My thoughts in a nutshell:
- It can be a better value (significantly so)
- It can be better (if you source quality components, and design well)
- It can be a much more flexible approach
But there are tradeoffs:
- A somewhat steep learning curve that you have to commit to
- All responsibility is shifted to you, no warranty, no returns, no engineers to make design decisions for you
- There are associated costs that most people don't mention or consider (test equipment for instance)
- Due diligence and an understanding of risk and tradeoffs is important, many of the cells we buy are discounted for a reason. There are more risky and less risky ways to source cells, but as a general rule there is always somewhat more risk and responsibility than buying from an established consumer facing business in your home country
Fortunately, this site helps a lot with the learning curve if your needs are pretty standard / simple. If you don't go off the beaten path there are many folks that can help, and have done it before. Will's videos are great at distilling it down and showing you how simple it can be. But do bear in mind his videos showcase how simple it
can be, not how simple it actually will be for a first timer.
Homework Assignment: there is a link in my signature 'finding happiness with lifepo4' or something like that, that is a 101 level introduction that every beginner should read, read that, then if you decide to pursue the DIY battery route, read either the nordkyn design or marinehowto article is my signature, maybe both if you are tenacious.
*edit: point 2 in the tradeoffs list applies to alibaba/aliexpress/grey market purchases. It is totally possible to buy raw cells with a warranty and some level of support.
