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Supplier Terms

Purchase Order Terms and Conditions

  1. Terms of Agreement

The purchase order, together with these terms and conditions, and any attachments and exhibits, specifications, drawings, notes, instructions, and other information, whether physically attached or incorporated by reference (collectively the “Purchase Order”), constitutes the entire and exclusive agreement between Solar Stik, Inc. (Solar Stik) and the supplier (the “Supplier”) identified in the Purchase Order. Solar Stik’s submission of the Purchase Order is conditioned on Supplier’s agreement that any terms different from or in addition to the terms of the Purchase Order, whether communicated orally or contained in any purchase order confirmation, invoice, acknowledgement, release, acceptance, or other written correspondence, irrespective of the timing, shall not form a part of the Purchase Order, even if Supplier purports to condition its acceptance of the Purchase Order on Solar Stik’s agreement to such different or additional terms. Supplier’s electronic acceptance, acknowledgement of this Purchase Order, or commencement of performance constitutes Supplier’s acceptance of these terms and conditions.

  1. Definitions

“Deliverables” means the deliverables specified in the Purchase Order (and any Statement of Work) to be delivered on or before the Due Date.

“Due Date” means the date or dates specified in the Purchase Order by which the Supplier is required to deliver the goods.

“Products” means tangible goods specified in the Purchase Order to be delivered on or before the Due Date.

“Services” means the services that Supplier is to perform for Solar Stik specified in the Purchase Order.

“Statement of Work” or “SOW” means the document specifying, without limitation, the scope, objective, and time frame of the Work that Supplier will perform for Solar Stik.

“Work” means the Deliverables, Products, and Services specified in the Purchase Order, including any SOW.

  1. Delivery and Shipment

Time is of the essence in Supplier’s performance of its obligations to the Purchase Order. Supplier will immediately notify Solar Stik if Supplier’s timely performance under the Purchase Order is delayed or is likely to be delayed. Solar Stik’s acceptance of Supplier’s notice will not constitute Solar Stik’s waiver of any of Supplier’s obligations.

If delivery of Products or Deliverables is not completed by the time promised, Solar Stik reserves the right, without liability in addition to its other rights and remedies, to terminate this contract by notice effective when received by Supplier as to Products or Deliverables not yet shipped and to purchase substitute Products or Deliverables elsewhere and charge Supplier with any loss incurred.

If in order to comply with Solar Stik’s required Due Date it becomes necessary for Supplier to ship by a more expensive way than specified in the Purchase Order, any increased transportation costs resulting therefrom shall be paid for by Supplier unless the necessity for such rerouting or expedited handling has been caused by Solar Stik.

Supplier will preserve, pack, package, and handle the Products and Deliverables so as to protect the Products and Deliverables from loss or damage and in accordance with best commercial practices in the absence of any specifications Solar Stik may provide. Without limiting the foregoing, Supplier shall observe the requirements of any local laws and regulations relating to hazardous work, including, without limitation, with respect to its accompanying information, packing, labeling, reporting, carriage, and disposal.

Supplier will include with each delivery of Products a packing list identifying the Purchase Order number, the Solar Stik part number for each of the Products (if applicable), a description and the quantity of each of the Products, the date of shipment, and Supplier’s certification of conformance of the Work to the requirements if required by the Purchase Order.

Unless Solar Stik expressly instructs otherwise, Supplier will deliver all Products and Deliverables to Solar Stik’s facility at the address set forth in the Purchase Order.

  1. Export Controls

For all Products or Deliverables purchased from the Supplier under this Agreement that are subject to U.S. federal export control laws and regulations, the Supplier will provide the proper Export Control Classification Numbers (ECCN) at time of order. Supplier’s information will include the proper ECCN if the item is controlled under the U.S. Commerce Control List of the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”) or the proper United States Munitions List Category if the item is controlled under the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (“ITAR”). The Supplier agrees that Solar Stik shall have the right to terminate this Agreement, without penalty, and return any received product based on such notification.

  1. Inspection and Acceptance

Payment for the Products or Deliverables delivered hereunder shall not constitute acceptance thereof. Solar Stik shall have the right to inspect such Products or Deliverables and to reject any or all of said Products or Deliverables that are in Solar Stik’s judgment defective or nonconforming. Products or Deliverables rejected and Products or Deliverables supplied in excess of quantities called for herein may be returned to Supplier at its expense and, in addition to Solar Stik’s other rights, Solar Stik may charge Supplier all expenses of unpacking, examining, repacking, and reshipping such Products or Deliverables. In the event Solar Stik receives Products or Deliverables whose defects or nonconformity is not apparent on examination, Solar Stik reserves the right to require replacement, as well as payment of damages. Nothing contained in this purchase order shall relieve in any way the Supplier from the obligation of testing, inspection, and quality control.

