Best way to add an extra battery to my Bluetti AC180

[T-Rex]

Thanks T-Rex!

Just for back ground, I found that my fridge plugged into my AC180 ran for 10 hours.

1150wh(the advertised capacity of the AC180)/10hour = 115w average usage, so the external batteries should be able to keep up within the 10A/400W limitation. I would run 4x 12v batteries gives 4800wh. 4800wh/115w = 41.7hours + 10hours (internal battery) ~ 51hours (so call it 48 hours) maximum run time on my fridge without recharge.

Haven't thought about the solar end yet, but it shouldn't be too outrageous.

If we are going to all that trouble (same batteries, solar panels and solar charge controller), add a 1500w inverter, cable, fuses and switches, you would come out a few bucks ahead. (But you and I already have the AC180, so we'll use them as a starting point)

 

[sunshine_eggo]

The yellow energy usage stickers for appliances are a great place to start for daily consumption.

 

[sparty4601]

Just for back ground, I found that my fridge plugged into my AC180 ran for 10 hours.

1150wh(the advertised capacity of the AC180)/10hour = 115w average usage, so the external batteries should be able to keep up within the 10A/400W limitation. I would run 4x 12v batteries gives 4800wh. 4800wh/115w = 41.7hours + 10hours (internal battery) ~ 51hours (so call it 48 hours) maximum run time on my fridge without recharge.

Haven't thought about the solar end yet, but it shouldn't be too outrageous.

If we are going to all that trouble (same batteries, solar panels and solar charge controller), add a 1500w inverter, cable, fuses and switches, you would come out a few bucks ahead. (But you and I already have the AC180, so we'll use them as a starting point)

Right?? Great information, thank you. I picked my AC180 up for $450, and figured I couldn't build a DIY power station at 1150wh for the same price... or real close. It certainly wouldn't have looked as good, but prob would have been more fun building. I have a 30A transfer switch that I wired into my home to run a few essentials (inverter generator), I'm rarely running more than 1800w unless it's "sump pump" season. Trying to put together a second backup system that doesn't need gasoline.

 

[San Diego Soul-ar]

Considering the Bluetti AC180 was $499 on Prime Day and has about as much capacity as a 12.8V 100amp hour battery itself, wouldn't one solution be just to get a 2nd AC180 if you need more capacity?

AC 180 P is on sale at Wellbots.com for $499 with a $400 off code. Free ship. Got mine in 3 days. Extra 300 Wh (total 1440 Wh) and same 35 lb weight. Charges faster too. Except orange lettering like a Jackery.