diy solar

diy solar

Who is still building DIY batteries

Scat said:
Thanks for the information of "do not buy cells from EEL they are grade B cells which they claim as grade A"
I did some calcs to see what they were charging for the cells:
EEL battery box with only BMS no batteries $669.99
The EEL 48Volt Battery Box 15Kwh with BMS and batteries
$3,079.99
- 669.99 EEL battery box with only BMS no batteries
--------------
$2410.00 16 batteries
divided by 16
-----------------------
$150.00 for each battery

I think that is to much when today 09-29-2023 the 304Ah are $135.00 each
at https://www.18650batterystore.com/products/eve-lf304-grade-a-cells-3-2v-lifepo4-304ah-battery

I would like a battery box that is stackable and that I could add any bms with display and com ports to.
also the option to buy a cart to stack them on.
Thanks again
Scat
Click to expand...
I bought 16 brand new EVE 280s 2 weeks ago from U.S. warehouse stock, drove to Houston and picked them up, $115/cell w/copper busbars and nuts incl. And of the 3 tested so far they each have tested over 280AH from 3.45v. Valid QR codes. Grade A. Apexium 48v 280 DIY case kit (basically the Mason kit) for 600, 205 for the ebc a40L Charger/tester, and $54 for the cable that goes from case to Inverter. That was $2,700 total.

As a comparison, I had a quote from Seplos direct (from China) of Mason 48 DIY 200A BMS 3.0, LCD, BT, $475, 2M 50mm2 battery cable $60, (16) 'Grade A new 280AH cells' $99/e ($1584), RS485 Adapter $10. but add the month? wait and $456 for shipping! = $2585.00. That's w/o the EBC A40L tester. And of course, as always we would be at their mercy to actually provide new cells as promised.
 
Last edited:
a619 said:
Do these EEL boxes use Seplos BMS? What's the advantage of getting these over Seplos DIY boxes. It appears that Seplos ones are cheaper.

Edit: Actually looks like EEL offers 'free' shipping, so cost comes out to be very similar to what Seplos is offering.
Click to expand...
Yes the Seplos BMS is used.
My 'advantage' is I prefer the EEL battery connector, nothing more.
 
Yes EEL uses sepolos, but if you want the latest v3 you have to order to the V3 version (its the white version I posted a link to which has black handles). which also comes with the nEEy balancer, looks like a nice setup with the only thing lacking being a 200 amp breaker, and maybe the option for some fire arrestor tubes like EG4 has.

I'm going to be ordering the V3 version today, I'll let you know what happens, I have 16s REPT cells.
 
Ordered! Eel V3 white box with the NEEy active balancer and 200A sepolos BMS V3 200A + Bluetooth.

$789.00 was my total, yes its high, but I already have 16s grade A Rept 280s and they aren't getting any younger!

Total spent so far was $2490 for the Rept cells form SFK

14.3 KW battery for around $3,300.00 only thing I don't have is a breaker for the 200 Amp... may need to mod the EEL case lets see!
 
A HUGE benefits of DIY is design flexibility. My 24V system could be shifted to 48v with a few cells, updated BMS and inverter/charger.

Who knows, perhaps 48v will become outdated in a few years. If so, a DIY system can readily adapt.
 
It is amusing that DIY batteries are being discouraged now. I think the danger makes it less worthwhile to DIY now that the price is coming down for prebuilt safe batteries.
But I feel like I have a secret skill that I will continue to play with. I try real hard not to make mistakes because they are likely to cause a fire. I do all of my experiments in a shed that is 6 feet from my house so there is very little danger of setting my house on fire.

It still costs much more for pre built. Especially if you want something that is confirmed safe and dependable for the full life expectancy.
 
There are battery sales companies who have stepped up their game and are providing attractive cases one can place their batteries into. Shenzhen Luyuan apparently is developing a stackable case. Amy Wan can provide more details for those who are interested. I don't have a link at this time but it did come up on conversation about another product. They also have another case I provided a link to earlier. I am strongly considering picking up one of these myself for another build I am planning.

The DIY approach allows one to understand the inner workings of the process. Because of time, etc many will go for the prebuilt option. Admittedly there are advantages to creating a quick build. My guess is that installers will gravitate to these products due to time considerations. Their pricing will simply reflect the cost differences.

In my opinion, having the ability to field strip and repair a battery is an invaluable skill. I have developed basic skills with tools such as a multimeter, crimper and torque wrench. With these basic skills I can both build a system from scratch or assemble a prebuilt battery pack.
 
DIY Batteries are a great thing to be able to do and for many this is an acceptable solution nd can be a good financial saver as well. Sadly the Flipside to that coin is the Big Nasty Evil Insurance companies ! Who hasn't has at least some bad experiences with Insurance companies ? Their stipulations & requirements are NOT DIY Friendly and that is further enflamed by media pushing "batteries are dangerous" stories (mostly related to personal devices from cell phones to e-bike blazzing away) because of "stupid".