  1. Payment

Solar Stik will pay Supplier the price in accordance with the payment terms set forth in the Purchase Order following the later of (i) the Due Date or (ii) Solar Stik’s receipt of a properly prepared invoice. A properly prepared invoice must include the Purchase Order number.

  1. Changes

Solar Stik shall have the right at any time to make changes in drawings, designs, specifications, materials, packaging, time and place of delivery, and method of transportation. If any such changes cause an increase or decrease in the cost, or the time required for the performance, an equitable adjustment shall be made and this agreement shall be modified in writing accordingly. Supplier agrees to accept any such changes subject to this paragraph.

  1. Force Majeure

Solar Stik may delay delivery or acceptance occasioned by causes beyond its control. Supplier shall hold such Products or Deliverables at the direction of Solar Stik and shall deliver them when the cause affecting the delay has been removed. Solar Stik shall be responsible only for Supplier’s direct additional costs in holding the Products or Deliverables or delaying performance of this agreement at Solar Stik’s request. Causes beyond Solar Stik’s control shall include governmental action or failure of the government to act where such action is required, fire, explosion, water, act of God, civil disorder or disturbances, strikes, vandalism, war, riot, sabotage, weather- and energy-related closings (“Force Majeure Event”).

  1. Term and Termination

The Purchase Order will remain in effect with respect to any SOW already issued prior to expiration of the term of the Purchase Order until such SOW is either terminated or the Work is completed and accepted.

Solar Stik may terminate the Purchase Order or any part hereof for cause in the event of any default by the Supplier, or if the Supplier fails to comply with any of the terms and conditions of this offer. Late deliveries, deliveries of products or deliverables that are defective or do not conform to the Purchase Order, and failure to provide Solar Stik, upon request, reasonable assurances of future performance shall all be causes allowing Solar Stik to terminate the Purchase Order for cause. In the event of termination for cause, Solar Stik shall not be liable to Supplier for any amount, and Supplier shall be liable to Solar Stik for any and all damages sustained by reason of the default that gave rise to the termination.

Either party may terminate the Purchase Order, any SOW or both, immediately by delivering written notice to the other party upon the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) a receiver is appointed for either party or its property; (ii) either makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors; (iii) either party commences, or has commenced against it, proceedings under any bankruptcy, insolvency, or debtor’s relief law, if such proceedings are not dismissed within 60 days; or (iv) either party is liquidating, dissolving, or ceasing to do business in the ordinary course.

Either party may terminate this Purchase Order, any SOW or both, immediately by delivering written notice to the other party for any material breach not cured within 30 days of receipt of notice of the breach. Solar Stik shall have no further payment obligation to Supplier under any terminated SOW if Solar Stik terminates the SOW under this Section 6.

  1. Warranty

Supplier expressly warrants that all Products or Deliverables furnished under this agreement shall conform to all specifications and appropriate standards, will be new, and will be free from defects in material or workmanship. Supplier warrants that all such Products or Deliverables will conform to any statements made on the containers or labels or advertisements for such Products or Deliverables, and that any Products or Deliverables will be adequately contained, packaged, marked, and labeled. Supplier warrants that all Products or Deliverables furnished hereunder will be merchantable, and will be safe and appropriate for the purpose for which Products or Deliverables of that kind are normally used. If Supplier knows or has reason to know the particular purpose for which Solar Stik intends to use the Products or Deliverables, Supplier warrants that such Products or Deliverables will be fit for such particular purpose. Supplier warrants that Products or Deliverables furnished will conform in all respects to samples. Inspection, test, acceptance, or use of the Products or Deliverables furnished hereunder shall not affect the Supplier’s obligation under this warranty, and such warranties shall survive inspection, test, acceptance, and use. Supplier’s warranty shall run to Solar Stik, its successors, assigns and customers, and users of Products sold by Solar Stik. Supplier agrees to replace or correct defects of any goods or services not conforming to the foregoing warranty promptly, without expense to Solar Stik, when notified of such nonconformity by Solar Stik, provided Solar Stik elects to provide Supplier with the opportunity to do so. In the event of failure of Supplier to correct defects in or replace nonconforming Products or Deliverables promptly, Solar Stik, after reasonable notice to Supplier, may make such corrections or replace such goods and services and charge Supplier for the cost incurred by Solar Stik in doing so.

  1. Indemnification

Supplier shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Solar Stik against all damages, claims, or liabilities and expenses (including attorney’s fees) arising out of or resulting in any way from any defect in the Products or Deliverables purchased hereunder, any breach of the terms and conditions of the Purchase Order, or from any act or omission of Supplier, its agents, employees, or subcontractors. This indemnification shall be in addition to the warranty obligations of Supplier.

