Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Crown CR-220 battery?
The Crown CR-220 is a 6VDC commercial deep cycle flooded lead acid battery with a rated capacity of 220Ah at the 20-hour rate. It is designed for applications that require repeated charging and discharging, including solar energy storage, renewable energy systems, RVs, marine applications, golf carts, and industrial equipment.
Is the Crown CR-220 a good battery for solar?
Yes. The CR-220 is well suited for solar applications that use flooded lead acid battery banks. It can be used in off-grid PV systems and other renewable energy storage applications where the batteries can be regularly inspected, charged, watered, and maintained.
How much energy does the Crown CR-220 store?
The CR-220 is rated at 220Ah at the 20-hour rate and 6VDC, with Crown listing 1.28 kWh of storage at the 20-hour rate. Actual usable energy will depend on the system design, discharge rate, temperature, battery age, and desired depth of discharge.
How many Crown CR-220 batteries do I need for a solar system?
The number of batteries depends on several factors, including:
- Your system voltage (12V, 24V, or 48V)
- Daily energy consumption
- Desired backup time
- Maximum depth of discharge
- Solar array size
For example:
- Two batteries wired in series create a 12V battery bank.
- Four batteries wired in series create a 24V battery bank.
- Eight batteries wired in series create a 48V battery bank.
Additional parallel strings may be required to increase total amp-hour capacity. Battery-bank sizing should be based on the system's daily energy use, desired backup time, solar production, inverter requirements, and allowable depth of discharge.
What are the dimensions and weight of the Crown CR-220?
The Crown CR-220 is a GC2-size battery with the following dimensions and weight:
- Length: 10.25 inches
- Width: 7.06 inches
- Height: 10.94 inches
- Weight: 60 lbs (27.2 kg)
These dimensions make the CR-220 a practical option for battery banks where a standard GC2 footprint is required. Always verify available space and terminal clearance before installation.
Charging & Maintenance
How should the Crown CR-220 be charged in a solar system?
The CR-220 should be charged using a solar charge controller configured for a flooded lead acid battery and according to Crown's recommended charging requirements for the specific application. Proper charging is important because both chronic undercharging and overcharging can shorten battery life.
Does the Crown CR-220 require watering?
Yes. The CR-220 is a flooded lead acid battery and requires periodic electrolyte inspection and watering. Crown recommends using only distilled or de-mineralized water. Watering should be performed after charging, and the electrolyte should be maintained at the proper level.
How often should I check the water level?
Watering frequency depends on charging practices, how often the battery is cycled, operating temperature, and battery age. Crown recommends inspecting new flooded batteries at approximately two-week intervals to establish a baseline. As batteries age or operating conditions change, inspections may need to become more frequent.
Can I use tap water in the Crown CR-220?
No. Use only distilled or de-mineralized water. Tap water contains minerals and other impurities that can contaminate the electrolyte and negatively affect battery performance and service life.
Does the Crown CR-220 need ventilation?
Yes. The CR-220 is a flooded lead acid battery, and lead acid batteries can produce hydrogen gas during charging. The battery should be installed in a properly ventilated location and kept away from sparks, flames, cigarettes, and other ignition sources.
Crown Battery Comparison
What is the difference between the Crown CR-205 and CR-220?
The Crown CR-205 and CR-220 are both 6VDC GC2 deep cycle flooded batteries. The CR-220 provides higher capacity at 220Ah compared with 205Ah for the CR-205, giving it greater rated energy storage. Both batteries have the same dimensions, while the CR-220 is slightly heavier. The CR-220 is a good choice when you need additional energy storage while maintaining the same GC2 battery size.
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Specification
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CR-205
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CR-220
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Voltage
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6VDC
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6VDC
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Capacity (20 Hr)
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205Ah
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220Ah
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Capacity (5 Hr)
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170Ah
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180Ah
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Storage kWh (20 Hr)
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1.19 kWh
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1.28 kWh
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Reserve Capacity
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105 min @ 75A
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110 min @ 75A
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Dimensions
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10.25 x 7.06 x 10.94 in (26.04 x 17.93 x 27.79 cm)
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10.25 x 7.06 x 10.94 in (26.04 x 17.93 x 27.79 cm)
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Weight
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56 lbs (25.4 kg)
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60 lbs (27.2 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-220 and CR-235?
The Crown CR-220 and CR-235 are both 6VDC GC2 deep cycle flooded batteries with the same dimensions. The CR-235 provides higher capacity at 235Ah compared with 220Ah for the CR-220, giving it greater rated energy storage and reserve capacity. The CR-220 is slightly lighter, while the CR-235 is a better choice when maximizing capacity within the same battery size is the priority.
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Specification
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CR-220
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CR-235
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Voltage
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6VDC
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6VDC
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Capacity (20 Hr)
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220Ah
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235Ah
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Capacity (5 Hr)
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180Ah
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185Ah
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Storage kWh (20 Hr)
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1.28 kWh
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1.37 kWh
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Reserve Capacity
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110 min @ 75A
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122 min @ 75A
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Dimensions
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10.25 x 7.06 x 10.94 in (26.04 x 17.93 x 27.79 cm)
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10.25 x 7.06 x 10.94 in (26.04 x 17.93 x 27.79 cm)
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Weight
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60 lbs (27.2 kg)
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63 lbs (28.6 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-220 in a solar system?
For solar applications, avoiding unnecessary deep discharges can help extend battery life. Crown recommends sizing systems with a buffer and avoiding routine deep discharges whenever possible. Crown's published cycle-life data also shows that cycle life increases as depth of discharge decreases, so shallower daily cycling can provide substantially more cycles over the life of the battery.
How long will a Crown CR-220 last in a solar system?
There is no single lifespan that applies to every CR-220 installation. Service life depends on depth of discharge, charging, temperature, maintenance, and operating conditions. Crown's published CR-220 cycle-life data indicates approximately 500 cycles at 100% depth of discharge, 1,200 cycles at 50%, 1,500 cycles at 40%, and 3,000 cycles at 20% under its stated test conditions. These figures are test estimates and should not be treated as a guaranteed field lifespan.
Can the Crown CR-220 be installed on its side?
No. The CR-220 is a flooded lead acid battery containing liquid electrolyte and should be installed upright. Proper positioning also allows the battery to be inspected and serviced correctly.
Is the Crown CR-220 maintenance free?
No. The CR-220 is a flooded lead acid battery and requires regular maintenance, including electrolyte inspection and watering. If minimal maintenance is a priority, Crown also offers sealed and AGM battery technologies, but the appropriate replacement depends on the solar system's voltage, charging equipment, physical space, energy requirements, and budget.
What should I check if my Crown CR-220 is not performing as expected?
Start with a visual inspection for damaged cases, loose or corroded terminals, cable problems, and low electrolyte levels. The battery should also be fully charged before testing. Persistent low performance can be related to undercharging, sulfation, excessive discharge, low electrolyte, temperature, poor connections, or battery age.
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