Frequently Asked Questions
What type of solar systems is the Crown CR-240 best suited for?
The Crown CR-240 is well suited for off-grid solar and renewable energy storage systems that use flooded lead acid battery banks. Its 6VDC configuration can be combined with additional batteries in series to build 12VDC, 24VDC, or 48VDC battery banks, depending on the system design.
How much solar energy can a Crown CR-240 battery store?
The Crown CR-240 is rated at:
- 1.40 kWh at the 20-hour rate
- 1.54 kWh at the 100-hour rate
- 240Ah capacity at the 20-hour rate
- 195Ah capacity at the 5-hour rate
Actual usable energy in a solar system will vary depending on discharge rate, depth of discharge, temperature, battery condition, and system efficiency.
Is the Crown CR-240 a good choice for an off-grid solar battery bank?
Yes. The Crown CR-240 is a suitable option for off-grid solar systems that are designed around flooded lead acid batteries. Its 6VDC rating allows multiple batteries to be wired in series to reach common system voltages, while parallel battery strings can be used when additional capacity is needed.
How many Crown CR-240 batteries are needed for a solar system?
The number depends on the required system voltage, daily energy consumption, desired backup time, solar production, inverter requirements, and allowable depth of discharge. Because each battery is 6VDC:
- 2 Crown CR-240 batteries in series create a 12VDC battery bank.
- 4 Crown CR-240 batteries in series create a 24VDC battery bank.
- 8 Crown CR-240 batteries in series create a 48VDC battery bank.
Additional properly matched series strings can be connected in parallel when more amp-hour capacity is required.
Can the Crown CR-240 be connected in series and parallel?
Yes. Crown CR-240 batteries can be connected in series to increase system voltage while maintaining the 240Ah capacity. Properly matched series strings can also be connected in parallel to increase total battery-bank capacity. All batteries in a bank should be the same model, age, and condition, and the wiring should be designed for the system's inverter and charge controller requirements.
Charging & Maintenance
How should the Crown CR-240 be charged with solar panels?
Use a solar charge controller that supports flooded lead acid batteries and configure it according to Crown's charging recommendations for the application. Correct charging is important because prolonged undercharging can contribute to sulfation, while excessive charging can increase water loss and battery wear.
Does the Crown CR-240 need regular watering?
Yes. The CR-240 is a flooded lead acid battery, so the electrolyte level needs to be inspected and maintained. Use distilled or de-mineralized water rather than tap water, and follow Crown's recommended watering procedure.
How often should the Crown CR-240 electrolyte level be checked?
Inspection frequency depends on charging voltage, cycling, temperature, and battery age. Crown recommends checking new flooded batteries at approximately two-week intervals to establish a maintenance baseline. More frequent inspections may be necessary under heavier use or as the batteries age.
Why is ventilation important when using the Crown CR-240 indoors?
Flooded lead acid batteries can release hydrogen gas during charging. The Crown CR-240 should therefore be installed in a properly ventilated location and kept away from sparks, flames, cigarettes, and other ignition sources.
Can the Crown CR-240 be mounted on its side?
No. The CR-240 is a flooded battery containing liquid electrolyte and should be installed upright. Upright installation also makes electrolyte inspection and routine servicing easier.
Crown Battery Comparison
What is the difference between the Crown CR-235 and CR-240?
The Crown CR-235 and CR-240 are both 6VDC GC2 deep cycle flooded batteries. The CR-240 provides 240Ah compared with 235Ah for the CR-235, giving it greater rated energy storage and reserve capacity. Both batteries have the same dimensions, while the CR-240 is heavier. The CR-240 is a good choice when additional capacity is needed without changing the GC2 battery size.
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Specification
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CR-235
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CR-240
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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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235Ah
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240Ah
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Capacity (5 Hr)
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185Ah
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195Ah
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Storage kWh (20 Hr)
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1.37 kWh
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1.40 kWh
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Reserve Capacity
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122 min @ 75A
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135 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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63 lbs (28.6 kg)
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68 lbs (30.8 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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How does the Crown CR-240 compare with the Crown CR-220 for solar?
The Crown CR-220 and CR-240 are both 6VDC GC2 deep cycle flooded batteries. The CR-240 provides 240Ah compared with 220Ah for the CR-220, giving it greater rated energy storage, higher 5-hour capacity, and greater reserve capacity. Both batteries have the same dimensions, while the CR-240 is heavier. The CR-240 is a practical choice when a solar battery bank needs more capacity within the same GC2-size footprint.
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Specification
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CR-220
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CR-240
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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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240Ah
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Capacity (5 Hr)
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180Ah
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195Ah
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Storage kWh (20 Hr)
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1.28 kWh
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1.40 kWh
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Reserve Capacity
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110 min @ 75A
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135 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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68 lbs (30.8 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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Which should I choose for solar, the Crown CR-235 or Crown CR-240?
The Crown CR-240 is the higher-capacity option, providing 240Ah compared with 235Ah and greater reserve capacity. If the additional capacity is useful and the 68 lb battery weight is acceptable, the CR-240 offers more rated storage within the same listed GC2 dimensions. The Crown CR-235 may be preferable when its lower weight and slightly lower capacity better fit the installation.
Solar Application & Battery Life
How can I extend the life of a Crown CR-240 in a solar system?
Use the correct charging settings, avoid prolonged partial-charge conditions, maintain the electrolyte level, keep the battery properly ventilated, and avoid unnecessary deep discharges. Battery life is affected by depth of discharge, charging, temperature, maintenance, and how frequently the battery is cycled.
Does deeper cycling reduce Crown CR-240 battery life?
In general, repeated deeper discharges place more stress on a lead acid battery than shallower cycling. For solar applications, sizing the battery bank with sufficient capacity to meet normal loads without routinely reaching very low states of charge can help support longer service life.
Can the Crown CR-240 be used in an RV, golf cart, or marine application?
Yes. The CR-240 is a deep cycle battery and can be used in other applications where a 6VDC flooded lead acid battery with its physical size and capacity is appropriate. The charging system and battery-bank configuration must be compatible with the specific application.
What should I check if my Crown CR-240 is losing capacity?
Start by checking the charging system, battery connections, electrolyte level, and signs of corrosion or physical damage. Make sure the battery is receiving a proper full charge. Persistent capacity loss may be related to undercharging, sulfation, excessive depth of discharge, high temperatures, poor connections, or normal battery aging.
Is the Crown CR-240 maintenance free?
No. The CR-240 is a flooded lead acid battery and requires regular electrolyte inspection and watering. Customers looking for a lower-maintenance battery should consider whether a sealed or AGM technology is more appropriate for their system, while also confirming compatibility with their charging equipment and installation requirements.
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