diy solar

diy solar

Sol-Ark 15K All in One Inverter Released.

RV10flyer said:
I have two 12K's. Max power consumption in my all-electric home has been 8,000W. 6.25 Tons of 16-33 seer heat pumps with heat kits disabled. 80 gal wh, dryer, washer, two refrigerators, electric range, microwave, toaster, mini Delongi convection toaster oven. hair dryers.
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Did you need to do anything besides cut off power to the heat strips to get your heat pump working without them?
 
Wet1 said:
Even at today's inflated prices, I suppose you could build a nice ~100kwh DIY battery bank for under $25k. If you're looking at paying $16k-$17k for two inverters, the additional $25k or less for a nice DIY 100kwh battery bank seems like a no brainer.

Then again, I can't fathom needing 30kw worth of inverters! I could 3-4 days on 30kwh, lol!
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I built my DIY ~120kwhr bank for about 20~21G, including BMS's.

I paid something like 140 per new Grade A 280ah cell shipped? So about 4.5G for that chunk + 300 for BMSs

Then another 32*4*230ah @ 106 per shipped, so about 14G + a 4*140 for BMS.

Add another few K for wiring, fusing, racking, etc.

I live in an area that will loose power for 3-6 days at a time in winter storms, and have mountain shadow for the ~40-45 worst days of winter, so can only get a few kwh of solar/day :(
 
robby said:
It does 15Kw of Solar Inversion. We all knew that 12K was going to be the battery Inverter limit. Have you ever needed 12K of power at night or even in the day? You know any other Split Phase Inverter that can do what this one can do?
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Two air conditioners and my EV have pulled continuous 14kW for several hours overnight.
 
time2roll said:
Two air conditioners and my EV have pulled continuous 14kW for several hours overnight.
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I am not including the charging of an EV in the Equation, just powering a typical home.
Given the price of Gas and if I did switch to an EV it would probably be a good investment to just do what Will Prowse does and have a completely separate system for charging the EV.
 
Wet1 said:
Even at today's inflated prices, I suppose you could build a nice ~100kwh DIY battery bank for under $25k. If you're looking at paying $16k-$17k for two inverters, the additional $25k or less for a nice DIY 100kwh battery bank seems like a no brainer.

Then again, I can't fathom needing 30kw worth of inverters! I could 3-4 days on 30kwh, lol!
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Seeing what Ray goes through to build his massive DIY packs, I would not even consider building a 100KWh much less 150Kwh pack of LFP's. I could probably deal with the work but I just could not deal with importing so many batteries and dealing with months of waiting, defective cells, stripped threads and all the Scams plus a lack of any long term warranty. Even if I got them locally I would probably still have issue getting roughly 128 x 280A cells that are all working properly to build even the 100Kwh system.

I would do it for a smaller system but not for one that large. Another issue is the Gamble on how long all of these cells will last. Sure I think with weeks worth of work you can get 100KWh of batteries built for $25,000 but those packs will have zero warranty and if they fail in 5 years you will have saved nothing vs buying a $50,000 Pre Built system with a 10 years warranty.
It's a Gamble I would take on a small scale but not on a $25K investment.
 
robby said:
Seeing what Ray goes through to build his massive DIY packs, I would not even consider building a 100KWh much less 150Kwh pack of LFP's. I could probably deal with the work but I just could not deal with importing so many batteries and dealing with months of waiting, defective cells, stripped threads and all the Scams plus a lack of any long term warranty. Even if I got them locally I would probably still have issue getting roughly 128 x 280A cells that are all working properly to build even the 100Kwh system.

