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  • Post in thread: Used Solar Panel Brands?

    I'm with you on the warranty stuff, Dave911. I think a longer warranty is just more of a gauge of potential quality, but who knows. And things change so quickly these days that even reputable brands from 10years ago may be doing things totally different today. And that goes for...
  • Post in thread: How active balancers work.

    In a perfect world, all cells would have the exact same voltage, capacity, internal resistance etc. It would be interesting if we could somehow answer the question whether cells had more closely matched numbers a decade ago compared to today. I'm curious if any benefits from advances in...
  • Post in thread: Shenzhen Basen vs Shenzen Luyuan Lifepo4?

    Ok. That’s just the thing… I don’t really know what BMS specifically to look for. Any advice? Again, this is a system for a camper van to periodically run a mini fridge, microwave and coffee maker (15 mins a day) but not all at the same time. I am not running a system for my house nor do I...
  • Post in thread: Shenzhen Basen vs Shenzen Luyuan Lifepo4?

    Advice to order directly from EVE or Daly… I don’t even know how to go about doing that. Also, to my understanding, this is why Amy and others exist. They buy in bulk then match and re-sell. I’m fine with that. I don’t think the manufacturer wants to sell 4 pieces at a time. I’m thinking they...
  • Post in thread: Super Cheap BMS for Solar Charging Bank

    OK, so in that case I guess really all the BMS would be responsible for is low voltage cutoff to prevent over-discharge. I'm assuming hopefully it can handle that duty just fine
  • Post in thread: Blink Camera Solar Power

    Yeah, basically all of my cameras are in shade so I would need the separate panel models. At $66 for 3 of them it's pretty tempting just to get pre-made. Thanks for sharing the link.
  • Post in thread: Shenzhen Basen vs Shenzen Luyuan Lifepo4?

    Dang! I really opened a Pandora's Box here didn't I? Ironically, for now, I think I might just do some lead batteries. I know, I know...heavier and less usable capacity than lifepo4 etc. Worse than lifepo4 in every way possible. However, I have found a local guy selling a couple of 100ah...
  • Post in thread: MPPT controller, BMS and inverter recommendations

    I am putting together a basic system for a Sprinter van conversion. I recently obtained two used 305w solar panels and two like-new 100ah deep cycle lead batteries. For now, I am looking to use both batteries and probably one panel mounted to the top of the van, but want the option of adding...
  • Post in thread: MPPT controller, BMS and inverter recommendations

    I went ahead and ordered the inverters. So, now I have panels, inverters, batteries and solar charge controllers. I also went ahead and bought some MC4 connectors, 10ga wire and 4ga wire. From what I read and saw in numerous charts, the 10ga wire is plenty adequate to run from the panels to...
  • Post in thread: MPPT controller, BMS and inverter recommendations

    These are the batteries and the specs on the solar panels.
  • Post in thread: Small Solar System for Mountains

    We have a property in the mountains that seems to have power outages relatively frequently. Instead of getting a generator, I was kicking around the idea of installing a small solar system with battery storage. Much more environmentally friendly, might be used to reduce energy bill even when...
  • Post in thread: IR Meter Source (YR1030/1035)

    I don't have an IR meter, but from what I've read the YR1030/1035 or RC3563 seem to be the way to go. I think I will just get the 1030/1035. It will be used for 8ah Headway cells, 18650 lithium cells, and potentially some larger LFP cells (300ah) in the future. Would love to be able to get...
  • Post in thread: Small Solar System for Mountains

    I see the 3048 says it is parallel able and split phase able. I'm still learning, but it appears split phase is kind of like putting things in series. But unlike DC series connections that simply double the voltage, the split phase arrangement also puts the two 120v legs out of phase with...
  • Post in thread: Blink Camera Solar Power

    There are so many of them...care to share which ones? I really like the DIY route, but admittedly this time it could be skipped if there is a reasonable pre-made solution. DIY might be slightly cheaper and probably better, but I'm not powering a house here. If there are any units that can be...
  • Post in thread: MPPT controller, BMS and inverter recommendations

    I already ordered the 30A. But I can try to cancel it and replace it. For two of those 305w panels and 280ah of lifepo4, do you really think I need the 40A? Any body with feedback would be appreciated because I will need to change the order or cancel it quickly. Thanks
  • Post in thread: IR Meter Source (YR1030/1035)

