Gel cell batteries for fire lookout solar panels

These gel cell batteries are for the solar panels at the Zenobia fire lookout in Dinosaur National Monument. Being located in northwest Colorado the site gets plenty of sun but I'm not sure why the Park Service uses gel cells (as they're somewhat less efficient than regular lead-acid batteries). Maybe it's because gel cells take a lot less maintenance and can endure colder temperatures?

Here's my personal web page about solar energy:
http://www.rogerwendell.com/solar.html

Here's my page about wind power:
http://www.rogerwendell.com/wind.html

08-23-2010

Category:

Education

Tags:

• gel
• cell
• batteries
• solar
• panels
• zenobia
• peak
• dinosaur
• national
• monument
• colorado
• utah
• rocky
• mountains

[shartne]

Nice batteries man, you need to bring that box in the house because the function more properly in 70 degree conditions.

[zeekzilch]

@shartne

You're right about proper battery temperature. However, even though these are gel cells I'd still be reluctant to chare 'em in a small space where people are living (like the fire lookout) - I believe there's still a little bit of out-gassing with them.

[zeekzilch]

@shartne

That makes sense - gel cells are a whole lot safet than wet cells. Thanks!

[dazinull]

HI, WHAT IS THE INSULATION FOR ?

[zeekzilch]

@dazinull

Colorado is a cold place, especially at 9,006 feet - the insulation helps keep the batteries from freezing.

[shartne]

@zeekzilch Gel cell batteries are used extensively in power wheelchairs, as the extremely low gas and acid output makes them much safer for indoor use.