Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Crown CR-260 a good battery for solar?
Yes. The Crown CR-260 is designed for deep cycle use and can be used in off-grid solar and renewable energy systems. It is particularly useful when a system needs a higher-capacity 6VDC flooded battery and has enough physical space for its GC2H dimensions.
How much energy does the Crown CR-260 provide?
The Crown CR-260 is rated at 260Ah at the 20-hour rate and provides 1.51 kWh of rated energy at the 20-hour rate. Crown also lists 1.70 kWh at the 100-hour rate. Actual usable energy depends on discharge rate, depth of discharge, temperature, battery condition, and system losses.
How many Crown CR-260 batteries do I need for a solar battery bank?
The number depends on the required system voltage and energy storage. Because each Crown CR-260 is 6VDC:
- Two batteries in series create a 12VDC battery bank.
- Four batteries in series create a 24VDC battery bank.
- Eight batteries in series create a 48VDC battery bank.
Additional matched strings can be connected in parallel when more amp-hour capacity is required. Proper battery-bank sizing should consider daily energy use, backup requirements, solar production, inverter loads, and allowable depth of discharge.
What is the difference between the 20-hour and 5-hour capacity ratings?
The Crown CR-260 is rated at 260Ah at the 20-hour rate and 215Ah at the 5-hour rate. The difference occurs because lead acid battery capacity varies with the rate at which energy is drawn from the battery. The appropriate rating depends on how the battery will be used.
What are the dimensions and weight of the Crown CR-260?
The Crown CR-260 measures:
- Length: 10.25 inches (26.0 cm)
- Width: 7.06 inches (17.9 cm)
- Height: 11.63 inches (29.5 cm)
- Weight: 75 lbs (34.0 kg)
The CR-260 is taller than standard GC2 batteries, so available height and terminal clearance should be checked before installation.
Charging & Maintenance
How should the Crown CR-260 be charged in a solar system?
Use a solar charge controller configured for flooded lead acid batteries and set it according to Crown's charging requirements for the specific application. Proper charging is important for maintaining capacity and avoiding damage caused by chronic undercharging or overcharging.
Does the Crown CR-260 require watering?
Yes. The Crown CR-260 is a flooded lead acid battery and requires periodic electrolyte inspection and watering. Use distilled or de-mineralized water when water is needed, and follow the battery manufacturer's maintenance instructions.
How often should I check the electrolyte level in a Crown CR-260?
The inspection interval depends on charging settings, cycling frequency, temperature, battery age, and operating conditions. New flooded batteries should be inspected regularly to establish how quickly the electrolyte level changes, with inspections becoming more frequent when operating conditions require it.
Can I use tap water in a Crown CR-260?
No. Use distilled or de-mineralized water. Minerals and other impurities found in ordinary tap water can contaminate the electrolyte and negatively affect battery performance.
Does the Crown CR-260 need ventilation?
Yes. Flooded lead acid batteries can release hydrogen gas during charging. The Crown CR-260 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-250 and Crown CR-260?
The Crown CR-250 and CR-260 are both 6VDC deep cycle flooded batteries, but the CR-260 provides 260Ah compared with 250Ah for the CR-250. The CR-260 has a higher 20-hour energy rating, while both models are rated at 215Ah at the 5-hour rate and 150 minutes of reserve capacity at 75 amps. The CR-250 has a longer overall length, while the CR-260 is taller. The CR-260 is a useful choice when additional rated capacity is preferred and its taller GC2H form factor fits the installation.
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Specification
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CR-250
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CR-260
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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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250Ah
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260Ah
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Capacity (5 Hr)
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215Ah
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215Ah
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Storage kWh (20 Hr)
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1.46 kWh
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1.51 kWh
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Reserve Capacity
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150 min @ 75A
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150 min @ 75A
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Dimensions
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11.75 x 7.19 x 11.13 in (29.8 x 18.3 x 28.3 cm)
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10.25 x 7.06 x 11.63 in (26.0 x 17.9 x 29.5 cm)
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Weight
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76 lbs (34.5 kg)
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75 lbs (34.0 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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How does the Crown CR-260 compare with Crown CR-235?
The Crown CR-235 and CR-260 are both 6VDC deep cycle flooded batteries. The CR-260 provides 260Ah compared with 235Ah for the CR-235, along with higher rated energy and reserve capacity. Both batteries use a similar 6VDC deep cycle format, but the CR-260 is taller. The CR-260 is a better fit when maximizing capacity is more important than maintaining the lower height of the CR-235.
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Specification
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CR-235
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CR-260
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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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260Ah
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Capacity (5 Hr)
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185Ah
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215Ah
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Storage kWh (20 Hr)
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1.37 kWh
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1.51 kWh
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Reserve Capacity
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122 min @ 75A
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150 min @ 75A
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Dimensions
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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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10.25 x 7.06 x 11.63 in (26.0 x 17.9 x 29.5 cm)
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Weight
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63 lbs (28.6 kg)
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75 lbs (34.0 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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Solar Application & Battery Life
Is the Crown CR-260 suitable for a 48VDC solar battery bank?
Yes. Eight Crown CR-260 batteries connected in series create a 48VDC battery bank. Additional matched series strings can be connected in parallel when greater amp-hour capacity is needed. The complete bank should be properly sized for the solar array, inverter, loads, and required backup time.
How can I get longer service life from a Crown CR-260?
Proper charging, regular maintenance, suitable ventilation, appropriate operating temperatures, and avoiding unnecessary deep discharges can help support longer battery service life. Keeping the battery properly charged is especially important in solar applications.
Can Crown CR-260 batteries be connected in series and parallel?
Yes. Series connections increase the voltage of the battery bank, while properly matched parallel strings increase total amp-hour capacity. Batteries used together should be appropriately matched, and connections should be properly sized for the expected current.
Can the Crown CR-260 be installed on its side?
No. The Crown CR-260 is a flooded lead acid battery containing liquid electrolyte and should be installed upright. Proper positioning also allows the battery to be inspected and maintained correctly.
What should I check if my Crown CR-260 is not delivering its expected capacity?
Begin by checking the charging system, battery connections, terminal condition, electrolyte level, and signs of physical damage. A battery that has been repeatedly undercharged, deeply discharged, poorly maintained, or exposed to unsuitable temperatures may experience reduced performance.
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