Several computer repair stores locally save laptop battery packs for me. I buy them for salvage / recycle prices, and break them down for the individual cells they contain. About six of these cells will need to be reset, and maybe three will test bad, so I will get about 60 good cells. With the five dollar cost, and some plastic pipe, I have a 25 amp, 24 volt battery. These cells are rated for 15,000 deep cycles, of which 1000 are likely used. This leaves slightly over 38 years use, at a deep cycle every day. Each 2.5 amp, 24 volt battery stick will cost me about a dollar. I will install about 350 of these sticks, to run my lake area homestead. If I buy new cells to make my batteries, they will cost me about two dollars a battery for the batteries only. Here is a picture of the cells salvaged from one trip.
