Consignment Returns

[azdave85650]

While I don't recommend lead acid; ask your auto parts store for OLD STOCK batteries. Usually can be bought for $29-$49. They are new batteries but are more than 1 year old and cannot be sold as new.

Aren't batteries in parts stores generaly on consignment and returned to the supplier as required?

 

[svetz]

They're dangerous and expensive to ship, so I imagine it depends on the battery supplier, the store, and the country.

 

[DENWA]

I know several of the local auto stores sell brand new batteries in the back room that have 2017 date code that are usually $100 less than the new one built in 2018-2019. Again these are NOT the best batteries for solar storage but at the price its hard to say no for just fun experimenting etc.

 

[ray]

my batteries are Werker WKA12-44C/FR i found them at a local industial supply conpanty. they had a plalet of 18 batteries that was 2 years old. I got them for $25 a battery. True the capacity is not 100 percent, but put enough of them in parrall the lose of capacity is not bad. I can go over 2 days without sun. Not too bad for a cheap battery bank, the best thing is that they are AGM so no maintence or vents needed.

 

[rckymtncwgrl]

Would using these types of batteries as a battery bank temporarily (say for 1 year) damage any other components in the system?
I want to be off grid, and it looks like it will have to happen a lot sooner than expected (thanks covid); I am really struggling with finding a system that I can afford. I'd love to go the solar generator route, but I'm having a hard time with that large of a chunk of money.... I am open to any and all suggestions. I have zero experience with solar. I love to learn, but this stuff is overwhelming...

 

[williamsk913]

Would using these types of batteries as a battery bank temporarily (say for 1 year) damage any other components in the system?
I want to be off grid, and it looks like it will have to happen a lot sooner than expected (thanks covid); I am really struggling with finding a system that I can afford. I'd love to go the solar generator route, but I'm having a hard time with that large of a chunk of money.... I am open to any and all suggestions. I have zero experience with solar. I love to learn, but this stuff is overwhelming...

It shouldn't (not going to get into using dissimilar batteries, you can ask that in a different question if it applies). Buy one or two and start learning. In some ways maybe better to learn on, not out as much. Sometimes your short term budget forces you into less than ideal options that can still work. I would bring a battery tester and reject if the voltage was too low. Some resellers are good about periodically charging batteries if needed, other let them die on the shelves. But make sure you know what you are getting, know what new costs, and don't overpay for them. What are your needs and budget?