  1. Compliance with Laws

Supplier agrees that all Products and Deliverables shipped to Solar Stik under this agreement will be produced in full compliance with all applicable laws including, but not limited to, the Fair Labor Standards Act. Supplier further agrees that it shall not engage in the employment of child, forced, indentured, involuntary, prison, or uncompensated labor. Solar Stik may, upon notice, inspect Supplier’s plant and facilities at reasonable times to determine compliance with the provisions set forth herein. In addition to any other remedies contained herein, Solar Stik shall have the right to immediately terminate this agreement and any other agreements with Supplier if it determines that Supplier is in violation of this section.

  1. Governing Law

This Purchase Order and any contract formed hereunder, shall be governed by, and construed under the internal laws of the State of Florida, without regard to principles of conflict of law, as the same may be from time to time in effect, including, without limitations the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in the State of Florida.

  1. Supplier Compliance

The Supplier agrees to comply with the following: A) Executive Order 11246 as amended and all regulations promulgated pursuant to that Executive Order including but not limited to the provisions of paragraphs (1) through (7) of the “Equal Opportunity Clause” and the “Certification of Nonsegregated Facilities”, each of which is incorporated herein by reference, B) Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 including the applicable parts of the affirmative action clause entitled “Affirmative Action for Handicapped Workers” (41 CFR 60-741.4) incorporated herein by reference, C) the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (30 USC §2012) including the applicable parts of the affirmative action clause entitled “Affirmative Action for Disabled Veterans and Veterans of the Vietnam Era” (41 CFR 60-250.4) incorporated herein by reference, D) Executive Order 13496 “Notification of Employee Rights Under Federal Labor Laws” (29 CFR Part 471, Appendix A to Subpart A) also incorporated herein by reference, E) Supplier agrees to comply with all applicable commercial and public anti-bribery laws, including, without limitation, the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the UK Bribery Act, F) Supplier hereby represents and warrants that neither Supplier, nor any persons or entities holding any legal or beneficial interest whatsoever in Supplier, are (i) the target of any sanctions program that is established by Executive Order of the President or published by the Office of Foreign Assets Control, U.S. Department of the Treasury (“OFAC”); (ii) designated by the President or OFAC pursuant to the Trading with the Enemy Act, 50 U.S.C. App. § 5, the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, 50 U.S.C. §§ 1701-06, the Patriot Act, Public Law 107-56, Executive Order 13224 (September 23, 2001) or any Executive Order of the President issued pursuant to such statutes; or (iii) named on the following list that is published by OFAC: “List of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons.” If the foregoing representation is untrue at any time, an event of default will be deemed to have occurred without the necessity of notice to Supplier and G) the Supplier shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or disability.

Effective date: 06-07-2019

Solar Stik Supplier Configuration Control Terms/Conditions

  1. Solar Stik’s Supplier Quality Team shall be notified prior to making any changes on its procured products or processes that may affect the below criteria. The supplier shall notify Solar Stik in writing of the proposed change, suggested impact, and as determined by Solar Stik and the Supplier upon notification, a sample for evaluation/acceptance testing.

    The following are the criteria for notifications, as applicable:

    • Changes in product specifications—defining form, fit, and function (interchangeability of the product)
    • Changes in materials or chemistries requiring revisions to Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
    • Changes in the product interface (i.e., electrical or mechanical)
    • Changes in firmware minor or major versions
    • Changes in country of origin

    The following are the Solar Stik Supplier Quality Team POC(s) to be notified by suppliers:

    • Primary: Jimmy Lewis, Director of Operations


    Effective date: 06-07-2019

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  • 13 North Leonardi Street, St Augustine, FL 32084
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Lead-acid Battery Testing

Battery Voltage
Battery voltage, or state of charge (SOC), of a lead-acid battery can be estimated by measuring the open (no load) battery terminal voltage using a digital voltmeter. Prior to measuring, the battery must have rested for 4 to 8 hours after charge or discharge and resided at a steady room temperature. With these conditions met, voltage measurements provide an amazingly accurate SOC for lead-acid batteries.

Specific Gravity
Specific gravity can be measured in wet-cell batteries with removable caps that provide access to the electrolyte. To measure specific gravity, you must use a tool called a temperature-compensating hydrometer, which can normally be purchased at an auto parts store or tool supply.

 

Load Testing
Load testing removes and measures the amps from a battery, similar to what happens when you start the engine of a car. Some battery companies label their battery with the amp load for testing. This number is usually about half of the CCA rating. A battery rated at 500 CCA would therefore be load-tested at 250 amps for 15 seconds.

