[palmer]

I use AGM batteries to store my solar. They are expensive, but last a long time if you don't discharge them continuously. I don't since my solar is for low power incidentals (low power computers like the Raspberry Pi, the internet, the weather station and recorder, etc) I switch the fridge to solar/battery when the power fails but that is not very often.

I do not tie my solar to the grid in any way nor have any plans to.

[familyop]

"I use AGM batteries to store my solar. They are expensive, but last a long time if you don't discharge them continuously."

Great choice! You don't have to bother with the venting issues. Much cleaner, and AGMs are certainly heavy duty (as used in aircraft)! They're the best! I seriously considered getting some Concorde AGMs but went lower cost with the Crown lead-acids in order to be able to afford some other needed components before the dangerous winter here. So a complicated, custom, home-built venting system was needed (high winter winds here).

Really, if the cost of an array of AGMs is assessed over the lifetime of the array, it's not bad at all. Works out to a low monthly.

[DoughtyOne]

I might tie it to the grid, but I’d have to study up on it more. I appreciate you mentioning what you’re already doing, and the pros and cons of the batter usage.