Considering purchase of: Qty. 100 32650 3.2V LiFePo4 cells for 48V system

[softdown]

I have a spot welder and am finishing a book on DIY Lithium Batteries. Will's podcasts also make battery construction very simple. I did my own 48 volt solar system years ago.

Not ready to start construction. Still considering the design - something along these lines:
15S6P (15 serial, 6 parallel)

Said cells are US marketed as the same as used in one of the very most reputable LiFePo4 batteries on the market. These are a robust 6 aH/cell. They may sit awhile as well. I expect to get 3-5 more years out of my FullRiver AGMs.

Why purchase now? Great price and I am a prepper that seeks 10+ years of sustainability if the SHTF. I also have a spot welder and enjoy the self reliance of doing it yourself.

Why not purchase now? Prismatic cells are much easier to construct solar batteries with. Cylindrical cells suffer slight heat damage when BMS soldering is done. These could be rejected cells made for similar applications to the aforementioned battery. Likely good cells but less than perfect.

 

[softdown]

Figured - what the heck - bought qty 300. Should have battery power for the next 20 years with some luck and planning. Current batteries should last a few more years.

Now I need BMS boards, perhaps Victron Battery Savers and certainly nickel plates. Finding much more than 7 and 8mm etc nickel and nickel/iron strips has been - impossible to date. Then back up inverters and charge controllers for both 24 and 48V systems. Proper prepping is ridiculously expensive. Think hard before jumping in.

 

[softdown]

New here - this belongs in the DIY Battery Banks. Oops.

 

[MisterSandals]

So how much does a 32650 cost in quantities like that?

It sounds like a lot of work and spot welding isn't for the faint of heart.

I do like the idea of being prepared and building things yourself. Good luck!
I hope to follow your progress.

 

[MisterSandals]

New here - this belongs in the DIY Battery Banks. Oops.

I dunno, this might belong in the Danger Zone! :*)

 

[softdown]

So how much does a 32650 cost in quantities like that?

It sounds like a lot of work and spot welding isn't for the faint of heart.

I do like the idea of being prepared and building things yourself. Good luck!
I hope to follow your progress.

The price was irresistible - $4/cell. Cheaper cells are readily available but at much lower energy ratings - more like 3 aH instead of 6 aH.

My "progress" is open to debate. When inspired work becomes effortless, often fun. When uninspired it is akin to pulling teeth. From an alligator.

Why prep so hard? Not planning on getting their vaccine with the accompanying inducements - such as buying stuff in the marketplace.

 

[softdown]

I dunno, this might belong in the Danger Zone! :*)

It just might. I should hope not.