I would do it for a smaller system but not for one that large. Another issue is the Gamble on how long all of these cells will last. Sure I think with weeks worth of work you can get 100KWh of batteries built for $25,000 but those packs will have zero warranty and if they fail in 5 years you will have saved nothing vs buying a $50,000 Pre Built system with a 10 years warranty.
It's a Gamble I would take on a small scale but not on a $25K investment.
Click to expand...
My $25K number assumed sourcing domestically (in the US). I'm not sure I would agree that a well built DIY pack with good components would be all that much less reliable than most commercial packs. I also don't know that the quality of the internal cells would be any lesser either. The EVE LF280K cells seem to be high quality and are rated at >6000 cycles... How many commercial pack cells are going to be significantly better, at 2x or more the cost? And having say 7 of these 16s packs shouldn't be all that problematic IMO. Not to mention you have redundancy, and a huge $25k+ budget for spares compared to the proven big name commercial options! This is the direction I would go (or possibly a couple used EV packs). We all have our own preferences and priorities, there's no right or wrong answer!
 
RV10flyer said:
I have two 12K's. Max power consumption in my all-electric home has been 8,000W. 6.25 Tons of 16-33 seer heat pumps with heat kits disabled. 80 gal wh, dryer, washer, two refrigerators, electric range, microwave, toaster, mini Delongi convection toaster oven. hair dryers.
Click to expand...
I have an all electric home. Max draw not EV charging is about 12000 watts. Max charge when the car is plugged in is around 25000 watts. NoI live in a 1500 at house.
 
robby said:
Seeing what Ray goes through to build his massive DIY packs, I would not even consider building a 100KWh much less 150Kwh pack of LFP's. I could probably deal with the work but I just could not deal with importing so many batteries and dealing with months of waiting, defective cells, stripped threads and all the Scams plus a lack of any long term warranty. Even if I got them locally I would probably still have issue getting roughly 128 x 280A cells that are all working properly to build even the 100Kwh system.

I would do it for a smaller system but not for one that large. Another issue is the Gamble on how long all of these cells will last. Sure I think with weeks worth of work you can get 100KWh of batteries built for $25,000 but those packs will have zero warranty and if they fail in 5 years you will have saved nothing vs buying a $50,000 Pre Built system with a 10 years warranty.
It's a Gamble I would take on a small scale but not on a $25K investment.
Click to expand...
You absolutely do not have to go as far as Ray did.

I have my 210,000kwh batteries setup with Kapton tape.
Used a ratchet strap to get them snug then taped them together.

I have been adding on mine for a 18 months but the original pack is over 18 months old with no issues yet.

Yes I have about $26,000 invested in them but so far so good.

At least with these I can replace cells.

I have 4 x 400 AH Global power commercial batteries that if they go bad I’m screwed.
350 lbs each.

The cells are laser welded in.

DIY batteries are not the biggest risks.

Bought 192 cells from Docan Jenny (96) and Amy Peng (96) at QSO for $95-110 each over last 18 months.
Plus the 4 big ones I bought from Jim at Global Power at substantial discount.

That much commercial batteries would have been a non ROI..

You absolutely do not have to do all the crazy compression rigs and everything.

These will last at least 10 years ( Probably longer. Half are LFK280k) and by then hopefully server racks will come down in price.

As far as Warranties go On Chinese Server rack batteries have you ever successfully gotten one replaced under warranty without paying shipping?
 
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Biasjo said:
You absolutely do not have to go as far as Ray did.

I have my 210,000kwh batteries setup with Kapton tape.
Used a ratchet strap to get them snug then taped them together.

I have been adding on mine for a 18 months but the original pack is over 18 months old with no issues yet.

Yes I have about $26,000 invested in them but so far so good.

At least with these I can replace cells.

I have 4 x 400 AH Global power commercial batteries that if they go bad I’m screwed.
350 lbs each.

The cells are laser welded in.

DIY batteries are not the biggest risks.

Bought 192 cells from Docan Jenny (96) and Amy Peng (96) at QSO for $95-110 each over last 18 months.
Plus the 4 big ones I bought from Jim at Global Power at substantial discount.

That much commercial batteries would have been a non ROI..

You absolutely do not have to do all the crazy compression rigs and everything.

These will last at least 10 years ( Probably longer. Half are LFK280k) and by then hopefully server racks will come down in price.

As far as Warranties go On Chinese Server rack batteries have you ever successfully gotten one replaced under warranty without paying shipping?
Click to expand...
Same here on my 132 kWh. Three dark cloudy days. No gen necessary. I will have more pv and batteries for next Dec-Feb.
 
Wet1 said:
My $25K number assumed sourcing domestically (in the US). I'm not sure I would agree that a well built DIY pack with good components would be all that much less reliable than most commercial packs. I also don't know that the quality of the internal cells would be any lesser either. The EVE LF280K cells seem to be high quality and are rated at >6000 cycles... How many commercial pack cells are going to be significantly better, at 2x or more the cost? And having say 7 of these 16s packs shouldn't be all that problematic IMO. Not to mention you have redundancy, and a huge $25k+ budget for spares compared to the proven big name commercial options! This is the direction I would go (or possibly a couple used EV packs). We all have our own preferences and priorities, there's no right or wrong answer!
Click to expand...
After watching the video on cell production and grading it is made clear that all cells coming off the production line are graded based on performance and expected life expectancy. So a cell being new is not an indication of quality. In lieu of proper testing documentation for each cell the price of the cells is the only other logical metric as to their quality/grade level.
 
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Biasjo said:
You absolutely do not have to go as far as Ray did.

I have my 210,000kwh batteries setup with Kapton tape.
Used a ratchet strap to get them snug then taped them together.

I have been adding on mine for a 18 months but the original pack is over 18 months old with no issues yet.

Yes I have about $26,000 invested in them but so far so good.

At least with these I can replace cells.

I have 4 x 400 AH Global power commercial batteries that if they go bad I’m screwed.
350 lbs each.

The cells are laser welded in.

DIY batteries are not the biggest risks.

Bought 192 cells from Docan Jenny (96) and Amy Peng (96) at QSO for $95-110 each over last 18 months.
Plus the 4 big ones I bought from Jim at Global Power at substantial discount.

That much commercial batteries would have been a non ROI..

You absolutely do not have to do all the crazy compression rigs and everything.

These will last at least 10 years ( Probably longer. Half are LFK280k) and by then hopefully server racks will come down in price.

As far as Warranties go On Chinese Server rack batteries have you ever successfully gotten one replaced under warranty without paying shipping?
Click to expand...
You guys are Insane :p
210KWh & 132KWh of batteries !!! You could power the neighborhood ?
I have never even dreamed of a system like that. I have seen some systems that size on Sol-Arks and Fortress Powers webpages but figured those people are on Large Agricultural Farms.
 
When firing my electric kiln itb draws 48 amps for about 4-5 hours. My 9600 watt solar system in peak mode can keep up but when I need the well on (water) or aother stuff on more power is always better.Most small power users do not need a 12kw or 15kw inverter -I'm not one of them.
 
robby said:
You guys are Insane :p
210KWh & 132KWh of batteries !!! You could power the neighborhood ?
I have never even dreamed of a system like that. I have seen some systems that size on Sol-Arks and Fortress Powers webpages but figured those people are on Large Agricultural Farms.
Click to expand...
I average about 80KW a day usage so that gives me a couple of days of rain or darkness.

I have a separate building for all the batteries and equipment so its not bad.
Just had to trench from there over the main Panels.

Its an all electric house. 80 Gallon Electric water heater with thermostat set to 135 degrees.
2 X 3 ton Heat pumps. Well Pump, Electric Range, Oven, ECT. 30x50 Shop.
I really need to update my insulation in the house.
Just bought the place not long ago and they put that Dense pack Fiber insulation in when they built it.
Needless to say it has settled.
When I run my FLIR Camera across the ceiling you can see exactly where its settled. Some spots like 2 feet.

So this summer I will be adding insulation to the walls and putting more in the attic.

I also was thinking about installing a Rheem or A.O Smith heat pump water heater in my attached Garage and just using it during the summer when its like 120 in there.


Hopefully that will reduce some of my usage..
 
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Biasjo said:
I average about 80KW a day usage so that gives me a couple of days of rain or darkness.

I have a separate building for all the batteries and equipment so its not bad.
Just had to trench from there over the main Panels.

