I just splurged on what I thought was a great deal, but don't want to get ahead of my skis.
Just received 4 Power Queen 200 ah Plus (200 amp bms) Lifepo4s for about $550 ea.
While just starting into the world of solar, I do have a Rich Solar 600 watt system with 2 Weize 200ah 100amp bms batteries feeding a 2000 watt inverter running a 20 cuft. refrigerator.
I have a few questions, and also looking for suggestions. Still up in the air about what I'm going to do with the new batteries, but thinking about a 2S2P setup for them. It will be a bit before I can afford the solar/inverter system for them. I know this is a silly way to do things, but can't spend 30K on a complete roof top system.
My first question is about initial charge (I used solar for the Weize). After research I keep running into the phrase "constant voltage, constant current". A charge controller will regulate V, but not I. Will it be OK to do an initial charge with my current solar system? Or do I have to buy an AC charger, and if so how big (20A, 40A, or bigger)? I have a 4.5 amp charger, but that will take days.
Next question, 4P or 2S2P I'm just hoping to run appliances, lights and emergency backup, that should only draw about 50% of the 10 Kw available from the batteries daily. And be able to recharge daily. I live in SoCal, so get some good sunshine. I can get about 1.5 to 2 Kw this time of year out of my 600W system. Would love to put all 6 btts together, but guess that's a No No.
Looking for size and component ideas on fairly good but not to expensive solar system/inverter components.
Some of my ideas
A 2.5 to 3 Kw all in one inverter charge controller.
A complete kit from Rich Solar, Renogy, or somebody else.
This inverter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BXS1VGM7?tag=track-ect-usa-817885-20&linkCode=osi&tht=1
Also thinking used or refurbished panels, not looking for a lifetime system. I'm over 65 and not needing decades worth of use.
There is so much out there, hoping for ideas.
More to follow, but I will quit for now.
Just received 4 Power Queen 200 ah Plus (200 amp bms) Lifepo4s for about $550 ea.
While just starting into the world of solar, I do have a Rich Solar 600 watt system with 2 Weize 200ah 100amp bms batteries feeding a 2000 watt inverter running a 20 cuft. refrigerator.
I have a few questions, and also looking for suggestions. Still up in the air about what I'm going to do with the new batteries, but thinking about a 2S2P setup for them. It will be a bit before I can afford the solar/inverter system for them. I know this is a silly way to do things, but can't spend 30K on a complete roof top system.
My first question is about initial charge (I used solar for the Weize). After research I keep running into the phrase "constant voltage, constant current". A charge controller will regulate V, but not I. Will it be OK to do an initial charge with my current solar system? Or do I have to buy an AC charger, and if so how big (20A, 40A, or bigger)? I have a 4.5 amp charger, but that will take days.
Next question, 4P or 2S2P I'm just hoping to run appliances, lights and emergency backup, that should only draw about 50% of the 10 Kw available from the batteries daily. And be able to recharge daily. I live in SoCal, so get some good sunshine. I can get about 1.5 to 2 Kw this time of year out of my 600W system. Would love to put all 6 btts together, but guess that's a No No.
Looking for size and component ideas on fairly good but not to expensive solar system/inverter components.
Some of my ideas
A 2.5 to 3 Kw all in one inverter charge controller.
A complete kit from Rich Solar, Renogy, or somebody else.
This inverter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BXS1VGM7?tag=track-ect-usa-817885-20&linkCode=osi&tht=1
Also thinking used or refurbished panels, not looking for a lifetime system. I'm over 65 and not needing decades worth of use.
There is so much out there, hoping for ideas.
More to follow, but I will quit for now.
Last edited: