Getting closer, but more questions...

[taxesarewaytoohigh]

I am a beginner, building an off-grid system for a 600 sqft cabin. After watching Will's video on building a "simple mobile 48v system."

I decided this looks like something I could do. I would need 2 of the batteries, and this would give me more than adequate capacity for my needs, with 6 of his recommended 415W Trina panels from Current Connected.


In his video, Will shows the EG4 3kW All-in-one Inverter and MPPT. He connects to a Trophy 48V100E battery, which is 5.12KW (105Ah). He says the reason he chose this battery is because the heavy-duty double lugs are large and easy to connect to. It looks like this battery (which has been upgraded) is currently $1695.

However, in his parts list below the video, instead of the Trophy, he lists the EG4 Lifepower 4 server rack battery with the same basic specs . This is listed at $1,142, considerably less $$.

I'm wondering if anyone can tell me how the lower-priced, more compact EG4 battery compares to the Trophy. It lists 6,000 cycles and a DoD of 80%. I can't find those specs on the Trophy battery to compare.

I understand that the EG4 would communicate well with the EG4 inverter/MPPT. Would I get any of those same communication options if I went with the Trophy? How important are they?

And since the large lugs were his reason for choosing the Trophy, how difficult will it be to connect to these smaller terminals on the EG4 server-rack style battery?

I realize the Trophy warranty is non-prorated.... But is the better warranty worth $1100 (since i need 2 of them)??

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[WorldwideDave]

so look at the date of the videos he generated recommending the Trophy. Probably 2+ years ago. Not sure. The battery he now recommends is that EG4. If you are getting an EG4 inverter, get the EG4 battery if you want. Up to you. I think either the EG4 inverter or battery comes with the cables, or just get them as a bundle from current connected - call them and see. Reply back and let us know how it goes.
I have victron gear so can't comment on the EG4 stuff.

 

[HRTKD]

Current Connected is a very good company, but shipping solar panels, especially only six, can be a crap shoot. Consider sourcing panels locally.

There is a GreenTech Renewables office in Madison if you're up for a road trip. Lot's of forum members have had good experiences buying from them. Be sure to talk to the local office, not the national number.

 

[taxesarewaytoohigh]

Thank you, WorldwideDave! Yes,.that video is 1 year old... apparently he prefers the EG4 now. This seems like it would be a good solution but I don't see low temperature protection on that battery. That would be ok except that I also don't see it on the EG4 3KW all-in-one I was planning to use! Am I missing something obvious? I'm surprised neither items have a cold-temp shut-off. Is there another way to accomplish that or should I give up on that battery?

And HRTKD, Madison is not far... great advice! I actually had not thought about buying locally, which is funny, but large glass panels would be a prime item to avoid shipping!

 

[WorldwideDave]

Thank you, WorldwideDave! Yes,.that video is 1 year old... apparently he prefers the EG4 now. This seems like it would be a good solution but I don't see low temperature protection on that battery. That would be ok except that I also don't see it on the EG4 3KW all-in-one I was planning to use! Am I missing something obvious? I'm surprised neither items have a cold-temp shut-off. Is there another way to accomplish that or should I give up on that battery?

I don't recall that many inverters themselves have low temp cutoff - usually in the BMS of the battery I think. I believe if you have a closed loop communications system where the battery talks to the inverter that the inverter will then shut off but not certain.