When your batteries bad, you may still read the proper voltage with a voltmeter when under charge or off. In order to test a battery properly, it should be done with either a load on it or by using battery-testing equipment.

Batteries used in most standby equipment such as UPS systems, alarm systems, or emergency lighting, etc. will have a low voltage disconnect (LVD) that will disconnect the battery from being discharged below 87.5% of nominal voltage.

Example 1: A 12 Volt Battery, 87.5% of nominal voltage is 10.5 volts. Thus a 12V battery will stop discharging from at the low voltage disconnect (LVD) at 10.5 volts.

Example 2: 4 pieces 12V batteries are connected side by side in series. They will produce 48 Volts together. 48V X 87.5% =42V, this system will be disconnected from the circuit from the LVD at 42V.

Never replace a partial string of batteries! This is not kidding, it's true! When you put new batteries in a series with old batteries, they will inherit the characteristics of the older batteries and will go bad much sooner and require replacement much sooner. It will cost more in the long run. The charger will see the series as a single battery. The new batteries in such series may over r under charging and causing premature failure. The equipment may be less reliable too.

With the Australian Government's upcoming new solar panel credits program, you can get up to a $7,500 off a 1.5kW solar energy and wind power system

The Solar Credits scheme was announced by Minister for the Environment Peter Garrett on 17 December 2008 and scheduled to commence on July 1 2009. The new solar credit program will replace the current Solar Homes and Communities Program solar rebate scheme which will end on June 30, 2009.

The Solar Credits Scheme will be calculated using a 5 X multiplication factor that will be applied to the current Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) formula which currently generates around 20 certificates for the maximum 1kW system.

RECs are traded on a carbon exchange for around $44 per certificate and is offered to the homeowner as a point of sale discount by a Solar reseller or installer.

Once the 5 x Solar Credits multiplication factor is applied to the revised maximum 1.5kW system, the forecasted rebate will be around $7,500.

HomePowerAdvisor is offering a free copy of “101 Ways to Living Greener” to help you have a green life.

With the 21 pages report, you can

• Learn how to live a greener life.
• Protect the environment.
• Save money.
• Reduce our dependence on non-renewable resources.
• Learn about wind and solar power.

Please visit http://www.HomePowerAdvisor.com to get you own copy.

Important Reminder: The Australian Government's  Solar Homes and Communities Plan $8,000 cash rebate for grid connect solar power will end June 30 2009. That means you only have just about 1 month left to sign up!

After June 2009, the Solar Credits Program will be launched.  For householders eligible for the current rebate, please be a aware that under the new solar credits program you will receive thousands of dollars less in financial assistance on a 1 kW grid connect solar power system - so get in quick -  1 month will fly by!

As with many government rebates there are some conditions attached.

1. The rebate is $8000 for a 1kW system.
2. The rebate is capped at $ 8000, meaning if you want to buy a system bigger than 1kW, such as a 2kW system, the 2nd kW will not attract any rebate support.
3. The rebate only applies if you install the system at your principal place of residence.
4. Since the 2008 Federal Budget, the rebate became means tested for residential connections and now only households earning less than $100 000 per annum in taxable income (Taxable income is all income earned in one household minus deductions) can receive the rebate.