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diy solar

diy solar

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  • Post in thread: Standing on the shoulders of others

    It is a journey. Learning as much as you can and wondering if you will ever arrive. Would not be in this position if it weren’t for the unselfish and ever helpful members who frequent this site. While members have transitioned through the years there are still some who continue to help...
  • Post in thread: Movable Solar panel cart

    Last weekend I was lugging around a solar panel, trying to see what locations would provide good solar input. After lifting it for the xxx th time, I decided to make a cart, or dolly to move it around. It is not finished but I thought I would share progress as I go. The panel is slightly...
  • Post in thread: DIY LiFePO4 Cost Analysis - February 2022 Edition

    Perhaps it is best to step back and consider things. Will is simply telling us the view of the market from the sales that he is seeing. Nothing more, nothing less. His videos were what inspired many of us to pursue the DIY approach. They are all still there for anyone to see. The fact that...
  • Post in thread: Who is still building DIY batteries

    Ok. There are plenty of discussions on UL ratings and cost comparisons of DIY vs prebuilt batteries. What I want to know is who is still doing DIY and the reasons you chose this approach. I will go first. At first it was the only thing going. Later it was for the challenge and satisfaction...
  • Post in thread: Too many projects, now where did I put that...

    How about that specialized tool that magically shows up after you purchase another one?
  • Post in thread: Cell prices coming down

    Repeat after me. This is just for fun. I can stop anytime I want….
  • Post in thread: What lessons have you learned working with solar?

    If your panels are off line for maintenance you can be sure every day they are down it will be clear with sunny skies. Or at least it will feel that way.
  • Post in thread: What lessons have you learned working with solar?

    As soon as you “finish” your project you will think about upgrading x, y and z.
  • Post in thread: What was your most interesting recent non solar project?

    Wasn't sure where to place this. We all have a strong interest in solar and countless threads are written on the topic. I was curious what other interests and projects others have worked on that they found interesting. Recently I found myself learning the details of a modern hot water heater...
  • Post in thread: JKBMS Inverter Edition Problems/Issues | No Support / Help to fix major issues. - DO NOT BUY ! Warning (as of Oct.12.2024)

    Thank you @Steve_S. Your efforts to help have been greatly appreciated both for this project and the countless ways you have helped others over the years!
  • Post in thread: What lessons have you learned working with solar?

    No matter how many times you have purchased wire lugs, you will always be one or two short on that next build.
  • Post in thread: What lessons have you learned working with solar?

    Ok. I appreciate that we have a wide range of experiences on this forum. Some are looking at it for the first time, others are planning their system and some are seasoned veterans. Also, there are many different systems out there. The purpose of this thread is NOT to promote any vendor or...
  • Post in thread: My 24v Stand alone system as UPS, Solar input WIP

    This will be a work in process as I figure out the ins and outs of this methodology. Apologies if images are not visible to some, I am still learning. This is phase I of a two phase project. The first part of the project included building what amounts to a UPS. At the top of the photo you...
  • Post in thread: Thermal Energy Storage

    There was an apprentice mechanic who had the opportunity to work with a senior car mechanic for a few days. At the end of the time period the mechanic expressed his respect for the abilities of the senior mechanic. He asked the senior mechanic what allowed him to have such success. The senior...
  • Post in thread: Biting the bullet. Doubling my battery capacity $$$$$$

    Can one "Really" have enough battery power? I am finalizing my build on my third DIY pack and found myself looking at current pricing on EVE cells. As I said in another thread, this can be addictive...
  • Post in thread: My build thread

    Like a kid in a candy store…. Guess we really don’t grow up. Our toys just get more expensive.
  • Post in thread: DIY LiFePO4 Cost Analysis - February 2022 Edition

    Gosh. Embarking on this pathway has given me permission to get new toys, I mean tools.
  • Post in thread: What lessons have you learned working with solar?

    Will did a number of videos on milk crate power systems. They were fun to watch and very informative. These were small systems but did a nice job of introducing the topic and allowed one to get on board and were fairly inexpensive. I had the experience of releasing the magic smoke on a BMS...
  • Post in thread: What was your most interesting recent non solar project?