A load test can only be performed if the battery is at or near a full charge. Some electronic load testers apply a 100-amp load for 10 seconds, and then display battery voltage. This number is then compared to a chart on the tester, which compares common load testing results to CCA ratings to determine battery condition.

LiFePO4

Solar Stik uses only lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery chemistry in its lithium-ion energy storage products because it has safety characteristics similar to lead-acid batteries. LiFePO4 uses a nonflammable electrolyte, so when it’s completely discharged it becomes inert, making it safe for users.

So why do we hear so much about dangerous lithium battery fires?

In some lithium-ion polymer batteries, improper charging and storing can cause the formation of crystalline “needles” that can puncture the internal separator, resulting in failure or fire. This is not the case with LiFePO4 batteries because the reactants that store the charge are not flammable. All other lithium battery chemistries are volatile, reactive, and flammable, and if they do overheat and catch fire, conventional halon fire extinguishers will not put out the fire.

Common LiFePO4 cell types include cylindrical and prismatic (LiFePO4 chemistry is not packaged in pouch cells, another lithium cell type). It is easy to see how these were named, as they are actual descriptions of their physical attributes; they look like what they sound like.

Cylindrical

LiFePO4 cylindrical cells are all made of the same basic components. Each cell, and the entire battery, is enclosed by a resilient plastic container. Inside the container there is a “rolled” foil, and between the foil there is a layer of permeable “separator” material. A safe, nonflammable electrolyte (unique to LiFePO4) is added to each cell and saturates the “foil” and “separator”. The battery terminals are typically threaded (rather than posts) so that heavier-duty connections can be made to the load.

LiFePO4 is slightly less powerful than other commercially available lithium chemistries, but for many applications, the safety of its chemistry makes it the best choice despite its lower energy density. A LiFePO4 battery can be installed safely in any orientation. Safety vent valves are usually not required because the battery management system (BMS) will not allow the battery to overheat and vent gasses.

History of Lithium-ion Batteries

Experimental lithium batteries were developed as early as 1912, but it took nearly 70 years before a commercial lithium battery was developed for a wide market. Today, lithium batteries are most associated with enhancing “portable” capabilities. For example, they are the standard battery technology for high performance in portable electronics ranging from cell phones to laptop computers. There is a diverse family of lithium chemistries available. At first glance, they might all seem to be the same, but there are exploitable, distinct differences between them. The unique nature of the various chemistries allows each type to fill special application niches.

Even with wide market adoption in the early 1990s, as societal demands for lightweight portable electronics was burgeoning, the high cost barrier and complexities in battery management circuits would prevent lithium batteries from being used widely in support of larger devices or in scaled energy-storage systems such as large vehicles or uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems.

Today, lithium battery technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Manufacturers, driven by demands from new applications, are constantly pushing the envelope by making changes in the chemistry and structure in search of improved battery life and greater energy density.

Lead-acid Batteries

Lead-acid batteries are the most commonly used batteries and come in several different configurations. The oldest of the lead-acid battery types are flooded-cell (or wet-cell) batteries and can be either the sealed or the open variety. In both types, the electrolyte evaporates due to charging, age, or ambient heat.

In the mid 1970s, a “maintenance-free” valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) battery was developed.

  • Can be used in any orientation

  • Liquid electrolyte is gelled into moistened lead plate-separators

  • Gelled electrolyte allows the case to be sealed

  • Safety valves allow venting during charge, discharge, and atmospheric pressure changes


VRLA batteries can be absorbed glass mat (AGM) or gel cells. Solar Stik uses AGM batteries in its lead-acid products.

Flooded Lead-acid Battery Configurations

Sealed Flooded Cells

  • Frequently found as starter batteries in cars
  • Electrolyte cannot be replenished
  • Battery has to be replaced when enough of the electrolyte has evaporated

Open Flooded Cells

  • Usually have removable caps that allow you to replace any evaporated electrolyte
  • Battery life is extended due to replaceable electrolyte

VRLA batteries remain under constant pressure of 1–4 psi. This pressure helps the recombination process during charging when more than 99% of the hydrogen and oxygen generated are turned back into water.

Unlike the flooded lead-acid battery, VRLA batteries are designed with a low overvoltage potential, which prohibits the battery from reaching its gas-generating potential during charge. This safeguard prevents excess charging, which would cause gassing and electrolyte depletion.

History of Lead-acid Batteries

Lead-acid is the oldest rechargeable battery technology in existence. Invented by the French physicist Gaston Planté in 1859, lead-acid was the first rechargeable battery to be used in commercial applications. More than one hundred fifty years later, we still have no real cost-effective alternatives for cars, boats, RVs, wheelchairs, scooters, golf carts, and UPS systems.

