The rise of energy costs may push you to think about generating energy at home by using solar power or a wind turbine. However, no matter what method you use, you are going to need a large bank of batteries to store this energy. To make home energy generation cost-effective, it will benefit you if you learn how to recondition rechargeable batteries, and pay attention to correct deep cycle battery maintenance.

Deep cycle NI-MH batteries are designed to endure repeated deep discharge cycles. And if you limit this to 70%, leaving 30% residual charge, this will reduce greatly the speed at which the plates become contaminated, the length of time that the unit will give good service will be extended significantly. If the power cells become flat, then as soon as you can you should recharge them. In their fully depleted state these kinds of batteries deteriorate rapidly.

You can solve most of the issues above by making sure your 18650 battery bank is sufficient for your needs. If you do not have enough storage for your power needs, then your batteries will become stressed. It is far better to have over capacity than under capacity.

Once your batteries becomes in need of rejuvenation, they will need to have the sulfur removed from the plates. This can be achieved by using a specialized charger which emits a high current pulse. The pulse will break down the lead sulfate crystals, which will then dissolve into the acid fluid, leaving the lead plates free of contamination.

You should also top up fluid levels with deionized water, and add an electrolyte conditioner. The conditioner is a powder that you should be able to buy from a car parts store. If you can’t find a conditioner, then a teaspoon of Epsom salts will produce a similar effect.

Learning how to recondition NI-CD rechargeable batteries, and by paying attention to proper deep cycle battery maintenance, you will not only reduce the time it takes for your system to recoup its cost., but will make it even greener, by making sure your batteries stay out of landfill for as long as possible.