I have two 12V 55Ah batteries (Genisis NP55), one is less than 2 years old. They are charged with a 15w solar panel hooked to a 2 battery smart charger that claims to send charging current only where needed and isolates the two batteries. Years before that I had a simple trickle regulator with blocking diodes I attached to keep the batteries isolated. Never had any problems with battery drain, this setup has worked for years. Prior to the season I would throw the batteries on a car charger to 'top them off' and let the solar panel and my rather pricey regulator maintain them. The only drain is a VHF radio, an auto tiller and an occasional night sail with nav lights.
Went out to the boat after high water and wind to check the lines and as a habit I looked at the regulator - no green light indicating the panel was not providing current. The panel checks out OK so must be a bad connection.
Both batteries are down to 4.6V and do not respond to a battery charger. I fear they are both DOA. Now theses and prior batteries of the same type I've had no trouble even when drained. Manufacturer says 80% drain is acceptable but I don't think I ever come close to that. I read somewhere that a battery like this will discharge 1% a day, so 80 days without a charge is supposedly acceptable.
That both are exhibiting the exact same symptoms, 4.6V and no acceptance of a charge (cheesy amp meter on charger does not move when connected) I find it odd. Both batteries could not have suffered an internal break, so is this the result of just prolonged discharge?
Do I need to order two new batteries or should I leave it hooked to the charger and see what happens?
Went out to the boat after high water and wind to check the lines and as a habit I looked at the regulator - no green light indicating the panel was not providing current. The panel checks out OK so must be a bad connection.
Both batteries are down to 4.6V and do not respond to a battery charger. I fear they are both DOA. Now theses and prior batteries of the same type I've had no trouble even when drained. Manufacturer says 80% drain is acceptable but I don't think I ever come close to that. I read somewhere that a battery like this will discharge 1% a day, so 80 days without a charge is supposedly acceptable.
That both are exhibiting the exact same symptoms, 4.6V and no acceptance of a charge (cheesy amp meter on charger does not move when connected) I find it odd. Both batteries could not have suffered an internal break, so is this the result of just prolonged discharge?
Do I need to order two new batteries or should I leave it hooked to the charger and see what happens?
