In all fairness there were many that ended up stripping the cells terminal threads due to poor threading in the cells' terminals and/or applying too much torque. I was one of those. And much of this discussion happened before cells came or were offered with laser welded studs.
If I had to do it all over I would buy capacity matched cells with welded studs from a reputable supplier. Live and learn
But I am still happy with my cells considering what I paid for them.
We’re all living through a market in a period of phenomenal transition. It’s a different world today than it was 15 months ago when I bought my cells.
Absolutely nothing to feel remorse about - I knew I was diving into a waterfall and have no regrets.
I paid $1400 for a 16 280Ah cells that I’ve had to struggle through more trials and tribulations with than I can count on all fingers to get properly put together as a 2S8P 24V battery (including the problem than caused me to start this thread
), but everything is working well now and I hope this battery outlives me.
I’m not getting the full 560Ah / 14.3kWh I payed for, but even at 2/3 that level, this battery cost me under $0.15/kWh in hard costs - less than I would have paid for Lead-Acid.
Family members are asking me about copying my system but I would never consider a DIY battery for them. Today, you can purchase a finished 5.1kWh battery from Signature Solar for $1500 or under $0.30/kWh (and dropping every year).
And for those wanting to go the DIY route to chase the potential savings of up to 50% to be had, it’s looking increasingly likely that true Automotive-grade 300Ah+ cells with welded aluminum fittings are becoming available for prices of $200-250 (for example:
https://diysolarforum.com/threads/c...e-data-sheet-certification.31953/#post-388106)
If you can get true matched cells with welded fittings delivering 300Ah+ for $200, that’s going to translate into a more expensive battery at ~$0.21/Wh, but factoring in the much lower frustration / screwing around factor as well as the greater safety, it’s a no-brainer.
So for those stumbling onto this thread because they’ve started down the path of purchasing cheap after/grey-market cells with tapped terminals before it was clear there is a better / safer alternative, good luck finding fixes to the various issues that result.
But for anyone reading this before they have decided on cells, there are better alternatives available now and you really should think twice before heading down this same path (no longer worth it).