I have been gradually collecting the various pieces and will start putting together my Outback system soon. The power is for a barn/shop in coastal, northern California. My initial question is off topic with specific reference to Outback products, but I am hopeful this forum will be helpful here and in the future.
My first question...I have four of the larger size 6 volt batteries (equivalent to the Trojan L-16) for my system. My concern is hydrogen venting. I am retired chemistry prof, so I know about hydrogen generation when charging, its density, and battery voltage vs. temperature. Key question, would forum members recommend the batteries inside or outside. I have made a nice plywood box for them, and it is currently vented in a way to allow the hydrogen to escape from the top with fresh air in the bottom. I have a covered area outside, and it would handy to be able to wash things down outside, etc. By it being a barn/shop, my interior temp isn't a lot different than outside, and the climate is mild in terms of essentially never freezing temps. Some calculations indicate negligible hydrogen from these batteries. However, I read in one place about someone that had an explosion when I grinder spark found its way to the battery box.
Any suggestions appreciated. Take care,