Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Crown CR-165 battery?
The Crown CR-165 is an 8VDC deep cycle flooded lead acid battery rated at 165Ah at the 20-hour rate. It is built for repeated charge and discharge cycles and can be used in solar energy storage, renewable energy systems, golf carts, floor machines, RVs, marine applications, and other deep cycle equipment.
Is the Crown CR-165 suitable for solar applications?
Yes. The Crown CR-165 can be used in off-grid and backup solar systems that are designed around an 8VDC battery bank. Its flooded lead acid construction is appropriate for installations where regular inspection, watering, ventilation, and battery maintenance can be provided.
How much energy does the Crown CR-165 store?
The Crown CR-165 is rated at 165Ah at 8VDC, providing approximately 0.96 kWh of rated energy at the 20-hour rate. Actual usable energy will vary depending on discharge rate, temperature, battery condition, system efficiency, and the depth of discharge selected for the installation.
What battery bank voltages can be built with Crown CR-165 batteries?
Because the Crown CR-165 is an 8VDC battery, batteries must be connected in series to reach common higher system voltages. Three batteries in series provide a nominal 24VDC battery bank, while six batteries in series provide a nominal 48VDC battery bank. The complete system should be designed so the battery voltage matches the inverter, charge controller, and other equipment.
How many Crown CR-165 batteries are needed for a solar system?
The required quantity depends on the system voltage, daily energy consumption, backup requirement, solar production, inverter size, and desired depth of discharge.
For example:
- A 48VDC battery bank normally requires six Crown CR-165 batteries connected in series for one series string.
Additional parallel strings can be added when more amp-hour capacity is required, provided the system is designed for parallel battery operation.
Can Crown CR-165 batteries be connected in parallel?
Yes. Multiple Crown CR-165 batteries can be connected in parallel to increase the total amp-hour capacity of a battery bank while maintaining the same nominal voltage. Proper cable sizing, equal cable lengths, battery-bank configuration, and suitable overcurrent protection are important when designing parallel strings.
How does temperature affect the Crown CR-165 in a solar system?
Temperature can affect the charging and available capacity of the Crown CR-165. Flooded lead acid batteries generally perform differently in very hot or cold conditions, so the solar charge controller should use appropriate temperature compensation when supported. Keeping the battery in a suitable, well-ventilated environment can help maintain performance and service life.
Charging & Maintenance
How should the Crown CR-165 be charged in a solar system?
The Crown CR-165 should be charged with a solar charge controller configured for a flooded lead acid battery. The charging profile should follow the manufacturer's recommended settings for the battery and system voltage. Proper bulk, absorption, and float charging helps prevent chronic undercharging or excessive overcharging.
Does the Crown CR-165 require watering?
Yes. As a flooded lead acid battery, the Crown CR-165 requires periodic electrolyte inspection and watering. Use distilled or de-mineralized water and maintain the electrolyte at the appropriate level. Watering frequency depends on charging conditions, cycling, temperature, and battery age.
Can I use tap water in a Crown CR-165?
No. Distilled or de-mineralized water should be used for watering a flooded lead acid battery. Minerals and impurities found in tap water can contaminate the electrolyte and contribute to reduced battery performance and service life.
Does the Crown CR-165 need ventilation?
Yes. Flooded lead acid batteries can release hydrogen gas during charging. The Crown CR-165 should be installed in a properly ventilated location and kept away from sparks, flames, smoking materials, and other ignition sources.
Crown Battery Comparison
What is the difference between the Crown CR-150 and Crown CR-165?
The Crown CR-150 and Crown CR-165 are both 8VDC GC8 flooded deep cycle batteries. The Crown CR-165 provides 165Ah at the 20-hour rate compared with 150Ah for the Crown CR-150, giving it greater rated energy storage. The CR-165 is also taller and heavier, so available installation space should be checked when selecting between the two models.
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Specification
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CR-150
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CR-165
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Voltage
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8VDC
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8VDC
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Capacity (20 Hr)
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150Ah
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165Ah
|
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Storage kWh (20 Hr)
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0.87 kWh
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0.96 kWh
|
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BCI Group
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GC8
|
GC8
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Dimensions
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10.31 x 7.06 x 9.72 in (26.2 x 17.9 x 24.7 cm)
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10.31 x 7.06 x 10.82 in (26.2 x 17.9 x 27.5 cm)
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Weight
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60 lbs (27.2 kg)
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64 lbs (29.0 kg)
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Terminal Type
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Dual post/Stud combination
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Dual post/Stud combination
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What is the difference between the Crown CR-165 and Crown CR-205?
The Crown CR-165 and Crown CR-205 are both designed for deep cycle use, but they have different nominal voltages and capacities. The Crown CR-165 is an 8VDC GC8 battery rated at 165Ah, while the Crown CR-205 is a 6VDC GC2 battery rated at 205Ah. The correct choice depends on the voltage and battery configuration required by the solar system.
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Specification
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CR-165
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CR-205
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Voltage
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8VDC
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6VDC
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Capacity (20 Hr)
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165Ah
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205Ah
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Storage kWh (20 Hr)
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0.96 kWh
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1.19 kWh
|
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BCI Group
|
GC8
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GC2
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Dimensions
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10.31 x 7.06 x 10.82 in (26.2 x 17.9 x 27.5 cm)
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10.25 x 7.06 x 10.94 in (26.0 x 17.9 x 27.8 cm)
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Weight
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64 lbs (29.0 kg)
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56 lbs (25.4 kg)
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Terminal Type
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Dual post/Stud combination
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Dual post/Stud combination
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Solar Application & Battery Life
How deeply should I discharge the Crown CR-165 in a solar system?
Avoiding unnecessary deep discharges can help extend the service life of a flooded lead acid battery. For solar applications, the battery bank should be sized with enough capacity to meet the expected load without routinely discharging the batteries excessively. Shallower cycling generally provides more usable cycles over the life of the battery.
How long can a Crown CR-165 last in a solar system?
There is no fixed service life that applies to every Crown CR-165 installation. Battery life depends on depth of discharge, charging quality, temperature, maintenance, cycling frequency, storage conditions, and overall system design. Proper charging and regular watering are especially important for maintaining flooded lead acid battery performance.
Can the Crown CR-165 be installed on its side?
No. The Crown CR-165 is a flooded lead acid battery containing liquid electrolyte and should be installed upright. Keeping the battery in the proper position helps prevent electrolyte leakage and allows normal inspection and maintenance.
What should I check if my Crown CR-165 is losing capacity?
Start by checking the battery bank's charging voltage and charging profile, electrolyte level, terminal connections, cable condition, and operating temperature. Chronic undercharging, excessive discharge, sulfation, poor connections, low electrolyte, and battery age can all contribute to reduced performance. If the problem continues after correcting the system conditions, the battery should be tested individually.
Is the Crown CR-165 maintenance free?
No. The Crown CR-165 is a flooded lead acid battery and requires regular maintenance. Users should inspect electrolyte levels, add distilled or de-mineralized water when required, keep terminals and connections clean, and make sure the battery bank receives the proper charging profile. This maintenance requirement should be considered when choosing the battery for a solar installation.
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