    Starting a project is easy. Now finishing it is the real trick. The last ten percent seems to take 90 percent of the time.
  • Post in thread: LTO battery fire

    Regardless of the chemistry used it is a good reminder to review the basics. Good for us all: 1. Ensure proper connections, recheck as needed. 2. Include adequate fuses and breakers 3. Make sure wire size and capacities are above the required or expected loads 4. Consider a technical review by...
  • Post in thread: What lessons have you learned working with solar?

    If buying from China with boat ship, and the item is a great price, doesn't hurt to add a spare to the shipment. That spare BMS or other component might prove invaluable in the future and save both time and money in the long run.
  • Post in thread: Full Disclosure

    I purchased a batch of Solar Panels from SS a while back. The delivery went flawlessly. So far they perform better than expected. I for one am one of the satisfied buyers. Will allows buyers the freedom to choose their own vendor. I respect that. One can also utilize one of his links if they...
  • Post in thread: Dad Jokes (let's hear your worst! ;-)

    For years I’ve suspected my wife of adding soil to my garden. When I asked about it she just shrugged. The plot thickens…
  • Post in thread: Full Disclosure

    Should have seen my face when I fired up my inverter for the first time. I’m sure everyone has felt that way during their own build. That is why we are on this journey. Reason I appreciate this forum. So much to learn. So much support.
  • Post in thread: Who is still building DIY batteries

    I enclosed mine and covered with a sheet of polycarbonate. Has been a lifesaver and offers a place to set something safely while working
  • Post in thread: Which one of you is this?

    Cmon. All that money and couldn’t get extension cords to match the exterior color?
  • Post in thread: Lessons learned

    A lot of time has passed since I first started this journey. I am reminded of a quote from Thomas Edison. "Genius is 1 percent inspiration, 99 percent perspiration". Here are some lessons learned from this project: 1. Use this forum for information. From a distance everything seems easy...
  • Post in thread: 2024 YouTube Video Ideas

    Perhaps for the DIY crowd a video reviewing the basic usage of a multimeter, crimper, resistance tester, etc and indications when each would be used.
  • Post in thread: Too many projects, now where did I put that...

    OK. Perhaps I am the only one. I have more than one project going on right now. Between a bathroom remodel and a portable build I have tools distributed in creative places to help me get things done. As a result the neat and orderly has well, sort of lost its place. Currently looking for a wire...
  • Post in thread: Cell prices coming down

    There is an old saying. "A bird in the hand is better than two in the bush". The ones currently owned are performing their duty as expected. I have older computer equipment that is now outdated. However it served me well during the years of usage.
  • Post in thread: Who is still building DIY batteries

    A couple of years ago I was intrigued with the prebuilt boxes that were out there. Packaging was nice, easy to use, etc, etc. On the other hand, the knowledge and experience I have gotten with the DIY path has been invaluable. If I have a bad cell for some reason I can trade it out. My first...
  • Post in thread: Dad Jokes (let's hear your worst! ;-)

    There’s a new Fleetwood Mac GPS out, but it’s absolutely useless. Every time I try to get directions it says “You can go your own way “
  • Post in thread: Portable Victron Power Station operational

    Have breaker box wired in. Still need to connect outlet strips. Still trying to attach the AC input. It is 12 awg, tried doubling it but it won’t hold in the tension inputs. That was one of the advantages of the Multiplus, it had screws to hold things together. Still need to run the wire from...
  • Post in thread: Luyuan battery case

    It is said that a picture says a thousand words. Very grateful to @Steve_S for his helpful photos. Here is another photo of the inside panel. If it helps one person then it was worthwhile.
  • Post in thread: LTO battery fire

    There have been multiple times where I have enthusiastically presented something. Sometimes I get a thumbs up. Other times I decided to swallow my pride because the critique while difficult to swallow was spot on. There is nothing wrong with trying new things. That is why we are here. We are...
  • Post in thread: Dad Jokes (let's hear your worst! ;-)

    I once crossed a alligator with a homing pigeon. I’m afraid it might come back to bite me one day.
  • Post in thread: CATL 271Ah cell issues.

    I want to mirror that. Many of us have been watching this forum for a long time now. We only put down our money after trust was developed. If someone requested a refund, they quickly reported that it was received. Others receiving the products they requested were quick to comment on their...
  • Post in thread: What is your favorite off grid device-appliance-gadget?

