Dry (Gel)
These batteries are also lead acid but the electrolyte is in gelatin form instead of liquid. Thus, they need no maintenance: water does not need to be added, and it doesn't corrode. Also new mixtures like Calcium-Silver boost the lifetime for up to 20%… They can also be stored in any position and since there are no dangerous fumes, they can be placed in any part of the house. Gelled electrolyte won't spill, even if the battery is tipped upside down … or cracked open. Therefore, you don't have to worry about messy acid spills or corrosion around the batteries or sensitive electronic equipment. Sometimes they will require special gel charger to charge. These batteries will not freeze (when fully charged, it can function in -30C or -20F). These batteries are ideal for part-time dwellings where they can be left unattended for long periods of time. Its drawbacks include the following:
- this type of battery will deliver only about 200-500 full charge-discharge cycles
- they are three times more expensive than wet lead acid batteries
- in a well-maintained system, life expectancy is shorter than that of wet lead acid batteries.
PLUS: No maintenance. Cannot leak.Operate better than wet batteries in low temperatures.Less gas released when charging than wet batteries.Approved for air travel.Longer life cycle than wet batteries
MINUS: Expensive. More weight per Ah than wet batteries.Susceptible to overcharging.
One of the best batteries on market is the one below. Our experience with it are great (several members of our community use it, and with average use it usually lasts more than 18 months!).
