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[Marghanita da Cruz]

<snip>
>>> Doing some intensive computing work, I got a genuine shock at how 
>>> much a MacBook Pro could suck from the batteries. I left a long 
>>> calculation running overnight, and woke to find about 20% of the 
>>> storage dissipated as heat. Luckily it was a sunny couple of days to 
>>> follow ... My lesson, should I "go solar", will be to get too much 
>>> battery storage.
<snip>

Seems to be that old thorny issue of how should we treat 
batteries?

> Q: How long do photovoltaic (PV) systems last?
> 
> A:  A PV system that is designed, installed, and maintained well will operate for more than 20 years. The basic PV module (interconnected, enclosed panel of PV cells) has no moving parts and can last more than 30 years. The best way to ensure and extend the life and effectiveness of your PV system is by having it installed and maintained properly.
> 
> Experience has shown that most problems occur because of poor or sloppy system installation. Failed connections, insufficient wire size, components not rated for dc application, and so on, are the main culprits. The next most common cause of problems is the failure of the electronic parts in the balance of systems (BOS): the controller, inverter, and protection components. Batteries fail quickly if they're used outside their operating specification. For most applications (uses), batteries should be fully recharged shortly after use. In many PV systems, batteries are discharged AND recharged slowly, perhaps over a period of days or weeks. Some batteries quickly fail under these conditions. Be sure the batteries specified for your system are appropriate for the application.

<http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/solar/cfm/faqs/third_level.cfm/name=Photovoltaics/cat=The%20Basics>

Marghanita
-- 
Marghanita da Cruz
http://ramin.com.au
Tel: 0414-869202