    Thanks for clarifying Steve. I am going to look at the 1035 or 1035(+) because I do have some use for the higher voltage capabilities. This is where the confusion sets in. All three of the below are from the same vendor, and the base device appears to be the same. But the prices range from...
  • Post in thread: Ordered 8 EVE "new" 280Ah cells from Shenzhen Luyuan

    Carl2591 -- I just became a member and I am actually looking to get 4 of the 280ah myself. I am in Garner NC, right next to Raleigh. Are you still looking for somebody to combine an order? Not sure if getting 8 vs 4 would cut down the shipping, but we can always see. I would want 4 matched...
  • Post in thread: MPPT controller, BMS and inverter recommendations

    I would rather just size it up in anticipation of the future upgrade, that way I dont have to buy more later. It seems more efficient to just buy one controller and have it under-worked now and properly loaded later. And please guide me here...I read a bit more about controller sizing and it...
  • Post in thread: How active balancers work.

    Fascinating. I had never heard of overpotential voltage before. So, how would one test for that to more closely "match" cells from the outset? Monitor cell temps when discharging? Also with regards to the electrode thickness - do cell manufacturers play with that spec to alter the capacity...
  • Post in thread: Shenzhen Basen vs Shenzen Luyuan Lifepo4?

    Brand new member here. Looking to do a simple solar power system for a camper van conversion, and the storage for that I am thinking 280ah because the cells look to be the best bang for buck. I will build my own battery out of cells. I have read through a lot of threads and it is getting a bit...
  • Post in thread: MPPT controller, BMS and inverter recommendations

    Looking at the 50A and 60A controllers from Epever, they are rated for 150v and we get a step up in relative price. It's about $100 for the 30A 100v model and $125 for the 40A 100v model. But the 50A 150v is $220 and the 60A 150v is $240. Seeing as I am not going to get into that 150v range...
  • Post in thread: Shenzhen Basen vs Shenzen Luyuan Lifepo4?

    How does the group buy work? Cheaper than Luyuan? At this point I am thinking just go with the matched sets from Luyuan...why screw around with all the hassle and unknowns to save $100? Comments? Also, I didnt see any BMS or inverters from Luyuan...only saw cells. Do they sell the other...
  • Post in thread: MPPT controller, BMS and inverter recommendations

    OK, so now I am thinking just get two of the 30A models and put them in parallel. When running one panel, just use one. With two panels, run two controllers. One panel is about 45v and two in series would be about 90v, so the 100v ratings should be perfectly adequate leaving about 10%...
  • Post in thread: Used Solar Panel Brands?

    Sounds just like me. Actually doing some research on those NE Solar panels right now. Seem to be a great deal, however there is a thread that identifies what may be a problem with soldering and the possible impact on longevity of these panels...
  • Post in thread: Small Solar System for Mountains

    So, I may have found a source of battery storage for pretty cheap. See below. Panasonic (Sanyo) Modules These are 300wh for $20 and are 13s lithium 18650 cells, so I figure that should be OK for use with a 48v AIO unit? Now my question...would it be possible, reasonable and relatively safe to...
  • Post in thread: Battery capacity tester

    I have the one with the fan on it like in the first post in this thread .. that's the one Will had recommended. Those options you linked look good, but if I was going to drop more money on testers I was thinking around $100 and not $200+ because I've already put a bit over $100 into stuff...
  • Post in thread: Small Solar System for Mountains

    It sounds like you are both describing the same thing. I'm thinking these "all in one" systems are basically a box with a charge controller, an inverter and some kind of smart switch that automatically switches from grid to battery/solar when it senses grid is on or off. Correct? Can one make...
  • Post in thread: Small Solar System for Mountains

    Too bad not eligible for the tax credits, but I would do it anyway. No noise, little to no maintenance and reducing environmental impact take priority over cost for this particular application. And, yes, I would shoot to oversize the system a bit. The property is near Asheville NC, so it...
  • Post in thread: MPPT controller, BMS and inverter recommendations

    Snubber -- I currently have two 12v batteries, so yes going 24v is actually possible for me right now. But with my future upgrades in mind, I would have to go with 24v of lifepo4 as well, and that would get much more expensive than I want or need. It wouldn't really be a problem if there were...
  • Post in thread: MPPT controller, BMS and inverter recommendations

    OK, thanks. Yes, this fuse from panels to controllers would essentially be used as a disconnect. The reason I was asking is because it seems that blade fuses are not really recommended for higher amps, but 15-20 should be OK. For instance, the ones listed below are 40A regular blade fuses...
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