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diy solar

MPP LV6548 Build

DanF

Solar Enthusiast
Joined
Nov 26, 2020
Messages
124
Location
Ohio
Starting the build.. 16-272a Lifepo4 cells, 2- MPP LV6548 Inverters in 240v operation. Solar TBD...IMG_20210115_165828.jpg
 

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Updated pictures.. Made some changes to the PVC so all of the 120/240v wiring will be out of site on the wall once it is finished. She's ready for Plywood!
 

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Got a much needed break to work on other home issues! My second inverter has not been shipped (back order issues) and the batteries are currently on the slow boat to a fedex destination in Cali. This will give me time to configure the battery and solar side of the build as well as complete the branch circuit conduits and tie-ins to the main panel. So, here is how it stands for a bit... Pics below
 

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Commissioning Batteries! They arrived earlier than expected. Sub-panel work, conduits, painting "The wall"etc.
 

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Commissioning Batteries! They arrived earlier than expected. Sub-panel work, conduits, painting "The wall"etc.
Wow, very clean install! Are your batteries/terminals all in new/grade A condition?
 
Wow, very clean install! Are your batteries/terminals all in new/grade A condition?
They appear to be. No marks at all. They have stickers with all battery info and bar coded. I am very pleased with the professional packaging as well. These also have small rods with nuts instead of bolts for terminations. Lishen brand.
 
They appear to be. No marks at all. They have stickers with all battery info and bar coded. I am very pleased with the professional packaging as well. These also have small rods with nuts instead of bolts for terminations. Lishen brand.
Have you had the chance to check the individual capacity of these Lishen 272ah cells? I'm planning to build a similar system and these are looking good.
 
Have you had the chance to check the individual capacity of these Lishen 272ah cells? I'm planning to build a similar system and these are looking good.
No, I currently have two parallel banks of 8 cells that I am top balancing. I will do a capacity test for the whole bank of 16 once they are done. I still have to figure out what I am going to put the batteries in. Thinking about a Nema 4 box with all the batteries and DC stuff connected inside that. We'll see..
 
Batteries are balanced. Starting A.C. terminations in the J.B. Finishing some terminations on the A.C. side and beginning to build the battery box and start work on the D.C. side. Terminations from the Main panel to the J.B. still need done as well as installing the 60a breaker.
 

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Some new parts arrived today! I am VERY happy with the quality of these VTE 3 point bus bars (1/4" thick) and the VTE class T fuse holder!! They shipped very quickly from their main U.S. website . Going with the Blue Sea 350a continuous battery disconnect switch. Many places are back ordered with these kind of parts..

1. VTE 3 point bus bars $16.75 each
2. T-Shaped protective cover for bus bars $1.80 each
3. Class T fuse holder $9.04

Shipping for the VTE stuff $14.63

4. Blue Sea 350a battery disconnect switch Ebay - $42.10/ $55.95 with tax and shipping.
 

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Beginning the DC side install. Made some bus bars, and began mounting and terminating inside the battery box. Ran out of 4/0 lugs, so I'll work on a good spot for the battery equalizer location until I get some more lugs.
 

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Are you going off grid completely/tie-grid or? Very excited to see finished product. Where did you get your copper?
 
Are you going off grid completely/tie-grid or? Very excited to see finished product. Where did you get your copper?
I will not be completely off grid. This will be grid assisted. I am monitoring the sub panel with a Myeyedro electricity monitor which I had on my mains for the past 4 years flawlessly. The Myeyedro is an excellent way to help determine sizing of a system, monitor your watts, amps, costs etc. You can turn on any load and within a second or two you can see how much draw it has.

I currently have all lighting circuits, security panel, 4 security cameras, the furnace, 3 T.V.'s, a refrigerator and my office computer on the sub panel. (about 95% of what I use daily in the house). With everything running at the same time I am drawing 2KW. I am saving head room for the A.C. (soft start) in the summer and will go from there.

Just at night (for the winter months) 8pm-8am the savings should be around 30%, then adding in the 12hrs during the day with proper solar panel sizing I am hoping to save another 40% with a goal of 70% overall.
Summer months will see a higher rate of savings. I will post true results at a later date.

I bought the copper (1/4"x 3/4") at McMaster-Carr. 1-6' piece was perfect for 16 cells. I ended up with 4 extra bus bars. $67.00 for the bus bar with a total of $96.00 after tax and shipping.
 
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I couldn't help myself... everything arrived today except for the fuse.. I put a "fusible link" in. I had to see them light up! WOW, THIS IS SOOOO COOL! Running a true capacity test now... Boy, those LED's are pretty.. :giggle:
 

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I will be putting the DC cables from the inverters to the battery box in either panduit or home made box-outs to conceal them. Not sure on that yet. Now I need to begin sourcing the solar panels. I think the setup will be 2-banks of 6 in series (South facing) then 1- bank of 2 East and 2 West facing in series. Total of 16 panels approx. 300 watts each.
 
Very nice looking setup!, congrats!

How noisy are the 6548's?, do you like them so far?

PD: Can you backfeed to the grid with those inverters?, assuming they get their UL approved.
 
Very nice looking setup!, congrats!

How noisy are the 6548's?, do you like them so far?

PD: Can you backfeed to the grid with those inverters?, assuming they get their UL approved.
No backfeeding the grid and I would never have a grid tied system these days. I.E. deduct metered. F - the power company. And I have a backup generator which is a bonus. Most pay about 10k for that alone and may use it twice in 10 years around here
 
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