Not sure where to post, looking for authentic battery sellers EVE,CATL 300+ AH

[cyberfed]

Hello bright minds,
I apologize I'm not sure where to post this so I'm trying here.

I'm looking to buy 16x 300+AH batteries to build a nice ESS system. Probably EVE or CATL they seem to dominate the sites, I'm looking for 'the real deal' best possible grade brand new. No ripoff's of slight failures in testing that make them less quality (still referred by some websites as ESS solar grade A).

I don't want this forum to turn into a giant argument about vendors and scams, surely there has to be a few sellers that are known to consistently sell brand new perfect batteries.

I've read that Shenzhen Seplos Technology Co from off grid storage are good. I must admit ali-express scares me for batteries, though they have a long standing business and lots of good reviews but....ali-express. Now if people come back and say yep they are solid ok then. They wanted $400 in shipping which makes sense but also hurts the wallet. Another site I usually buy from redirected me to docan power which seems like a really good deal (free shipping AND no tax?!) I noticed everything was "grade A" but they had some listed as EV grade and ESS grade (still grade "A"). So I researched a bit and it looks like they are just coming up with their own terminology and likely are B grade cells. I have no idea.

I don't want to get ripped off with fake cells. I don't mind the shipping time, just want legit brand new 300+AH batteries. Same with shipping cost I'll bite the bullet and pay high shipping so long as I'm getting real brand new top of the line meets all specs no bulging ect.. batteries.

Another way to put it: From where would YOU feel comfortable putting batteries in your home?

Cheers.

Thanks in advance!!

 

[Sellier_bellot]

No answers?

 

[Warpspeed]

A great many of us here at this Forum have bought successfully from Amy Wan at Shenzhen Luyuan and been very happy with the transaction.
Her excellent reputation brings her a lot of business, and she works very hard to maintain that reputation.
https://szluyuan.en.alibaba.com/?spm=a2756.trade-order-list.0.0.110d76e9kv6ApB

Alibaba is very different to Ali Express.

Alibaba withhold payment to the seller until the buyer has received the goods.
They are a third party to the transaction and oversee everything and act as protection against fraud and scams to BOTH parties.
Ali Express is just a free market, and offer none of that, so buyer beware.

Also suggested you use Pay-Pal for payment.
Pay Pal will intervene if anything does go wrong, it gives you one extra layer of protection.

These batteries are hazardous material, and shipping is always expensive because the carrier must use specially trained people with all the required safety equipment. Government rules and regulations are horrendous, hence its always expensive to ship Lithium batteries anywhere.

ALL the batteries come off the exact same production line, its all 100% fully automated robot production. Quality control is excellent.
What happens is you can buy just the standard battery, or you can pay a premium for the exact same thing that has been fully tested and comes with a test report and guaranteed performance. However its not necessarily any different or better than what the industry calls call grade B cells.

They don't make good cells and crappy cells, they are all exactly the same off the same production line.
If you wish to pay the premium, that is entirely up to you.
Best bang for your buck will be to buy more of the cheaper cells to get the most amp hours per dollar.
If one or two are very slightly sub par, you will still be hugely in front, especially if the lower cost gets you a couple of spare cells !

There is no guarantee that a fully tested and more expensive cell will be any better or more reliable than a cheaper cell a few years hence.
The main factor is WHO you buy from, and what protections are offered.

 

[Trev.]

Hello. I just stumbled across this forum. Yes it can be a problem as there are so many people trying to make a quick dollar on someone else's work.

I have been importing (direct from factory)/ selling and using Thundersky Winston cells since 2008 and have developed a very good reputation. These batteries are excellent. Tried and proven. Very DIY friendly. Water based lithium, LYP chemistry. Believed to be the safest lithium battery. We use these batteries for everything:- House solar, EV's - Cars, Quads, Bikes, Boats, Motor homes & caravan's, even start battery for the internal combustion engine (ICE).

A picture of my EV Hilux with Winston 300Ah cells. The ute tray bolts over the top.


One example, customer's house solar. Always good to be housed in their own box, with cover




I am currently working on a customer's quad conversion. Winston 160Ah cells. 48v pack.


Other examples can be seen on my website https://www.drivebynature.com/

Last year, I also started importing EVE, direct from factory. I have a pack fitted to my son's Hilux EV conversion, but still early days to know if they are any good. So far no issues, function like they should, minimal voltage sag under load. The alloy connectors supplied by the factory under high current, show a big voltage sag, but we changed to copper and fixed it. The alloy connectors seem to be fine with house solar application.

The 05 Hilux battery pack with EVE 304Ah cells


Customer's house solar with EVE 280Ah cells

 

[Shawn Hayes]

A great many of us here at this Forum have bought successfully from Amy Wan at Shenzhen Luyuan and been very happy with the transaction.
Her excellent reputation brings her a lot of business, and she works very hard to maintain that reputation.
https://szluyuan.en.alibaba.com/?spm=a2756.trade-order-list.0.0.110d76e9kv6ApB

Alibaba is very different to Ali Express.