Its an all electric house. 80 Gallon Electric water heater with thermostat set to 135 degrees.
2 X 3 ton Heat pumps. Well Pump, Electric Range, Oven, ECT. 30x50 Shop.
I really need to update my insulation in the house.
Just bought the place not long ago and they put that Dense pack Fiber insulation in when they built it.
Needless to say it has settled.
When I run my FLIR Camera across the ceiling you can see exactly where its settled. Some spots like 2 feet.

So this summer I will be adding insulation to the walls and putting more in the attic.

I also was thinking about installing a Rheem or A.O Johnson heat pump water heater in my attached Garage and just using it during the summer when its like 120 in there.


Hopefully that will reduce some of my usage..
Click to expand...
I have a 40 or 50 (?) gallon Rheem HPWH which I purchased 2 years ago. I kick myself for not buying it years earlier! Not only has it drastically reduced electricity consumption, but the dehumidification and AC byproduct from it has made a noticable difference in air quality as well.

We've never had any issues with it keeping up 99% of the time in heat pump only mode. Only one time did it not keep up in HP only mode and that was with laundry going and three showers within an hour or so. In energy saver mode it will allow the resistance heaters to kick in only if the water temp drops too low, which would've covered that one time we started to run out of hot water.

I highly recommend getting one if you're still using a traditional electric WH!
 
Wet1 said:
I have a 40 or 50 (?) gallon Rheem HPWH which I purchased 2 years ago. I kick myself for not buying it years earlier! Not only has it drastically reduced electricity consumption, but the dehumidification and AC byproduct from it has made a noticable difference in air quality as well.

We've never had any issues with it keeping up 99% of the time in heat pump only mode. Only one time did it not keep up in HP only mode and that was with laundry going and three showers within an hour or so. In energy saver mode it will allow the resistance heaters to kick in only if the water temp drops too low, which would've covered that one time we started to run out of hot water.

I highly recommend getting one if you're still using a traditional electric WH!
Click to expand...
How's the noise? I saw some complaints for the Rheem model I looked at.
 
niktak11 said:
How's the noise? I saw some complaints for the Rheem model I looked at.
Click to expand...
It's almost directly under my bedroom. I almost never hear it. If the house is otherwise 100% dead silent and I listen very closely, I can faintly hear it.

I suspect most people that complain about the noise, are hearing harmonics due to the installation. Concerned about noise issues, I left mine sitting on the styrofoam shipping base it shipped with (I wanted the additional insulation from it too as it's sitting on the basement concrete floor), and made sure there were no rigid connections to the unit. Pex lines, no rigid conduit connection, etc., there's really no firm mechanical connection to transmit vibration elsewhere throughout the house. The HP itself makes a little noise (maybe 40 db or so?), but I can't hear it at all through the floor over any household noise pollution whatsoever. If it were mounted in my BR closet, yes, it would be an issue, but mine is zero issue mounted in my basement right below my BR.
 
It's interesting that the 15K is almost a drop in replacement for the 12K yet it weighs almost twice as much!
It has the same width and only 2" higher and 1" deeper. It would fit right into my location with no problem. If it was wider then that would have been an issue. Kind of odd because in the videos I have seen of the Beast, it looked a lot bigger than the 12K.
 
Wet1 said:
I have a 40 or 50 (?) gallon Rheem HPWH which I purchased 2 years ago. I kick myself for not buying it years earlier! Not only has it drastically reduced electricity consumption, but the dehumidification and AC byproduct from it has made a noticable difference in air quality as well.

We've never had any issues with it keeping up 99% of the time in heat pump only mode. Only one time did it not keep up in HP only mode and that was with laundry going and three showers within an hour or so. In energy saver mode it will allow the resistance heaters to kick in only if the water temp drops too low, which would've covered that one time we started to run out of hot water.

I highly recommend getting one if you're still using a traditional electric WH!
Click to expand...
Do you still have the old Electric water heater?

I was going to try to use the Rheem to feed the regular electric one or plumb it in series somehow.

Probably better just leave old water heater in and just turn off breaker and use Rheem full time.

I know I heard about a way to use the Sol-Ark Gen input as a dump load or something to that effect.

Perhaps on sunny days if batteries are charged and loads are being met I can put excess to the old water heater??

Always fun to tinker..
 
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