buy or build batteries?
- Thread starter gnoeld
- Start date
You learn new skills. You get to buy more tools. You might save money depending on parts you choose and the capacity.
timselectric
If I can do it, you can do it.
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I'm building.
More than 25% cheaper.
More than 25% cheaper.
I looked at 230ah and it was $230 per cell (4) plus $130 for BMS $1050 plus tax
A Chin 200ah $700
I'm not seeing a savings
My end goal was 3 12volt 200ah batteries
$3000 versus $2000
Well you're not shopping the right places then. It's definitely cheaper to build your own, not to mention I feel better knowing it has the cells, BMS, and wiring of my choice rather than guessing what's inside the sealed mystery box. Just my 2 cents.
I appreciate your 2 cents
Can you direct me to a vendor that has reasonable prices?
timselectric
If I can do it, you can do it.
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Not sure about 230ah cells. But definitely cheaper for 280ah and 304ah cells.
John Frum
Tell me your problems
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You get to top balance the cells during commissioning.
If the cells drift over time you can address the issue.
With a sealed drop in LFP you are at the mercy of the vendor/manufacturer.
I've been seeing posts on the forum with new or nearly new batteries that are far from balanced.
I think you've already found where I bought my Eve 280's, but there are other reasonable sources listed in other threads as well.
OffGridInTheCity
Solar Wizard
I've DIY built my powerall (108kwh and growing). Unlike building you're own panels, you can literally save huge $ for a large battery bank BUT.... at the cost A LOT of time.
I think it's a matter of scale as well. The larger the battery bank the more you can save. If you're after a 5kwh battery, then buy makes a lot of sense. If you're after a 100kwh battery bank - then build will save literally thousands of $.
Time vs money
I think it's a matter of scale as well. The larger the battery bank the more you can save. If you're after a 5kwh battery, then buy makes a lot of sense. If you're after a 100kwh battery bank - then build will save literally thousands of $.
Time vs money
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timselectric
If I can do it, you can do it.
- Joined
- Feb 5, 2022
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BingoI've DIY built my powerall (108kwh and growing). Unlike building you're own panels, you can literally save huge $ for a large battery bank BUT.... at the cost A LOT of time.
I think it's a matter of scale as well. The larger the battery bank the more you can save. If you're after a 5kwh battery, then buy makes a lot of sense. If you're after a 100kwh battery bank - then build will save literally thousands of $.
Time vs money
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