Sealed Gel Deep Cycle Batteries
Sealed Gel Sealed AGM Lithium-IonWe sell sealed, Gel cell batteries from Sonnenschein/GNB and BAE, Germany. Gel batteries are valve regulated lead-acid (VRLA) batteries that do not release corrosive gas. At present, Gel batteries have the highest cycle rate of all our deep cycle batteries which makes them attractive for solar power systems.
The term "valve regulated" is somewhat misleading. VRLA batteries recombine the oxygen (O) produced at the positive plates with the hydrogen (H) from the negative plates - creating water, and therefore preventing water loss and oxidation.
Gel batteries keep the electrolyte suspended in a gel-like paste. Like AGM batteries, Gels do not require a battery tray as they are considered non-spillable. We still recommend an upright position unless specified otherwise by the manufacturer.
Gel batteries also recover exceptionally well from deep discharges. To get the most out of Gels it is still best to charge them up as soon as possible. The cycle life of Gel batteries by far exceeds that of Flooded or AGM batteries if properly treated. Gel batteries must be charged at a lower voltage than Flooded or AGM batteries (and therefore Gels cannot be directly hooked up to a vehicle's alternator).
The above proviso is not limiting when Gels are used in solar systems with battery chargers and regulators that have settings for gel type batteries (all our chargers/regulators do).
To conclude, Gel batteries are long lasting rechargeable batteries ideal for use in solar power systems, particularly where low maintenance is desired/required. The extra investment will pay off over the lifespan of the battery.
