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  1. mattleonard

    What's on the horizon for the next gen of off-grid inverters?

    Yeah - those look like great units - just very pricey.
  2. mattleonard

    What's on the horizon for the next gen of off-grid inverters?

    I'm working on a cargo-trailer build right now - mostly to power small music festivals and such. I've got panels, 20kWh of SOK server-rack batteries in rolling racks (hoping to add another two units for 30kWh) - but still debating on inverter choices. I'm looking for around ~6,000w/50a of...
  3. mattleonard

    Portable Solar Setup for 48 Volt System. Need voltage boost.

    This is my debate - but in the end, a 6000xp along with a smaller Victron MPPT (I already own a few) is still a cheaper option than many other stand-alone inverter options that will get you 6,000 watts split-phase (if that's what you need). Sure, there are other factors to consider and balance too.
  4. mattleonard

    Portable Solar Setup for 48 Volt System. Need voltage boost.

    I have a similar situation - my hesitation on buying a 6000xp is that 120v voltage minimum for the MPPT. I would like to be able to have a single portable panel (meaning, easily moved by one person) to recharge, even if it takes several days at a slower rate. Here are the options I've found...
  5. mattleonard

    (4) Lion Ut-1300 12v/105ah batteries - SF Bay Area/NorCal

    I have (4) of these batteries - with less than 10 cycles on them - almost new! Great drop-in replacement for RV's, boats, 12v systems, or for off-grid solar projects etc. Can be wired in series for 24/48v operation too. When reliability matters - don't risk the cheap no-name batteries - Lion...
  6. mattleonard

    Server-style rack help

    I use a proper ATA-style road case (8u) for (2) server rack batteries. These are designed for touring pro audio amplifier racks - heavy duty, roll easily, great protection, and overkill honestly. Typically these are custom built by speciality case companies, but they are easily found used, and...
  7. mattleonard

    “Mobile” 240 volt split phase backup system.

    I'm building a similar rig - meant to be portable (wheeled by 1 person, lifted by 2), primarily for powering off-grid sound systems. Right now I've got (4) SOK Pro 48v server rack batteries. I have (2) 8u road cases with two batteries in each (so ~220lbs), with 2/0 ultraflex cable and Anderson...
  8. mattleonard

    4x Lion UT-1300 batteries for sale - SF Bay Area

    Just bumping this thread - they are up for sale again (still in the same condition!).
  9. mattleonard

    Modular system advice - dual SOK battery banks, SB175, Victron

    I'm building a semi-modular off-grid/ESS system in a 5' x 8' cargo trailer for special event (not daily) use, and looking for design feedback. I was interested in the EG4 6000xp - but won't have split-phase charging ability, and getting to the minimum 120v MPPT will be challenging with the...
  10. mattleonard

    Mobile 48V solar power system

    The issue I'm facing with this is the minimum solar input voltage (120v) required by the EG4-6000xp. The cart might be mobile, but you'd need a fairly significant, not-so-portable array to get charging going. My needs are more like 1-2x month usage - so having a 1-2 smaller panels that take many...
  11. mattleonard

    Dual 48v battery banks w/ Anderson disconnect- Class T / Switch / Bus Bar / Lynx ??

    I'm building a semi-modular system in a cargo trailer and looking for advice on wiring / fusing / DC distribution - with a goal of keeping a simple/small footprint that would allow me to add/remove batteries occasionally. Appreciate any guidance here! I have (2) banks of batteries (each pair...
  12. mattleonard

    Cargo Trailer batteries - Server rack or wall-mount? EG4 vs SOK vs ?

    Well, ramp is definitely a given - but thinking (2) racks of (2) batteries each - 8u racks. All manageable on wheels, and could be lifted by a team if need be (I work in audio/production world - racks this heavy are common). What inverter are using with the SOK batteries? Communications work?
  13. mattleonard

    Cargo Trailer batteries - Server rack or wall-mount? EG4 vs SOK vs ?

    I'm spec'ing out a 5x8 cargo trailer build - for powering small concerts, festivals etc. Likely starting with a EG4 6500ex unit, with the possibility to add a 2nd unit in a few months for true split-phase/50a operation. For batteries - I'm in the debate of server-rack (EG4 or SOK likely) vs a...
  14. mattleonard

    Adding removable battery storage to existing grid-tied residential system?

    I have an existing 4kW residential rooftop PV system - with a SMA Sunny Boy 4000TL inverter, grid-tied. California, fully permitted. I've got experience/understanding in off-grid solar, and am building a semi-portable server-rack rig (in a cargo trailer) ~20kWh. Currently debating EG4/SOK...
  15. mattleonard

    Shipping used LifeP04 / server batteries (US)?

    The Haz-Mat designation is precisely the prompt of my question. Shipping heavy things is easy. But shipping the batteries (due to the Haz Mat/Class 9 designation) is where I'm striking out.
  16. mattleonard

    Shipping used LifeP04 / server batteries (US)?

    I'm struggling to find useful info for this online - anyone have experience shipping 2nd-hand server rack batteries (not via the manufacturer)? This would be domestic US, I understand ground is the way to go, but I'm looking at ~600 lbs, so presumably a LTL (less-than-load) pallet. Any advice...
  17. mattleonard

    4x Lion UT-1300 batteries for sale - SF Bay Area

    Just DM'd you if you are still interested.
  18. mattleonard

    4x Lion UT-1300 batteries for sale - SF Bay Area

    I have (4) Lion Safari UT-1300's for sale in the SF Bay Area. I bought them 2 years ago for a project that never manifested - so they literally have less than 5 cycles on them - they are almost new! I kept them charged every 3 months, and they have been stored indoors. Asking $600 each, or a...
  19. mattleonard

    Anyone in Vegas willing to rent a small SolGen (~1500w) Jan 16-18?

