Sealed Gel Cell Batteries

More Info on Sealed Gel Cell Batteries

How Does a Sealed Gel Cell Battery Work?

A gel or gel cell battery is a valve-regulated lead-acid battery. Silica is added to the electrolyte, creating a gel-like substance (hence the name). This gel substance is relatively stationary and allows the battery to function much like a traditional lead-acid battery - minus the regular maintenance.

Gel Cell Batteries vs. AGM Batteries

Gelled lead acid batteries predate AGM deep cycle batteries but are losing their market share. Like AGMs, gel batteries are sealed, providing them with many of the same advantages over flooded lead-acid batteries.

The main difference is that the gelled electrolyte in sealed gel cell batteries is highly viscous. The recombination of the gasses generated while charging occurs at a much slower rate, so they typically have to be charged more slowly than flooded batteries or AGMs. If charged at too high a rate, gas pockets form on the plates and force the gelled electrolyte away from the plates, decreasing the battery's capacity until the gas finds its way to the top of the battery and is recombined with the electrolyte.

Benefits of Sealed Gel Batteries

• A gel cell battery is free of regular maintenance due to the use of gel instead of liquid
• Because a gel battery features a valve to eliminate excess pressure, there is no chance of leaks
• Solar gel batteries can be installed virtually anywhere and in any position because they are generally zero-maintenance and leak-proof
• Low risk associated with damaged batteries and the related cleanup
• Not susceptible to vibration (the gel can effectively absorb vibration and impact), making them safe to transport
• The gel substance produces little to no fumes, reducing the need for ventilation

When Are Gel Cell Batteries an Ideal Option?

Keep in mind: in an off-grid solar power electric system, you have a fixed amount of sun-hours every day and you need to store every Watt of solar power before the sun goes down. Because gel batteries should be charged relatively slowly, it can be risky to have a full-time off-grid home relying on them without oversizing both the PV array and the battery bank. This of course adds a lot to the cost of a system. Therefore, gel batteries are usually considered best suited for use in either:

1. Grid-tied systems with battery backup, where they’re used in a backup role and can recharge over multiple days if strong cloud cover cuts into the prime PV charging hours, or
2. Systems where discharge rates are less than severe

Explore a Full Selection of Sealed Gel Batteries for Sale

Are you searching for the best sealed gel solar batteries to meet your needs? Browse the diverse selection available from altE to find top options at the best prices. For more information about when to use a sealed gel battery and the ideal choices for your project, contact the altE team today.