Sam's club Deka 6 volt golf cart...best bang for the buck. They have two versions that use the same case and it is better to get the slightly lower amp ones so the plates have extra room to shed inside the case...think they were $80-90 each when I got them. A guy bought 30 of them while I bought mine. With a larger solar system, a fork lift battery is a good option. Lead acid batteries tend to swoop down in power under load and then increase in voltage when load is taken off them so they are not used for stable power system (like ham radios etc.). A lithium ion battery is the best but very costly. When starting out, the Sam's club batteries are best because beginners always make mistakes and having a bunch of inexpensive separate batteries is better than frying a few big name brand batteries like Trojan, Rolls etc.. I have a solar controller that does everything automatically so I just have to add water now and then and keep snow etc off my panels. I have been on solar for going on to 10 years and totally happy with it..no electric monthly bill and pretty much guaranteed no power outages. The. Cost of electricity in Maine has recently had a large price hike and power outages from storms is common place. I have multiple types of back up generators that are seldom used. I have a Miller welder generator and use that for air compressor and shop tools and heavy loads. I have electrical experience so I know how to set up the whole thing.
