Solar panel batteries.?

Question

I have four large sealed led solar batteries I use for lighting. I have a backup charger to keep them filled, but one night I left it on all night and forgot and the next morning they were warm not hot and bubbling. The reading said 15v so did I damage them or will they be ok? they still read 12v at this time.

Answer 1

they should be ok the excess charge only lasts till the batteries cool down you do need to put a charge limiter on the charger to prevent overchargeing the could blow up. the limiter detects the full charge and stops putting more in. it should be built into your charger if not get one or build one. your life will be easier.

Answer 2

If you have the proper charger they were not damaged, as it will 'taper off' the charge rate as they reach full charge.

ALL lead/acid batteries will get warm and bubble a bit as they reach full charge.

Answer 3

You don't want sealed batteries to bubble. If they bubble they will leak and if they leak they are no longer sealed. <smiles>

Really, AGM, GEL  or any other sealed battery should NOT be over charged because you will damage it. Find the brand and part number of your batteries on the Internet and read up on them. I am sure you will find that the bulk charge is about 14.8 volts. Wet Cell can be higher. If your charger is any good at all it will have a setting for sealed or regular or deep cycle.

Some chargers will auto adjust based on the temp in the room. In the winter it will adjust the voltage up and in the sumer adjust down. So If it is cold and you have the correct charger 15 volts could be correct.