Other than decreased resistance, is there any benifit to a 24 volt vs a 12 volt system?

Question

I am setting up a battery buffered system where no wires will be longer than a couple feet. I can set this up either 12 or 24 volt.
This is a continuiously running system, however the charger will only be in use part of the time.

120v in (batt charger) > 12v or 24v batt bank > inverter > 120v out

Are inverters more efficient at higher input voltages?
This is in Alaska, is higher voltage less susseptible to cold?
Is there benifit to more storage or more volts?

Answer 1

I believe the difference in Lead acid batterys is simply the Number of plates.Nearly all commercial Batterys are 24v. I Think the reliability of redundent plates in a monolithic stratum (Shell) is why 24v is preferred. What it sounds to me is U need to figure for the load/recovery cycle which factors such as temperature and specific gravity. As far as your load factors relavent to your alaska temperatures is that the colder the temperature the less resistance there is, plan for your service to be at continuous load at the warmer temperature. My experiance is the higher voltage is more efficient (quicker rsponse) in passives but your charger should be boosted accordingly!

Answer 2

24 volt system will give you less voltage drop. Most larger inverters require 24 or 48 volt battery banks. The wiring can be much smaller size also.

Answer 3

Most electronics, such as inverters, are more efficient with higher input voltages.

Answer 4

For the same power you have half the current and so you can use smaller cable sections which are cheaper