The lead-acid battery is still the most widely used 12 V energy storage device. A lead-acid battery is an electrical storage device that uses a chemical reaction to store and release energy. It uses a combination of lead plates and an electrolyte to convert electrical energy into potential chemical energy and back again.

There are many newer battery technologies available in the marketplace. However, lead-acid technologies are better understood and are widely accepted as the standard by which all other batteries are measured. Newer technologies often have operational constraints, including maximum and minimum operating temperatures and special charging requirements that make them less versatile and useful for the average consumer in everyday applications.

Flexible Solar PV Panels

Flexible solar PV panels fuse form factor with capability and deliver maximum power generation with minimum weight. Flexible panels use amorphous silicon or copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) thin-film technology, which can be used with many substrate options that allow flexible panels to be folded or rolled.

Solar Stik uses extremely rugged, paper-thin, flexible PV panels that can withstand harsh conditions.

Construction

As the name implies, thin-film solar PV cells lack the thickness of other PV technologies. Composed of a very thin layer of substance on a substrate, today’s thin-film cells are one percent as thick as the first manufactured silicon solar cells.

Portability

Foldable or rollable thin-film panels make storage and transport convenient. For low-power applications that require portability, thin-film solar PV panels are an excellent option.

Panel Types and Performances

Numerous thin-film solar PV technologies exist today. However, they are slightly less efficient than other types of PV cells, so more surface area is required to generate the same amount of power. Most thin-film panels are designed for single-device applications, like recharging a battery-operated device.

The two most common types of thin-film solar PV panels are amorphous silicon and copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS).

Amorphous Silicon Solar PV Panel

Amorphous silicon is the oldest thin-film technology and arguably the best. When laid on a substrate, amorphous silicon does not require a grid configuration to conduct electricity, allowing it to be used on large areas with ease. However, it does not conduct as well as crystalline silicon solar PV cells used in rigid panel technology because the connections between the silicon atoms are not as consistent. This inconsistency results in interrupted electron flow.

Numerous substrate materials can be used with amorphous silicon, making the technology highly adaptable. Polymer plastic is one option for substrate. Because polymer plastic is flexible and able to be folded or rolled, it excels in applications requiring ease of storage or transport.

Amorphous silicon solar PV panels perform better in low light intensities. This makes amorphous silicon a good choice for environments with interrupted sunlight or dusty conditions.

Rigid Solar PV Panels

Rigid solar PV panels are ideal for stationary applications that require maximum power and a small installation footprint. They are the first generation of solar PV panels, provide more power per square foot than other PV panel types, and are highly durable. Rigid panels do not degrade significantly over time, making them a good choice for long-term investment.

Solar Stik uses both multi- and monocrystalline, glass and non-glass—impact-resistant and shatterproof—rigid panels.

Rigid Solar PV Panels

Rigid solar PV panels are typically made of glass or non-glass panels and aluminum frames. Rigid panels are among the best performing panels, but their physical characteristics make them a poor choice for certain applications—especially when portable power is desired.

Portability

Travel and storage can be difficult because rigid panels often contain breakable glass and cannot be folded.

The Solar Stik system design overcomes many of the physical challenges associated with the rigid panels. This results in portable power systems that draw from the best available PV technology.

Panel Types and Performances

The two main types of rigid solar PV panels are monocrystalline and multi- or polycrystalline.

Monocrystalline Solar PV Panel

A rigid monocrystalline solar PV panel is distinctly recognizable by the arrangement of the individual solar PV cells (squares with no corners) that appears as a uniform, flat color.

Polycrystalline Solar PV Panel

The surface of a rigid multi- or polycrystalline solar PV panel has the appearance of a rectangular grid and more of a bluish speckled color.

Performance differences between rigid solar PV panels can be experienced in high operating temperatures and shaded conditions. Monocrystalline panels perform better in higher external temperatures and full sun. Multi- or polycrystalline panels suffer performance losses in higher heats but have slightly higher outputs compared to monocrystalline panels when the panel is partially shaded.

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Battery Management System (BMS)

The role of the battery management system (BMS) is simple: It controls the actual voltage of each cell, so that it doesn’t get too high or too low.

BMS means different things to different people. To most it is simply battery monitoring, keeping track of the key operational parameters—such as voltages, currents, and the battery internal and ambient temperature—during charging and discharging. The monitoring circuits normally provide inputs to protection devices which would generate alarms or disconnect the battery from the load or charger if any of the parameters stray out of limits.
There are three main objectives common to all BMS:
1Protect the cells or the battery from damage

2Prolong the life of the battery

3Maintain the battery in a state in which it can fulfill the functional requirements of the application

To achieve these objectives, the BMS may incorporate one or more of the following functions:

Cell Protection Protecting the battery from out of tolerance operating conditions is fundamental to all BMS applications. In practice the BMS must provide full cell protection to cover almost any eventuality. Operating a battery outside of its specified design limits will inevitably lead to failure of the battery. Apart from the inconvenience, the cost of replacing the battery can be prohibitive. This is particularly true for high voltage and high power automotive batteries which must operate in hostile environments and which at the same time are subject to abuse by the user.