A Word of Warning !
A fellow down the road from me, also had a Really Nice & Super well done system, his DIY Packs were totally Top Notch ! This fellow is a Class A Electrical Engineer so he knows his stuff. Everything was checked & inspected - all a perfect pass. Well they got a Lightning hit, caused a fire (Nothing to do with Solr or Electric, it was structural - the porch took the hit and caught.) BUT When Insurance Co Inspector saw Solar Panels & System (not grid connected) he terminated insurance coverage. Did nt matter it was inspected and previously OK'd by Insurance co.

NEVER EVER ASSUME ANYTHING WITH AN INSURANCE CO !
 
upnorthandpersonal said:
That would be illegal here.
Click to expand...
One would think that is the case everywhere, being illegal to do for an Insurance Co... But the real world + Insurance & Laws is quite grey. Also his year, it seems that MANY Insurance Companies adopted a level of stoopid never seen before. I had to go through 5 companies to get "proper coverage" yet they will not cover the Powerhouse (separate structure 50'/15m from house) because of my battery packs. Still inspected & OK'd does not matter.
 
timselectric said:
Insurance would be useless, if they can deny every claim, for any made up reason.
Click to expand...
TBH not a whole heck of a lot surprises me anymore, especially with things like insurance. I get that they have more claims & issues to deal with and even backing out of some markets altogether because their untenable but they are playing games with clients. Mind you, the laws etc are different everywhere so what they can get away with in one place may not wash somewhere else. I think that very soon there will be a reckoning & correction with regards to Insurance Companies.
 
I didn't add my system to the policy. Because it would raise the rates too much to be worth it.
But as long as a claim is not deemed intentional on my part. Everything that is on the policy is covered.
 
timselectric said:
I didn't add my system to the policy. Because it would raise the rates too much to be worth it.
But as long as a claim is not deemed intentional on my part. Everything that is on the policy is covered.
Click to expand...
Where are you located Tim? I ask because insurance coverage has been a big question I have had. Either to through the permitting process in my local jurisdiction so that insurance doesn't have any issue with it or just installing the system without permit/specifically requesting for it to be added to my homeowners policy.
 
TheHappyNomads said:
Where are you located Tim? I ask because insurance coverage has been a big question I have had. Either to through the permitting process in my local jurisdiction so that insurance doesn't have any issue with it or just installing the system without permit/specifically requesting for it to be added to my homeowners policy.
Click to expand...
Kentucky
 
Insurance just needs a reason, I don't think this should discourage people from going DIY. Even for the cheapest prebuilt battery options DIY is still on average 25-30% cheaper. And less than half of some of the more pricey brands while still having the same quality.


Also after seeing people get yanked around regarding warranties form Battleborn, Eg4 and Relion (grand rv forums) I'm not so sure its worth the hassle.
 
Steve_S said:
One would think that is the case everywhere, being illegal to do for an Insurance Co... But the real world + Insurance & Laws is quite grey. Also his year, it seems that MANY Insurance Companies adopted a level of stoopid never seen before. I had to go through 5 companies to get "proper coverage" yet they will not cover the Powerhouse (separate structure 50'/15m from house) because of my battery packs. Still inspected & OK'd does not matter.
Click to expand...
The insurance system is well regulated in the UK. This kind of practise would not be legal in the UK. Its one of the reasons why Lomdon insures the world's shipping.
 
tialiden said:
I bought 16 brand new EVE 280s 2 weeks ago from U.S. warehouse stock, drove to Houston and picked them up, $115/cell w/copper busbars and nuts incl. And of the 3 tested so far they each have tested over 280AH from 3.45v. Valid QR codes. Grade A. Apexium 48v 280 DIY case kit (basically the Mason kit) for 600, 205 for the ebc a40L Charger/tester, and $54 for the cable that goes from case to Inverter. That was $2,700 total.

As a comparison, I had a quote from Seplos direct (from China) of Mason 48 DIY 200A BMS 3.0, LCD, BT, $475, 2M 50mm2 battery cable $60, (16) 'Grade A new 280AH cells' $99/e ($1584), RS485 Adapter $10. but add the month? wait and $456 for shipping! = $2585.00. That's w/o the EBC A40L tester. And of course, as always we would be at their mercy to actually provide new cells as promised.
Click to expand...
I ordered a Basen-Green through Alibaba that is suppose to be State-side for $597 including shipping. This was four days ago and hopefully I will at least see a shipping notification soon. They said the BMS was their own, but after looking at the front panel, I'm guessing that It could be a PACE (6 LED status indicators).
Gobel will sell their boxes without cells, if you order 10 and that'd be shipped from China. Works out to be $620 each including shipping and this is the version without a balancer. Some say these also have a PACE BMS, but you don't know what you have until it's in your hands.

I like the package and form of the boxes as compared to building them on a shelf, just would like the prices of a steel box to come down.
 

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