    Anyone in Las Vegas willing to rent a small Solar Generator (or Battery/Inverter) rig? I'm doing a work project there and need off-grid power Jan 16-18th. Need 1500w minimum (1kW load - just a video projector) and a 2kWh battery would be plenty. Will be used both on the 16th and 17th, and...
  20. mattleonard

    (8) 3.2v 200ah LiFePO4 batteries w/ BMS, Charger, 5k inverter in Oakland, CA for sale - $700

    All bought for a project with a friend that never got pursued. But all the items seem to be in new condition, typical AliExpress generics (but all working) - and its a complete rig for a solar, off-grid, or portable power system. Golf cart? RV? Solar Generator? Burning Man system? Lots of...
  21. mattleonard

    two bluetti ac200 max in parallel

    It depends on what you mean by this. Can you "combine" them to a single massive circuit or single appliance? No. Can you use two units simultaneously to power 2 different circuits with different loads on each? Sure. I do this all the time with my two units AC200 max units. Can you use one AC...
  22. mattleonard

    Panels w/ low output and not summing?

    I have two Rich Solar 200w "24v" panels. I have tried each individually in perfect sun, with various orientations, on numerous days. I've used several different charge controllers (2 different Bluetti ac200max's, an Epever MPPT, and a Victron MPPT), and different cables to the controllers. At...
  23. mattleonard

    *New* Inergy "Flex" Solar Generator

    I actually went ahead and canceled my Flex pre-orders (2x full units + an extra battery) - the continual delays and excuses were just too much, and I lost confidence that the company can stand behind the product. And, now EcoFlow, Bluetti and others are out with modular systems and features...
  24. mattleonard

    AC200 Max & B230 Expansion Battery

    I'm heavily debating the AC200 Max and the Eco Flow Delta Max. Anyone have opinions between them? Specs are relatively similar, price-per-watt is about the same, though the EcoFlow is considerably lighter (NMC vs LiFeP04 - but 800 cycles on NMC at my expected usage is still many, many years) I...
  25. mattleonard

    New portable/modular systems - Inergy Flex, Bluetti, EcoFlow , Titan - what to choose?

    Well, I decided to cancel my Inergy Flex pre-orders. I had two full Flex/battery combo's and a spare battery on order - it's been a year of excuses and delays, and I think there are now better products en route. They didn't even blink when I called to cancel - I'm guessing a lot of folks are...
  26. mattleonard

    New portable/modular systems - Inergy Flex, Bluetti, EcoFlow , Titan - what to choose?

    Seems like there's a slew of portable/modular units about to come out (Inergy Flex, Ecoflow DeltaPro & Max, Bluetti AC300/200 pro, Titan 2.0 etc)- with expandable batteries becoming the norm. I'm curious people's opinions on the latest beyond the obvious stated specs - but practical usage, build...
  27. mattleonard

    *New* Inergy "Flex" Solar Generator

    Just called them again - after previously being told in May that I could expect my first order to ship in June. Now... they say I might hope for July. While they extended their warranty as an "apology" for all these delays - it's hard to believe they will honor the warranty (or even still be a...
  28. mattleonard

    *New* Inergy "Flex" Solar Generator

    Inergy's last public communication was that the Flex would be shipping in May (2021). I just spoke with customer service to see the status of my orders (I have multiple units I've been waiting over a year on). Sounds like they have just started shipping about 100/day right now - and based on...
  29. mattleonard

    Would you buy an "open box" Kodiak?

    The short-answer I've been told (and I think this is what Inergy says) is that the Kodiak's battery is Lithium NMC - and I guess the BMS/charge profile would have balancing issues with a battery of another chemistry/capacity. Though not sure why lead-acid isn't an issue, but say, a Lifep04 is...
  30. mattleonard

    Portable Mounting options

    For smaller portability - I have (2) 100w panels built into a suitcase-style with hinges. I found a tilting satellite dish pole mount (found on Ebay) bolted unistrut to it, and then have some u-nuts on the panels that line up with the unistrut holes. Some star-knob bolts allow for a quick...
  31. mattleonard

    Victron SmartShunt question

    Correct - the reason for having same length cables is to not introduce different levels of resistance (from cables) that makes one set of batteries have a slightly different dis/charge behavior than the other - which can lead to some batteries working harder than others, and having premature...
  32. mattleonard

    Victron SmartShunt question

    I'm doing the same thing with a modular/portable setup. I have (2) physical battery banks in milk crates (2x 12v Lion UT-1300's in series to make 24v) - each with an SB175 2/0 cable going to my "control" box (Growatt 3000 inverter, breakers, outlets etc). The control box has a pair of SB175's...
  33. mattleonard

    choosing a 24v >=5000w inverter

    @frostyllama - I'm looking at a similar plan as you - though for a portable off-grid system. I eventually want ~5-6kw of power - but often only need less than half that, so planning to go with (2) Multiplus 24v/3000kVa units that can allow me for modularity, and redundancy - combined when I need...
  34. mattleonard

    Advice on dual 3kw (6kw total) system for small concerts?

    Thanks for the feedback. I don't forsee a need for split-phase - though I can see the benefit of running a single large 30a/240v cable to a power distribution center (like the spider-box/temp power ones) closer to the load, rather than multiple 15/20a 120v cables the whole way. This would also...
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