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While this is a trailer mounted system, it won’t be moved much at all. The reasons to use the trailer are because I have it, and so I can move it close to the house if necessary. The panels will be mounted on a rack that tilts from side to side. That way I can park the trailer east/west and...

YMMV… I’ve used unvented wall mounted propane fired heaters for LOTS of years. I’m 75 and still alive. Absolutely no issues with the heaters except keeping them running. The thermocouples tend to fail. Other than that, NO issues. YMMV… I am currently using a wood stove and fireplace as our...

Thanks VERY much for the advice and for taking the time to explain all this @Herb . @Substrate , I’m off to look at that charger now.

The charger should be here Monday they say. The solar panel array is scheduled to be installed on Saturday. One of my sons is coming to help me do that. Also, the 24 volt inverter arrived today.

Interesting that the guy in the video thinks copper melts at the smoke point of the insulation he is burning. (He says so while burning the insulation) When I solder lugs, I clamp them in a vise, pointed open end up. Then I add solder chunks and melt those. THEN I insert the cable end and allow...

NuPoo4U seems that they like to use the words they think fit, but if English isn’t your first language… LOL

Yes, it is an ‘inverter compressor’. I just started the test, but others have seen from 40 to 70 watts in normal running condition. Defrost takes more of course, but only lasts for a few minutes. I don’t intend to let the refrigerant out into the kitchen. It is not uncommon at all to run...

True. The fridge is still cooling down (I need to find the thermometer and put it in there), but it is pulling 44 watts right now. an hour and 46 minutes so far.

I finally remembered to check the watt meter on the fridge. It has averaged 456 watts per day for the last 17 days. Not sure that can be beat. A 21 cubic foot fridge/freezer running on less power than a 20 watt lightbulb. Knock wood this thing lasts.

Well, that’s a shame. 40 bucks down the drain. Fooey Anyway, I will look for better busbars and consider this layout. I think it will be the one. My cables fit better this way.

Thanks for that! Now to digest it. (y)

This is the info that Chins sent me last Tuesday for the same setup. Message from seller CHINS-US: Dear Customer, Thank you very much for your purchase. The setting method of MPPT and inverter of 12.8V lithium iron phosphate battery pack is as follows: Charging Charging Limit Voltage: 14.2V...

Just another FYI, on the 13 of September I specifically asked Chins about using 6 of the 100 amp batteries in parallel. This is their reply:

I’m a retired engineer/mechanic/miner living in the high desert in Nevada. My wife and I are full time caregivers for our DAV Son. I’m in the process of building two small solar power systems to insure that we have heat and cooling and a small amount of refrigeration. The first system is partly...

I just ordered a 10 amp down converter to give me 12 volts from my new 24 volt system. It will power 12 volt outlets for any of those goodies that need it, including the USB outlets. It will be switched to allow it to be OFF when not in use...

Very nice work. I like the mount design. Please keep us posted on how it all works for you.

That was just for anyone who read the statement above mine about recommendations for strings of the 100 amp batteries. (“Somehow I believe they'll stay the same since CHINS recommends only combining 4 batteries in parallel.”) keep us posted on progress please.

Why not just buy some plexiglass and fabricate a cover for the whole bank of batteries? You can heat bend it or glue it. That way, all is protected but still visible. Something like a larger version of the (fuse holder? ) in the pictures.

Thanks for the welcome! I’ve run old UPS systems that were thrown away by the IT department. External battery bank salvaged from the BIG backup systems they had for the computer room. I still have my first Trace 1512 inverter. I also have this monster which will become salvaged parts some day...

The submersible transfer pump in my 3000 gallon tank is a 24 volt pump. The motor for the hand pump in the well will be 24 volt also. also, big wires are spendy!

So, the maximum that compressor can handle is a bit over 5 cubic feet. It costs more than half what a 21 cubic foot refrigerator costs. The real fridge runs on 50 watts or so. If you don’t want an inverter, I suppose that may be a reasonable choice, but for most people, it doesn’t seem to make...

Steel guttering is as common as aluminum or plastic. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Amerimax-Home-Products-2-in-x-3-in-x-10-ft-White-Galvanized-Steel-Downspout-3201400120/100077278

They are Chins 100 amp 12 volt batteries with BMS. They told me it was OK to connect up to 6 in parallel. I had originally intended a 12 volt system, but changed after recommendations I got here. This system is designed and intended to provide power to a pellet stove (heat) and evaporative...

The calculator requires some sort of conduit. What about NO conduit, open air that is. I wonder if there is a calculator for that or is there a simple answer, or doesn’t it matter for this application?

That’s why Victrons are expensive; they save your batteries by reducing cycles. :love:

I don’t have a 120 volt AC to 12 volt DC charger for the Chins batteries. I have several ordinary 12 volt battery chargers. I do have the PWM charge controller. I want to be able to charge the batteries from line power if I need to, and for the initial charge before use.

This may be the manual: https://zhcsolar.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/SCF-MPPT-solar-charger-user-manual-guide.pdf

No, not planning on charging 24 volt strings. I need to charge the batteries initially according to Winnie at Chins. Each battery needs to be charged. They do not like anything over 14.6 volts and prefer that we use 14.4 volt chargers. I just found a Swedish made charger that is only for this...

;)

I agree, look for one of Will’s teardowns. The insides of these batteries are much different than I expected. Foam padding could be pushing the sides out… or nearly anything. here is the video: