Chris Harper wrote in a message to Roy J. Tellason:
 CH> Should I go with deep cycle batteries for the system, or could 
 CH> I just use car batteries? 
Of course,  you want deep cycle batteries...
 CH> Are both lead-acid types? 
Yeah.  The difference is in the internal structure.
 CH> I know the car batteries are. Which require the least 
 CH> maintenance, which last longest?
Deep cycle batteries will last a good long time in the sort of application 
you're describing here,  car batteries won't.  Maintenance depends on a lot 
of factors,  like temperature,  what alloys are used in the battery,  how 
often and how fast and how far they're discharged/charged,  and other stuff.
 CH> How much total KW storage capacity would you suggest I have? I 
 CH> would think I'd need a week's worth, for stormy seasons, but 
 CH> the fuel generator could reduce that need. But I'd rather only 
 CH> use that for emergencies, instead of reduction of storage 
 CH> capacity needs.
I think that you're going to need to spend some time there and find out what 
your needs are really going to be like,  as well as what the conditions are 
before you'll be able to come up with an answer for that one.
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