Bricking a LiFePO4 Battery

As soon as the BMS senses that the cell voltage is too low to discharge, time is of the essence to place the batteries on charge. Failure to do this may cause a fatal error known as “bricking”. Once the batteries reach their internal disconnect voltage, the voltage can fall very rapidly in the internal cells, causing the battery to brick. This means that the battery cells are nonrecoverable, and the battery module must be replaced.

Specific Gravity

Specific gravity of the electrolyte can be defined as:

A measure of the density of the liquid electrolyte compared to the density of water at a specific temperature and pressure.

The chemical reaction takes place inside the pores of the active material on the battery’s lead plates. If the battery has just been charged, the electrolyte in the pores of these lead plates is very rich in sulfuric acid. As a result, the battery’s voltage will be high, perhaps as much as 13 to 14 volts. As the battery rests following a charge, its voltage slowly drops and then levels off as the electrolyte stabilizes its chemical state between the plates.

“Zero Gravity” by Scott Robinson is licensed under CC BY 2.0

A similar change in battery voltage occurs during discharge. During the battery discharge process, the electrolyte transfers its sulfur content to the lead plates. As the electrolyte loses sulfur, its specific gravity gets “lighter” or closer to that of water, indicating that the battery has been discharged. Because the specific gravity of the electrolyte is measurable, it can be used to determine the state of a battery’s charge and health. While a fully charged battery may read 12.68 volts, the voltage will drop and then stabilize at a somewhat lower value as a load is applied.

The change in voltage occurs even though the state of charge of the battery has not significantly changed. This is due to the local electrolyte in the pores of the plates becoming less rich in sulfur as the battery supplies current. As the battery discharges, electrolyte more like sulfuric acid enters the pores while electrolyte more like water exits the pores.

As discharge continues, the electrolyte in the pores eventually stabilizes at a specific gravity somewhat lower than the average value in the battery, producing the slightly lower battery voltage.

Capacity and CCA

The operational characteristics of the lead-acid battery can be explained best by the terms capacity and cold-cranking amps (CCA).

Capacity is the amount of energy a battery can store. It is usually given in amp hours (Ah), or the amount of current measured in amps that the battery can provide over a period of one hour before rendering the battery discharged.

The secret of any battery’s runtime lies in the battery’s plate capacity. During charging and discharging, the lead on the plates gets gradually eaten away and the sediment falls to the bottom. The service life of a lead-acid battery can be measured by the thickness of the positive plates. The thicker the plates, the longer the life will be and the more energy storage you can expect.

  • The plates of automotive starter batteries are about 0.040 in (1 mm) thick.
  • Forklift batteries may have plates that exceed 0.250 in (6 mm).
  • A typical golf cart battery has plates that are 0.07–0.11 in (1.8–2.8 mm) thick.

The weight of a battery is another good indicator of the lead content and the life expectancy. Generally speaking, the heavier the battery, the more lead it contains and the longer it will last.

Most industrial flooded deep-cycle batteries use lead-antimony plates. Antimony is a metal that stiffens the lead plate and helps prevent battery failure due to structural failure of a plate. This improves the plate’s life but increases gassing and water loss. Antimony is not necessary in AGM batteries due to the rigid construction of the overall battery.

1953 automotive lead-acid battery

High CCA
High-CCA
Low CCA
Low-CCA

Cold-cranking amps (CCA) is the amount of energy a battery can deliver in short bursts. It is the maximum amount of current (amps) that a battery can deliver at 0 °F for 30 seconds without dropping below 7.2 volts. A high CCA battery rating is good, especially in cold weather. Starter batteries are often rated in CCA and are designed to deliver a short-duration burst of power, such as that required to start a vehicle.

Age and environmental conditions can affect the capacity and the CCA. As a battery ages, capacity and CCA will not degrade at the same rate. CCA tends to stay high through most of the battery’s life, but it drops quickly towards the end. If you drive a car, you’ve probably experienced this when, near the end of the battery’s life, suddenly the battery won’t start the car in the morning.

High Capacity
High Capacity
Aged
Aged

Capacity decreases gradually. A new battery is designed to deliver 100% of its rated capacity. As the battery ages, the capacity steadily drops and it should be replaced when its ability to store power falls below 70% of its original rating.

