Is it OK to extend the Absorb stage of charging

[Rngr275]

Turns out you don't get a lot of charging in the winter... even on a pretty much sunny day! Not

My specific gravity has been running a little on the low side. (1.250-1.265) Do you think it would be OK for the next month or so during the depths of winter to set up my classics in the following manner:
ABS Voltage/Trojan=59.2
Set max ABS time to say 5hrs (no way I can get that much during December and January)
Set EA to around 10 amps (~1.5% of my 740AH battery bank)
No Varimax
Follow me on.

Trying to drive/keep my SG up. I will be keeping a close eye on the water level. Temperature has not been an issue... in my 50degree cellar.

I notice the other day: The batteries were not discharged very much, had Varimax on and follow me on, EA=14A, Min ABS=30min, Max ABS=4hr. The absorb only lasted an hour or so before they went to Float. A quick check of the SG showed that the batteries could have taken a much longer ABS (SG~1.26... Full charge SG=1.277).

What do you think?

[Vic]

Hi Rngr..

Well what is often called Opportunity Charging is what you propose,  and just for the situation that you note.  We usually do run short on PV power in the short days of Fall/Winter.  As to the voltage,  experimentation and daily SG measurements will tell all  ...  am ceratin that these Trojan batts are FLA ... perhaps REBs?

Believe that you (must) have a genset,  and  would also suggest that you increase the inverter's Charger Abs V as well,  for those occasions where you run the genset long enough to spend time in Absorb.  Thank goodness the the MN Classics include Remote Temp Sensors,  but also make ceratin that all chargers also have RTSes,  on the same battery as those for the Classic(S),  IMHO.

And still,  there will probably be a number of days when your chargers will not get out of Bulk,   but a higher Abs V  will help the bank get more charge on those days when you do get into Absorb.   And,  YES  do keep a careful eye on water levels.

My opinions,   Vic