    Not really low power but picked up an induction hot plate. Cooks much faster than the electric stove. While max power is 1800 watts, there are other lower settings as well.
  • Post in thread: Off grid people ill-prepared

    Wealth is a tricky thing. The more I have, the more there is to maintain. However there are advantages to having extras in case of failure, etc.. There are several forms of wealth I consider invaluable. The first is health. A second is knowledge.
  • Post in thread: Dad Jokes (let's hear your worst! ;-)

    I got carded at the liquor store and my Blockbuster card accidentally fell out. The cashier said “never mind “
  • Post in thread: Why is solar so damn difficult?

    Scale is an important consideration. I started small. After considerable study I ordered my batteries. Slow boat was the only option at the time so it gave me more time to study. I read and reviewed other builds on this forum. There is a lot to look at and learn from. My system is only a 3k...
  • Post in thread: Who is still building DIY batteries

    This is one of my fixtures. It contains two 8s batteries which are separated from each other. There is a section of hardiboard between the two batteries. Each cell is insulated from each other. The positive end connects to a custom made pure copper bus bar that then connects the the main...
  • Post in thread: Dad Jokes (let's hear your worst! ;-)

    Why don't ants ever get sick? They have antibodies.
  • Post in thread: What lessons have you learned working with solar?

    Make sure I have had my coffee on board before connecting electrical components.
  • Post in thread: Luyuan battery case

    Please ignore the messy work space. I decided to place high strength aluminum tubes between mine. Basically overkill but they do allow great air flow. These are on rollers and can be rolled out of the project area fairly easily.
  • Post in thread: Wondering why're many people still building 12/24v system ?

    One of my favorite experiences was a canoe and portage trip with my oldest son with Scouting. We went with a small group to the Adirondacks of New York. It was one of the most challenging but rewarding 50 mile trips I have ever taken. Took all our gear in our canoes and backpacks. Filtered our...
  • Post in thread: Dirty Electricity Reduction

    Actually my guess is that the electricity generated by many inverters is much cleaner than than what comes through the grid in some areas.
  • Post in thread: Portable Victron Power Station operational

    Still needs a couple of tweaks. Looking for work to do.
  • Post in thread: Movable Solar panel cart

    Latest update. Blends well with the yard.
  • Post in thread: Portable Victron Power Station operational

    So here is the build with the dolly in tilt mode. Will require some tweaks to the wood frame to get everything just right but in this position it is about as heavy as pushing a shopping cart:
  • Post in thread: Winter storm 1/2025

    So considering this forum: Batteries topped off = check Gas in vehicles and generators = check Flashlights with fresh batteries = check
  • Post in thread: Dad Jokes (let's hear your worst! ;-)

    This winter my landlord said they wanted to come over to discuss my high heating bills... I replied my door is always open.
  • Post in thread: Future of DIY LiFePO4 looks bleak…

    Have seen reports where a Bms on a prebuilt needed replacement. This can also happen with DIY. Benefits of having DIY skills however is that one knows how to troubleshoot and repair either. When I DIY I know exactly how mine is built and how to fix it if needed. Did I also mention that it was...
  • Post in thread: Dad Jokes (let's hear your worst! ;-)

    Nurse: Have you had a recent loss of taste? Patient: No I have always dressed like this.
  • Post in thread: JKBMS Inverter Edition Problems/Issues | No Support / Help to fix major issues. - DO NOT BUY ! Warning (as of Oct.12.2024)

    I just performed a full battery tear down of my 24v build. These were supposed Grade A CATL cells that have been running on an Overkill BMS. I suspect these were more likely B or less cells. Having said that the Overkill could just not keep the cells working properly together where my third pack...
  • Post in thread: Dad Jokes (let's hear your worst! ;-)

    What is an Astronaut’s favorite part of a computer? The space bar…
  • Post in thread: Dad Jokes (let's hear your worst! ;-)

    I like to talk about my pet penguin whenever I meet someone new. It's a great ice breaker...
  • Post in thread: Portable Victron Power Station operational

    Reason I chose the multi position dolly. A milk crate system would be much lighter. This build met several objectives. A redundant Multiplus for my existing system. A plug compatible battery pack for my existing system. The ability to tie into my portable solar panel, BMS consistent with...
  • Post in thread: What is your favorite off grid device-appliance-gadget?

