AGM batteries

What is an AGM battery and what is different from the others?

Acronym AGM respond to Absorbent Glass Mat. It is a VRLA battery technology (Valve Regulated LEAD ACID) where the sulfuric acid is absorbed in a fiberglass mesh located between the lead plates. Unlike gel batteries (where acid is a gelatinous mass) or open lead (where the acid is liquid), the AGM design allows a much faster energy transfer.

Why choose AGM instead of gel or open lead?

• Ultra low internal resistance: This allows them to deliver and absorb large amounts of current quickly (ideal for starting engines or pumps).

• Security and sealing: Do not emit gases and can be installed in virtually any position (except face down), which makes them ideal for reduced spaces in caravans or boats.

Technical advantages of AGM batteries in Tienda Solar

In the catalog of Tienda Solar, AGM batteries occupy a privileged place for their balance between cost and benefits. These are your main advantages:

1. Upper start power: They are able to deliver high current intensities in short periods, something vital for systems that include powerful engines, compressors or investors.

2. Null maintenance: Being sealed batteries with gase recombination valves, they do not need to be filled with distilled water. It is a solution to "install and forget".

3. Faster load: Thanks to its low internal resistance, AGM batteries accept load currents higher than gel, allowing your solar panels to charge them in less time during sun hours.

4. Vibration resistance: Being the internal components compacted by the fiber mesh, are the batteries more resistant to impacts and sudden movements.

5. Long life in flotation: They are excellent for backup systems (UPS) where the battery is always charged waiting to take action before a light cut.

Direct comparison: Is it better AGM or gel for my installation?

Is the most frequent question in Tienda Solar. Although both are sealed (VRLA), its ideal applications vary:

• Choose AGM if: You have consumption with strong peaks (water pumps, microwaves, power tools), if you are looking for a fast charge or if the budget is a determining factor without sacrificing security.

• Choose Gel if: Your consumption is very constant and linear, and you will perform very deep discharges (above 50%) daily for many years.

How to dimension your AGM battery bank?

On Tienda Solar, we do not want you to spend more. To calculate the AGM battery you need, consider the following:

• System tension (V): ¿Your inverter is it 12V, 24V or 48V? AGM batteries are usually 12V monoblocks that we connect in series to raise the voltage.

• Capacity (ah): Remember that to maximize the useful life of an AGM, you should not also download it more than 30% or 50%. If you need 100Ah real, buy a battery at least 200Ah.

• Discharge rate (c): The AGM shines at C10 or C20 rates (downloads in 10 or 20 hours), offering its full nominal capacity in these ranges.

Installation and configuration: the secret of durability

A aGM battery it can last 5 years or 1 year depending on how you treat it. Follow the tips of engineers Tienda Solar:

1. Charging parameters: Configure your charger or inverter in "AGM" mode. These batteries require absorption voltages slightly higher than gel (usually between 14.4V and 14.8V for 12V systems).

2. Ventilation: Although they do not emit gases in normal use, install them in a place with basic ventilation. In case of accidental overload, safety valves will free pressure.

3. Wiring: Use thick section cables. Being batteries capable of delivering a lot of current, a fine cable will cause dangerous voltage and heating drops.

4. Temperature: Avoid placing them near heat sources (motors or radiators). For every 8 ° C you exceed 25 ° C of average temperature, the life of the battery is reduced by half.

Environmental impact and responsible recycling

On Tienda Solar we seriously take the life cycle of the product. AGM batteries are an example of industrial sustainability:

• Lead recycling: 99% of the lead of an AGM battery is recovered to manufacture new units.

• Recyclable housings: The polypropylene containers are crushed and reused.

• Efficiency: Its high load efficiency (greater than 90%) ensures that very little solar energy is wasted in the form of heat during the storage process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on AGM batteries

1. Can I use an AGM battery to start a car and for solar panels?

Although a solar AGM can start an engine, they are designed for deep cycle. A car battery is made to give a lot of force 2 seconds and load quickly; A sunlar AGM is made to give energy for hours. On Tienda Solar we always recommend deep cycle batteries for photovoltaic.

2. Can they be parallel?

It is possible, but it is not ideal. On Tienda Solar we always recommend uploading the voltage (series) before the capacity (parallel). If you need to connect in parallel, limit the connection to a maximum of 2 or 3 branches to avoid imbalances.

3. What maintenance does an AGM battery require?

None internally. You must only check periodically that the terminals are clean and tight, and that the battery does not present swelling, which would indicate an overload by the regulator.

4. How much time can you be saved?

Thanks to its low self-discharge (approx. 3% monthly), you can be stored up to 6 months without loading, provided that you are 100% of your capacity.