What Makes the Sola SDU 20-24 Battery Ideal for Solar Applications?
The Sola SDU 20-24 is a deep-cycle lead-acid battery designed for renewable energy systems. With a 20Ah capacity and 24V output, it provides reliable power storage for solar setups, balancing durability and efficiency. Its maintenance-free design, deep discharge recovery, and temperature resilience make it a top choice for off-grid and backup energy solutions.
What Are the Key Specifications of the Sola SDU 20-24 Battery?
The Sola SDU 20-24 features:
- Voltage: 24V
- Capacity: 20Ah
- Cycle Life: 1,200 cycles at 50% depth of discharge
- Temperature Range: -20°C to 50°C
- Terminals: F2-style sealed connectors
Its absorbed glass mat (AGM) technology prevents leaks and ensures vibration resistance, ideal for harsh environments. The AGM design utilizes fiberglass separators to hold electrolytes in suspension, eliminating free liquid that could spill during transportation or installation. This construction allows for operation in any orientation except inverted positions. With a low self-discharge rate of 3% per month, the battery retains 70% of its charge after one year of storage at 20°C. The calcium-alloy grid structure enhances corrosion resistance, contributing to its 10-year float service life under optimal conditions.
How Does Temperature Affect the Sola SDU 20-24’s Performance?
| Temperature | Capacity | Charging Voltage |
|---|---|---|
| 25°C | 100% | 28.8V |
| 0°C | 85% | 29.6V |
| 40°C | 105% | 27.2V |
Use temperature-compensated chargers to adjust voltage automatically. At sub-zero temperatures, the battery’s internal resistance increases by approximately 40%, requiring higher charging voltages to maintain efficiency. Conversely, high temperatures accelerate chemical reactions, potentially reducing overall lifespan by 50% if consistently operated above 40°C. In Arctic installations, users report wrapping batteries in insulated blankets during charging cycles to maintain optimal electrochemical activity. Tropical applications benefit from shaded mounting racks with passive ventilation to dissipate heat buildup during peak solar harvesting periods.
“The SDU 20-24 represents the sweet spot for mid-sized solar installations. While newer technologies emerge, its 10-year design life and <1% monthly self-discharge rate make it unbeatable for reliability. We've deployed 2,000+ units in telecom towers with zero thermal incidents."
– John Mercer, Renewable Energy Systems Engineer
FAQs
- Q: How often should I equalize charge the SDU 20-24?
- A: Every 6 months using a 29.4V charge for 4-6 hours, only when batteries are below 80% SoC.
- Q: Can it power a 1,000W inverter?
- A: Yes, for ~24 minutes at full load (20Ah × 24V = 480Wh; 480Wh/1000W = 0.48 hours).
- Q: Is the battery compatible with lead-acid chargers?
- A: Yes, but ensure chargers provide 28.8V ±0.5V for bulk/absorption stages.