oh_thatballoffire
New Member
- Joined
- Nov 30, 2020
- Messages
- 3
Hello,
I have searched far and wide and not found a reliable answer to this rare situation.with my own google-fu, so I humbly request some assistance.
I have lived with this system for about 15 months (came with home), and had no prior solar experience. I know how to measure stuff, top off, equalize, but through research, not knowledge or training. I have a basic understanding of electricity, if that. I am comfortable with the mechanics of wiring, including inside panels, as long as I am using vetted instructions and diagram/plan.
This system currently runs everything in a low use household. Daily Use includes water system well pump and pressure tank, lights, rechargers for phone/laptop and tools, occasional complete home theater and (at different times) Gaming PC use. No refrigerator (propane), or other major appliances, at present.
I would like to add capacity to my system via new LiFePO4 batteries @ 24v, but retain the existing storage capacity of the FLA bank until its EOL, then add more LiFePO4 or whatever new chemistry in 3-5 yrs.
Long-Term Goals
1. Convert to system 24V
2. Convert to better storage (LiFePO4 or better)
3. Increase energy collection and storage size to allow consumption of minimum 5kWh at 120v per day, or 400 Ah, year round. (I am looking at wind and micro-hydro, as well.)
4. Maintain existing 12v panel and systems.
5. Revel in copius 'free' electricity.
My only constraint is money. I have room for additional solar panels, and will locate future panels in better locations than present (am cutting trees down). I am also planning on an eventual DIY wind generator, using one of said trees as a mast.
I am planning to work in phases. The most recent phase just completed 21JAN26, added sub-array of 960w pv and 80A controller.
My next phase is to add more storage. I am considering 300Ah or 400Ah this phase @ 24v. This would also
Is it possible and safe to do the following?
1. In my existing setup, insert a 24v LiFePO4 battery/bank "upstream" from the FLA bank.
2. Connect LiFePO4 bank to the FLA bank via DC/DC Converter (10 or 20 amp), with a breaker between the LiFePO4 and Converter (to manually control recharging of FLA, initially)
3. Continue using the Xantrax inverter and DC Panel to be downstream from the FLA bank.
4. Eventually add a 24v inverter to LiFePO4.
If no, is there any way to do this?
If yes, is there a better/cheaper way to accomplish the same goal of maintaining productivity from my existing FLA until EOL.
I am happy to provide any additional info, or a try to create a diagram of the system.
TIA
I have searched far and wide and not found a reliable answer to this rare situation.with my own google-fu, so I humbly request some assistance.
I have lived with this system for about 15 months (came with home), and had no prior solar experience. I know how to measure stuff, top off, equalize, but through research, not knowledge or training. I have a basic understanding of electricity, if that. I am comfortable with the mechanics of wiring, including inside panels, as long as I am using vetted instructions and diagram/plan.
This system currently runs everything in a low use household. Daily Use includes water system well pump and pressure tank, lights, rechargers for phone/laptop and tools, occasional complete home theater and (at different times) Gaming PC use. No refrigerator (propane), or other major appliances, at present.
I would like to add capacity to my system via new LiFePO4 batteries @ 24v, but retain the existing storage capacity of the FLA bank until its EOL, then add more LiFePO4 or whatever new chemistry in 3-5 yrs.
Long-Term Goals
1. Convert to system 24V
2. Convert to better storage (LiFePO4 or better)
3. Increase energy collection and storage size to allow consumption of minimum 5kWh at 120v per day, or 400 Ah, year round. (I am looking at wind and micro-hydro, as well.)
4. Maintain existing 12v panel and systems.
5. Revel in copius 'free' electricity.
My only constraint is money. I have room for additional solar panels, and will locate future panels in better locations than present (am cutting trees down). I am also planning on an eventual DIY wind generator, using one of said trees as a mast.
I am planning to work in phases. The most recent phase just completed 21JAN26, added sub-array of 960w pv and 80A controller.
My next phase is to add more storage. I am considering 300Ah or 400Ah this phase @ 24v. This would also
Is it possible and safe to do the following?
1. In my existing setup, insert a 24v LiFePO4 battery/bank "upstream" from the FLA bank.
2. Connect LiFePO4 bank to the FLA bank via DC/DC Converter (10 or 20 amp), with a breaker between the LiFePO4 and Converter (to manually control recharging of FLA, initially)
3. Continue using the Xantrax inverter and DC Panel to be downstream from the FLA bank.
4. Eventually add a 24v inverter to LiFePO4.
If no, is there any way to do this?
If yes, is there a better/cheaper way to accomplish the same goal of maintaining productivity from my existing FLA until EOL.
I am happy to provide any additional info, or a try to create a diagram of the system.
TIA
