Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Crown CR-DGC battery?
The Crown CR-DGC is a 6VDC commercial deep cycle flooded lead acid battery with a rated capacity of 240Ah at the 20-hour rate. Its DIN-GC configuration is designed for applications requiring repeated charging and discharging, including solar energy storage, renewable energy systems, backup power, RVs, marine equipment, and other deep cycle applications.
What makes the Crown CR-DGC useful for solar battery banks?
The Crown CR-DGC combines 240Ah of rated capacity with a 6VDC configuration and 1.40 kWh of rated energy at the 20-hour rate. Its DIN-GC dimensions can also be useful when an installation has less available space than a standard GC2 battery compartment.
How much energy does the Crown CR-DGC provide?
The Crown CR-DGC is rated at:
- 1.40 kWh at the 20-hour rate
- 1.54 kWh at the 100-hour rate
- 240Ah at the 20-hour rate
- 195Ah at the 5-hour rate
These are rated battery values. Actual usable energy in a solar system depends on discharge rate, depth of discharge, temperature, battery condition, system efficiency, and other operating conditions.
How many Crown CR-DGC batteries are needed for a solar battery bank?
The number depends on system voltage, daily energy use, backup requirements, solar production, inverter requirements, and the desired depth of discharge. Because the Crown CR-DGC is a 6VDC battery:
- 2 batteries wired in series create a 12VDC battery bank.
- 4 batteries wired in series create a 24VDC battery bank.
- 8 batteries wired in series create a 48VDC battery bank.
Additional matched series strings can be connected in parallel when greater amp-hour capacity is required.
Where can the Crown CR-DGC be used besides solar?
The Crown CR-DGC can be used in other deep cycle applications where a 6VDC flooded lead acid battery is appropriate. Potential applications include backup power, RVs, marine equipment, recreational vehicles, and industrial equipment. The battery-bank configuration and charging equipment must be suitable for the application.
Charging & Maintenance
What type of solar charge controller should be used with the Crown CR-DGC?
Use a solar charge controller that supports flooded lead acid batteries and can be configured according to Crown's charging requirements for the application. The controller should also be properly sized for the solar array and battery bank.
How often should the Crown CR-DGC be checked for water?
Flooded lead acid batteries require regular electrolyte inspection and watering. Crown recommends checking new flooded batteries at approximately two-week intervals to establish a maintenance baseline. Actual inspection frequency can change with charging practices, cycling, temperature, and battery age.
What type of water should be used in a Crown CR-DGC?
Use distilled or de-mineralized water for battery maintenance. Tap water should not be used because minerals and impurities can contaminate the electrolyte and negatively affect battery performance and service life.
What can happen if the Crown CR-DGC is consistently undercharged?
Prolonged undercharging can leave the battery in a partial state of charge and contribute to sulfation and reduced available capacity. A properly configured solar charging system should provide the battery with the charging needed for the intended application.
Does the Crown CR-DGC require ventilation?
Yes. The Crown CR-DGC is a flooded lead acid battery, and hydrogen gas can be produced during charging. It should be installed in a properly ventilated location and kept away from sparks, flames, cigarettes, and other ignition sources.
Crown Battery Comparison
How does the Crown CR-DGC compare with the Crown CR-240?
The Crown CR-240 and CR-DGC are both 6VDC flooded deep cycle batteries with 240Ah capacity at the 20-hour rate and 1.40 kWh of rated energy at the 20-hour rate. The main difference is their physical configuration. The CR-DGC uses a DIN-GC form factor and is narrower than the CR-240, while the CR-240 uses a standard GC2 footprint. The Crown CR-DGC can be a better fit when the available battery space favors its DIN-GC dimensions.
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Specification
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CR-240
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CR-DGC
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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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240Ah
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240Ah
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Capacity (5 Hr)
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195Ah
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195Ah
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Storage kWh (20 Hr)
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1.40 kWh
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1.40 kWh
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Reserve Capacity
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135 min @ 75A
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130 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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9.63 x 7.50 x 10.75 in (24.46 x 19.05 x 27.31 cm)
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Weight
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68 lbs (30.8 kg)
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65 lbs (29.5 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-DGC and the Crown CR-260?
The Crown CR-260 provides higher capacity at 260Ah compared with 240Ah for the CR-DGC. The CR-260 also has greater reserve capacity, but it is physically taller and heavier. The Crown CR-DGC can be a better option when its more compact DIN-GC dimensions are important, while the CR-260 is better suited when maximizing capacity within its available battery footprint is the priority.
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Specification
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CR-DGC
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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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240Ah
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260Ah
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Capacity (5 Hr)
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195Ah
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215Ah
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Storage kWh (20 Hr)
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1.40 kWh
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1.51 kWh
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Reserve Capacity
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130 min @ 75A
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150 min @ 75A
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Dimensions
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9.63 x 7.50 x 10.75 in (24.46 x 19.05 x 27.31 cm)
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10.25 x 7.06 x 11.63 in (26.04 x 17.93 x 29.54 cm)
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Weight
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65 lbs (29.5 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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Solar Application & Battery Life
How should I size a Crown CR-DGC battery bank for solar?
Start with the home's or equipment's daily energy consumption and determine how much backup energy is required. Then consider system voltage, solar production, inverter efficiency, allowable depth of discharge, and expected charging conditions. The battery bank should have enough capacity to meet the required load without routinely reaching an excessively low state of charge.
Can Crown CR-DGC batteries be connected in series and parallel?
Yes. Crown CR-DGC batteries can be connected in series to increase the battery-bank voltage. Properly matched series strings can also be connected in parallel to increase total amp-hour capacity. Batteries used in the same bank should be properly matched, and the wiring should be designed for the inverter, charge controller, and expected current.
How can I get the best service life from a Crown CR-DGC in a solar system?
Use the correct charging settings, avoid prolonged partial-charge conditions, maintain the electrolyte level, provide proper ventilation, and avoid unnecessary deep discharges. Battery service life depends on cycling depth, charging, temperature, maintenance, and overall operating conditions.
Can the Crown CR-DGC be installed indoors?
It can be installed indoors only where the installation provides the ventilation and safety conditions required for a flooded lead acid battery. The battery should remain upright and should not be installed in an enclosed space where charging gases can accumulate.
What should I check if a Crown CR-DGC battery bank is not delivering its expected power?
Check the charging system, battery connections, electrolyte level, corrosion, and signs of physical damage. Confirm that the batteries are receiving a proper charge and that the battery bank is correctly configured. Reduced performance can also result from undercharging, sulfation, excessive discharge, temperature, poor connections, or battery age.
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