    It is said that firewood warms you several times...
  • Post in thread: Portable Victron Power Station operational

    Ok. The verdict is in. It Will run this air conditioner without any difficulty. However these things EAT electricity for breakfast. I estimated 3.5 to maybe 4 hours based on battery usage.
  • Post in thread: Full Disclosure

    If you go to a well known on line store you can see star ratings for products. Even the best products will usually have some 1 and 2 star ratings. Every new company goes through growing pains. In other threads SS has stated that it continues to strive towards better support. One of the...
  • Post in thread: Who is still building DIY batteries

    I did want to add that nothing beats a good system like timeless reading, asking questions and starting small with practical experience.
  • Post in thread: Fed-UP with Fed-"Ex"

    We has a delivery by UPS earlier this year. When the delivery person arrived, my wife had just fallen and injured herself. The UPS person helped assist by calling EMS and helping her get something my wife needed as well as delivering the packages. All in all it probably set her back about 15...
  • Post in thread: Wondering why're many people still building 12/24v system ?

    Very happy at 24v. Meets the needs and allows flexibility if fewer panels are used. It is also easier to move the DIY battery cases LOL. If one were starting from scratch I could see how 48v could be appealing. Each level 12/24/48 has its own unique challenges.
  • Post in thread: Winter storm 1/2025

    We have power, we have heat, we have water, we have cell service. Internet is down in our region. You would think it was the end of the world, sigh…
  • Post in thread: Dad Jokes (let's hear your worst! ;-)

    I told the doctor I broke my arm in two places. He said to stay away from those places.
  • Post in thread: 2nd Buy from Amy Wan/Luyuan

    I'm glad you are happy. For all of us that is the main objective. Thank you as well for this thread. When I purchase cells I personally am looking at the stated capacity as the goal. The old tests performed by Will followed a similar approach and if the assembled battery met cell capacity (e.g...
  • Post in thread: Dad Jokes (let's hear your worst! ;-)

    My friend asked me to make a donation to the neighborhood pool. I gave them a glass of water.
  • Post in thread: What lessons have you learned working with solar?

    When you buy wire, get the good stuff. When in doubt go with the larger gauge. You will sleep better. Also get extra. You WILL find a use for it. Most importantly use quality fuses and or breakers. They help protect those precious copper strands and other things in the area.
  • Post in thread: How can Current Connected improve?

    And on the flip side being honest during the sale and steering one away from a component that is not compatible with the build. James, the tech pointed this out during the purchase process. Really appreciated the honesty.
  • Post in thread: What lessons have you learned working with solar?

    Naturally planning for power needs beforehand is invaluable. Having said that, performing a dry run of your system can be an eye opening experience. It is good to test it against basic items to see how it performs. In my case I ran a test with basic lighting and a freezer and compared usage with...
  • Post in thread: EVE Official Alibaba Store, the end of Luyuan and other alibaba sellers?

    I prefer to buy from someone who provides excellent service both before and after the sale. That is why I personally buy from Amy
  • Post in thread: Luyuan battery case

    Nice visuals. Thank you for sharing! I am going to craft a mounting plate for my BMS since it will be on a portable build. I will also be keeping my cells upright. Thanks for weighing yours. There is a bit of weight to these.
  • Post in thread: Movable solar panel cart version 2 in progress

    Twins.
  • Post in thread: Can I use regular electrical cables instead of solar cables for my portable 100W panel?

    So had an interesting conversion today with someone who had purchased some of the Patriot solar generators (mini battery packs). They were hoping to use them to power important items in the home. Bottom line, nice idea but don't think they had any idea how much power would be needed to power...
  • Post in thread: Leading cause of fires, hint not batteries

    OK. Please feel free to move this thread to the appropriate area. This does not involve solar directly but is a safety consideration for all who use a household clothes dryer. We are all familiar with the basic safety tips. Make sure to keep the exhaust vent clear of lint and debris. Keep items...
  • Post in thread: What was your most interesting recent non solar project?

