Starry-Nights
New Member
- Joined
- Nov 4, 2019
- Messages
- 23
I think I figured the best way to double the battery capacity of my existing system, but let’s see if there is something I am overlooking.
I built the existing system in summer 2019 using Will’s 24v system video outline with eight 100 AH LiFeP04 Fortune cells (months before Will discovered them!). Have four 100 watt panels on the roof (could squeeze in two more 100 watt panels), going to a 30 amp EpEver controller plus have a 3000 watt pure sine low frequency inverter/charger and a Sterling B to B that can output 35+ amps @ 24v from the 12v alternator. Built my own low-temp shut off and battery heater. System has been bulletproof reliable. (Image attached)
I live in New Hampshire but now winter in Arizona, living full time December to April boondocking off-grid. I’m entirely electric, no propane. There are some winter days with little sun where I need to cut back on electric use. More solar wouldn’t help, thus the interest in more battery.
Think usual solution is to add another set of eight 100 AH cells, but it is my understanding I’d need to add a second charge controller, BMS, thermostat and heater. Existing battery space would also need a difficult modification.
An easier way seems replace the current battery with eight new 200 AH cells. Seems like this would be a drop-in replacement as they could fit in my existing battery space unmodified and I should be able to use the existing heater and low-temp thermostat.
Pricewise, the difference between eight 100 AH vs. eight 200 AH cells is around $400. But, I’d need to add a charge controller, other components and make modifications to my battery compartment to make it fit. The 8 new cells seems a better choice. Plus, I’d have a lightly used set batteries to keep as a back-up or sell.
Comments very welcomed, plus any recommendations on best current deal on quality 200 AH cells.
I built the existing system in summer 2019 using Will’s 24v system video outline with eight 100 AH LiFeP04 Fortune cells (months before Will discovered them!). Have four 100 watt panels on the roof (could squeeze in two more 100 watt panels), going to a 30 amp EpEver controller plus have a 3000 watt pure sine low frequency inverter/charger and a Sterling B to B that can output 35+ amps @ 24v from the 12v alternator. Built my own low-temp shut off and battery heater. System has been bulletproof reliable. (Image attached)
I live in New Hampshire but now winter in Arizona, living full time December to April boondocking off-grid. I’m entirely electric, no propane. There are some winter days with little sun where I need to cut back on electric use. More solar wouldn’t help, thus the interest in more battery.
Think usual solution is to add another set of eight 100 AH cells, but it is my understanding I’d need to add a second charge controller, BMS, thermostat and heater. Existing battery space would also need a difficult modification.
An easier way seems replace the current battery with eight new 200 AH cells. Seems like this would be a drop-in replacement as they could fit in my existing battery space unmodified and I should be able to use the existing heater and low-temp thermostat.
Pricewise, the difference between eight 100 AH vs. eight 200 AH cells is around $400. But, I’d need to add a charge controller, other components and make modifications to my battery compartment to make it fit. The 8 new cells seems a better choice. Plus, I’d have a lightly used set batteries to keep as a back-up or sell.
Comments very welcomed, plus any recommendations on best current deal on quality 200 AH cells.