The overall health of a battery is most directly related to its capacity, not its CCA. As noted before, the CCA remains within the optimal range for most of a battery’s life, so performance and health declines will be most notable in the loss of capacity.

The illustration shows two fully charged lead-acid batteries, one with a high capacity and one that has aged. The buildup of visible “rock content” (crystalline formation, also called sulfation or memory) due to aging robs the battery of usable capacity, although the battery may still provide good cranking power.

Appliance Efficiency

Appliance efficiency is also known as load efficiency. As appliances consume less power, power source requirements also change. When designing a portable power system, purchasing highly efficient components can provide many benefits.

Appliance loads can often be matched to the electrical characteristics of the circuit. This will increase the system’s overall efficiency by allowing direct connection to the circuit without the need for additional power management devices to aid in the function.

The fewer management components used in a system, the more efficiently it will operate. For example, components such as inverters, converters, or similar devices used in a circuit to “adapt” appliances for use in a particular electrical circuit themselves require power to operate, and thus the total power required to operate the appliance is increased.

For example, a 12-volt direct current (DC) electrical circuit powered by a 12 V battery can directly support a refrigerator that also operates at 12 VDC. This setup will transfer power through the circuit more efficiently than if the refrigerator requires 120 V alternating current (AC) power. In the latter example, an inverter would be required.

It is prudent to shop around when looking for appliances because power consumption varies among models even within a particular appliance class. Purchasing an energy-efficient device can be more expensive up front, but could mean future savings in energy costs as well as a flexibility of use that makes the device compatible with a variety of portable power sources. When purchasing an electrical appliance, remember to ask if a 12 VDC adapter is available for the product.

Inverter Waveforms

PSW Power Inverters

A pure sine (also referred to as a sinusoidal) wave can be produced by rotating machinery (a generator). This is the type of waveform provided by electric utility companies. This type of power is available anywhere an outlet is tied to the power grid, such as in homes or businesses.

A PSW inverter reproduces this waveform through the use of advanced internal circuitry.

Advantages of PSW Inverters

  • Is compatible with household AC power
  • Is the best type of waveform for all AC electrical appliances
  • Eliminates interference, noise, and overheating
  • Reduces audible and electrical noise in fans, fluorescent lights, electronics gear, and magnetic circuit breakers
  • Prevents crashes in computers, unreadable printouts from printers, and glitches and noise in monitoring equipment
  • Can be efficiently electronically protected from overload, over- and undervoltage, and overtemperature conditions.
  • Allows inductive loads like microwave ovens and variable-speed motors to operate properly, quietly, and without overheating
  • Enables appliances that use pure sine wave power to produce full output

Disadvantages of PSW Inverters

  • More expensive than modified sine wave power inverters
  • Physically larger than modified sine wave power inverters

MSW Power Inverters

A modified sine wave (also referred to as non-sinusoidal or step-wave) inverter is different from a pure sine wave power inverter because the modified waveform output is step-shaped.

AC appliances that are not specifically designed to work with this type of inverter waveform output may take more power to operate, thereby reducing the efficiency of the entire electrical system. For example, some appliance motors may produce more heat and burn out when they are operating.

Other appliances that use electronic controls will not be able to vary speed or temperature when using modified sine wave power. Some fluorescent lighting may not get as bright or may make buzzing noises. Appliances with digital clocks or electronic timers may not work properly with this type of inverter because the waves are rougher and cause extra noise to be created in the circuitry.

The following appliances may experience problems when operated from MSW inverters:

  • Electronic equipment
  • Audio systems
  • Wall-mounted light dimmers
  • Corded power tools with variable speed controls
  • Some battery chargers for cordless tools
  • Devices with speed or microprocessor controls
  • Medical equipment
  • Lamp dimmers

Advantages of MSW Inverters

  • Substantially less expensive than pure sine wave inverters
  • Readily available and commonly used in the marketplace for items other than medical equipment and sensitive electronics
  • Smaller in physical size for the same power output as its pure sine wave counterpart

Disadvantages of MSW Inverters

  • Lower quality construction
  • Not compatible with all AC appliances

Categories of Inverters

Low-wattage Inverters

Most vehicle starting batteries will support a low-wattage inverter for short time periods. Actual operating time will vary depending on the age and condition of the battery, the Ah capacity of the battery, and the AC appliance powered by the inverter. If you use a low-wattage inverter that is powered through a DC accessory socket, and the vehicle engine is turned off, you should periodically run the engine to recharge the battery.

Medium- and High-wattage Inverters

It is strongly recommended that only deep-cycle batteries be used for any inverter with a continuous output of 200 W or more. This will ensure that you have several hundred complete charge and discharge cycles. If you use a normal vehicle starting battery to support a medium- or high-wattage inverter, it will quickly fail after repeated charge/discharge cycles (since starting batteries are not designed to perform this type of work).