    We have some very talented members in this forum!
  • Post in thread: Dad Jokes (let's hear your worst! ;-)

    Did you hear about the doughnut maker retiring? He was tired of the hole business
  • Post in thread: My build thread

    If they would only get these back in stock… https://www.oreillyauto.com/flux-capacitor
  • Post in thread: Multiplus with stranded wire - ferrules or not?

    Current Connected did an excellent video on this:
  • Post in thread: Question for DIY battery builders

    This is half the fun!
  • Post in thread: Future of DIY LiFePO4 looks bleak…

    Control. Reason I went the DIY route. As recently stated it gives me designer flexibility. I can mix and match and restructure my cells in multiple configurations. I am in that current situation. I have a misbehaving cell in one of my batteries. If the cells were welded as in most prebuilt. I...
  • Post in thread: Portable Victron Power Station operational

    Something that is discussed is aftermarket support. Since receiving my shipment Amy Wan has been extremely helpful and quick to respond to any questions. She has provided additional technical and visual documentation that has proven invaluable on this project! The wonderful thing about the...
  • Post in thread: Portable Victron Power Station operational

    Well I had a chance to borrow my mechanics high end torque wrench. Sadly its lowest setting was above 6 nm. Considering the stories of snapped screws on battery cells I elected to use a torque screwdriver that has been recommended by others. It is not digital but has a fairly easy scale for...
  • Post in thread: What are you doing to save energy?

    Often a member shares their aspirations to build a system. One piece of excellent advice that often comes up is to perform an energy audit. Having done this, I was humbled. Something as simple as a standard personal computer consumed more power than I thought it should. I could provide numerous...
  • Post in thread: Portable Victron Power Station operational

    Still need to torque the screws down. This battery box has raceways to handle the initial BMS wires. I will likely bundle them together inside the box. Also I did end up trimming the rubber facing on the bottom of each bus bar to ensure a solid connection with each battery cell.
  • Post in thread: Dad Jokes (let's hear your worst! ;-)

    Where do lizards go after their tails fall off? The retail store
  • Post in thread: Biting the bullet. Doubling my battery capacity $$$$$$

    There is something comforting about turning on a switch and having the lights go on even if the power is out. Perhaps for another it is turning on a TV and DVD player and getting some entertainment. For another keeping the inside at a comfortable temperature. Admittedly we have each spent a...
  • Post in thread: Movable Solar panel cart

    Just installed this handy device. Picked it up for a song from Harbor Freight. When in the down position, I can now steer the cart without picking it up. Admittedly it handles dry and firm ground the best.
  • Post in thread: Off grid people ill-prepared

    I have a print out of my documentation just in case. I am not off grid and have the highest respect for those who have mastered this. There is a saying in some circles, two is one and one is none.
  • Post in thread: JKBMS Inverter Edition Problems/Issues | No Support / Help to fix major issues. - DO NOT BUY ! Warning (as of Oct.12.2024)

    Personally if my distributor pulled a bait and switch like this, I would be looking for another source. If the video is not discussing a legitimate product then wonder why it hasn't been removed.
  • Post in thread: What lessons have you learned working with solar?

    At some time during your project, as you look at your neighbors trees or other property limitations, you may find yourself daydreaming on what you might be able to do if your property had [fill in the blank].
  • Post in thread: LiFePo4 Cell went up in smoke and flame!!

    It would be interesting to go through an average home to see how many things never went through formal UL testing. Many DIY batteries on this forum have been painstakingly built with redundancy and safety features added in. A number are mobile. Would venture to guess that more are stationary...
  • Post in thread: Dad Jokes (let's hear your worst! ;-)

    I love going out doors. It is much safer than going out windows.
  • Post in thread: What was your most interesting recent non solar project?

    My latest non solar projects involved basic home maintenance. The first was a basic sink faucet replacement. I am currently performing an update to the downstairs bathroom. Included wall repair and painting, replacement and updating of sink, vanity, wall plumbing, medicine cabinet and mirror...
  • Post in thread: Off grid people ill-prepared

    Basic skills help us get through life. I heard a startling report recently on the number of people who could/couldn't balance a checkbook. Schools used to teach life skills. When I was in high school I took wood shop, metal working and the other required courses including a foreign language. I...
  • Post in thread: REC - Redneck Electrical Code

    If it painted red it is the positive wire….

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