with Solar System

I do not know of any lead acid battery that can last 15 years except pure lead round cells made for telephone company battery plants. Someone could push them that long but the capacity would be a very small fraction of the rated capacity.

However Forklift batteries are good batteries so don't let me make you think otherwise. But for the price of a good fork lift battery, you can get a good RE battery more suited to RE applications.

You really have to look at depth of discharge v cycle life because their is a huge variance and you get what you pay for. Typical cycle life for a fork lift battery is 1500 to 2000 cycles. A top of the line RE battery around 5000 cycles.

Click here and scroll down to the bottom of the page

Dear Mr.Sunking,

I would like to integrate the solar system to the golf cart. The golf cart is operated with 48V system with six nos of 8V (145AH) battery in series.

I having the choice of :
A) to series up 4 nos 50Wp solar panel with Voc 72V (each panel Voc is 18V) or
B) custom make for the 1 pieces 200Wp solar panel,

My question is:

1. if option A is to choose, can i use a standard 48V 10A MPPT solar charge controller ? (golf cart load not via controller)

2. if option B is to choose, what Voc is suitable?

3. What is the standard charging voltage level for golf cart battery in 48V for bulk charge, absorption charge and float charge?

4. If using solar system for golf cart, will it significantly reduce the attempt of of recharging ? and extend the life cycle.

Thank you!

[Sunking]

My question is:

1. if option A is to choose, can i use a standard 48V 10A MPPT solar charge controller ? (golf cart load not via controller)

2. if option B is to choose, what Voc is suitable?

3. What is the standard charging voltage level for golf cart battery in 48V for bulk charge, absorption charge and float charge?

4. If using solar system for golf cart, will it significantly reduce the attempt of of recharging ? and extend the life cycle.

Thank you!

1. No problem. At 48 volts with MPPT you should be good up to 500 watt panel input.

2. Not quite sure you phrased the question correctly and are mixing up terms Voc = Voltage Open Circuit, and Vmp = Voltage Maximum Power. They mean two different things.

For a typical Solar Panel made for a 12 volt battery Voc = around 22 volts and Vmp = 17 to 18 volts. So for a 48 volt battery you would just multiply those numbers by 4.

3. Assuming you have Trojan or comparable batteries you really want a 2-stage charge where you constant current charge up to 59.2 volts (Bulk), then use contestant voltage (Float) @ 52.8. Then when required Equalize @ 62.00 volts

4. Depends on how much sun you receive and how often you drive the cart. Lets say you drive it till you reach the magical 50% DOD. A 48 volt 145 AH battery has a capacity of 7 Kwh of capacity, and 3500 watt hours @ 50% DOD. So assuming the average Sun Hour Day of 4 hours, 200 watt panel with MPPT CC it will take 26 Sun Hours or 6 to 7 days to recharge fully from 50% DOD. That is not real good or practical IMO especially if electricity only cost 9 to 20 cents per Kwh from the electric company where you can fully recharge in 8 hours with a 15 amp charger.

[axis11]

That sounds encouraging steve. It's difficult to find good RE deep cycle batteries in manila but we have suppliers of forklift batteries.

Have a look at motolites industrial batterries.

http://motolite.com/industrial.php

[ATFforklifts]

Yes! you can use forklift batteries for your solar system beacuse of its storage solution and long life.

[SunEagle]

Yes! you can use forklift batteries for your solar system beacuse of its storage solution and long life.

Hello ATFforklifts and welcome to Solar Panel Talk

Just be aware that jumping into a 5 year old thread with claims concerning a product that you sell will get you banned and your posts deleted.

If you have something to share the fine. If you plan on selling hardware then good bye.

[ATFforklifts]

Hello ATFforklifts and welcome to Solar Panel Talk

Just be aware that jumping into a 5 year old thread with claims concerning a product that you sell will get you banned and your posts deleted.

If you have something to share the fine. If you plan on selling hardware then good bye.

Hello SunEagle! I just want to share my thoughts with you all because i am working at forklifts and on the basis of its battery capacity and relevancy. I suggested that it's suitable to make a solar system and i am not here to sell my products. I am here to give suggestions to solar panel candidates.

[SunEagle]

Hello SunEagle! I just want to share my thoughts with you all because i am working at forklifts and on the basis of its battery capacity and relevancy. I suggested that it's suitable to make a solar system and i am not here to sell my products. I am here to give suggestions to solar panel candidates.

I believe you. Any information on batteries that helps forum members is welcomed.