When the inverter operates power-hungry appliances with continuous loads for extended periods, it will drain the battery to the point where the battery has insufficient energy to support the inverter. In these cases, it’s a good idea to have additional deep-cycle batteries available to extend the appliance operating time.

Lead-acid Batteries

Lead-acid batteries are the most commonly used batteries and come in several different configurations. The oldest of the lead-acid battery types are flooded-cell (or wet-cell) batteries and can be either the sealed or the open variety. In both types, the electrolyte evaporates due to charging, age, or ambient heat.

In the mid 1970s, a “maintenance-free” valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) battery was developed.

  • Can be used in any orientation
  • Liquid electrolyte is gelled into moistened lead plate-separators
  • Gelled electrolyte allows the case to be sealed
  • Safety valves allow venting during charge, discharge, and atmospheric pressure changes


VRLA batteries can be absorbed glass mat (AGM) or gel cells. Solar Stik uses AGM batteries in its lead-acid products.

VRLA batteries remain under constant pressure of 1–4 psi. This pressure helps the recombination process during charging when more than 99% of the hydrogen and oxygen generated are turned back into water.

Unlike the flooded lead-acid battery, VRLA batteries are designed with a low overvoltage potential, which prohibits the battery from reaching its gas-generating potential during charge. This safeguard prevents excess charging, which would cause gassing and electrolyte depletion.

History of Lead-acid Batteries

Lead-acid is the oldest rechargeable battery technology in existence. Invented by the French physicist Gaston Planté in 1859, lead-acid was the first rechargeable battery to be used in commercial applications. More than one hundred fifty years later, we still have no real cost-effective alternatives for cars, boats, RVs, wheelchairs, scooters, golf carts, and UPS systems.

The lead-acid battery is still the most widely used 12 V energy storage device. A lead-acid battery is an electrical storage device that uses a chemical reaction to store and release energy. It uses a combination of lead plates and an electrolyte to convert electrical energy into potential chemical energy and back again.

There are many newer battery technologies available in the marketplace. However, lead-acid technologies are better understood and are widely accepted as the standard by which all other batteries are measured. Newer technologies often have operational constraints, including maximum and minimum operating temperatures and special charging requirements that make them less versatile and useful for the average consumer in everyday applications.

Heart of the System

Lead-acid Batteries

Lead-acid batteries are commonly made of five basic components:

  • A resilient plastic container
  • Positive and negative internal plates made of lead
  • Plate separators made of porous synthetic material
  • Electrolyte, or a diluted solution of sulfuric acid and water, known as battery acid
  • Battery terminals—the connection point between the battery and the load that requires the battery’s power

A battery cell is a container in which electrolyte and lead plates can interact. The electrolyte is usually a solution made up of 35% sulfuric acid and 65% water. The lead plates are treated with lead oxide and powdered sulfates to give them their positive and negative properties.

When the positive and negative lead plates are submerged in the battery’s electrolyte, a chemical reaction occurs. This reaction causes electrons to flow between the lead plates. The negative lead plate builds up an excess of electrons in a process called oxidation. This causes an electrical difference between the negative plate and positive plate.

The extra electrons on the negative lead plate want to displace the electrons on the positive plate in a process called reduction. However, the electrolyte solution of sulfuric acid and water ensures the electrons cannot travel directly to the positive plate. When the circuit is closed (with the help of a “conductive path”, or load, between the negative and positive plates), the electrons are able to travel to the positive plate. This, in turn, provides power to any appliance placed along the path.

This electrochemical process can be summarized as a reversible transfer of sulfate between the water and the lead plates during charging and discharging. As the battery is discharged, sulfate in the solution combines chemically with the lead plates of the battery to form lead sulfate. As the plates accumulate this sulfate, the electrolyte solution becomes more like water and less like sulfuric acid. The reverse occurs as the battery is charged. As charging current flows into the battery, the battery plates revert back to their original condition and the electrolyte reverts back to its original sulfuric acid content.

Lithium-ion Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are made of the following basic components:

  • A cell in which the active materials can interact
  • A negative electrode typically made of carbon
  • A positive electrode of metal oxide
  • A separator material
  • An electrolyte of lithium salt in an organic solvent (web)

The exact chemistry is often patented and proprietary to each battery maker.

When a charge is applied to a lithium-ion battery, electrons flow between the internal components. The basis of this reaction is the lithium metal binding and unbinding with the other chemicals in the electrodes at the ionic level. As power is drawn out of the battery, the metal moves from one electrode to the other, and when the battery is charged, it moves back to the original state. The metallic lithium ions literally move through the separator material.