I will second that comment. I’m looking to expand my packs again soon and will order from Amy again… as long as the price and shipping costs are still reasonable.

 

[42OhmsPA]

Hello. I just stumbled across this forum. Yes it can be a problem as there are so many people trying to make a quick dollar on someone else's work.

I have been importing (direct from factory)/ selling and using Thundersky Winston cells since 2008 and have developed a very good reputation. These batteries are excellent. Tried and proven. Very DIY friendly. Water based lithium, LYP chemistry. Believed to be the safest lithium battery. We use these batteries for everything:- House solar, EV's - Cars, Quads, Bikes, Boats, Motor homes & caravan's, even start battery for the internal combustion engine (ICE).

A picture of my EV Hilux with Winston 300Ah cells. The ute tray bolts over the top.
View attachment 273429

One example, customer's house solar. Always good to be housed in their own box, with cover
View attachment 273430

View attachment 273431

I am currently working on a customer's quad conversion. Winston 160Ah cells. 48v pack.
View attachment 273442

Other examples can be seen on my website https://www.drivebynature.com/

Last year, I also started importing EVE, direct from factory. I have a pack fitted to my son's Hilux EV conversion, but still early days to know if they are any good. So far no issues, function like they should, minimal voltage sag under load. The alloy connectors supplied by the factory under high current, show a big voltage sag, but we changed to copper and fixed it. The alloy connectors seem to be fine with house solar application.

The 05 Hilux battery pack with EVE 304Ah cells
View attachment 273440

Customer's house solar with EVE 280Ah cells
View attachment 273443

Welcome aboard and excellent first post.

 

[robbob2112]

Hello. I just stumbled across this forum. Yes it can be a problem as there are so many people trying to make a quick dollar on someone else's work.

I have been importing (direct from factory)/ selling and using Thundersky Winston cells since 2008 and have developed a very good reputation. These batteries are excellent. Tried and proven. Very DIY friendly. Water based lithium, LYP chemistry. Believed to be the safest lithium battery. We use these batteries for everything:- House solar, EV's - Cars, Quads, Bikes, Boats, Motor homes & caravan's, even start battery for the internal combustion engine (ICE).

A picture of my EV Hilux with Winston 300Ah cells. The ute tray bolts over the top.
View attachment 273429

One example, customer's house solar. Always good to be housed in their own box, with cover
View attachment 273430

View attachment 273431

I am currently working on a customer's quad conversion. Winston 160Ah cells. 48v pack.
View attachment 273442

Other examples can be seen on my website https://www.drivebynature.com/

Last year, I also started importing EVE, direct from factory. I have a pack fitted to my son's Hilux EV conversion, but still early days to know if they are any good. So far no issues, function like they should, minimal voltage sag under load. The alloy connectors supplied by the factory under high current, show a big voltage sag, but we changed to copper and fixed it. The alloy connectors seem to be fine with house solar application.

The 05 Hilux battery pack with EVE 304Ah cells
View attachment 273440

Customer's house solar with EVE 280Ah cells
View attachment 273443

If you are here for your own enrichment you are welcome.

If you are here to promote a business in any way there are a few rules around your username- basically it needs to indicate the business. You are still welcome and if you sell Winston cells or others at reasonable prices there are probably a number of folks interested, myself included.

Thread 'Official Forum "Code of Conduct" and "Terms of Service"'

Dec 5, 2019

Code of Conduct

• Advertising is not allowed. Affiliate links, self promotion, spam etc, will result in a permanent ban and your IP address will be listed. It is ok to post basic links to products you like, but if we find that you are a shill, you will be banned.
• Posts should stay on topic. If you post your favorite music video or a political rant on a thread about batteries, it will be deleted.
• Be civil. If multiple members complain about disruptive behavior of a member, they will be banned. Be respectful to others, and treat others how you would like to be treated...

• Will Prowse
• Replies: 0
• Forum: DIY Solar General Discussion

• 

 

[Trev.]

Hi All, If I have written something I shouldn't have, then sure, delete the post.

The original poster 'Cyberfed' asked for

authentic battery seller​

I thought I was answering his question.

Before business, I used to teach. Information is education. The more information you have, the more you can formulate questions. When you ask questions, you are ready for an answer.

​

 

[Rednecktek]

Hi All, If I have written something I shouldn't have, then sure, delete the post.

The original poster 'Cyberfed' asked for

authentic battery seller​

I thought I was answering his question.

Before business, I used to teach. Information is education. The more information you have, the more you can formulate questions. When you ask questions, you are ready for an answer.

​

Relax Trev, just making sure you don't get yourself in trouble on accident.

There are quite a few fans of those Winston cells on here, expect messages.

Back to the OP: I've always been happy with my Docan cells, never ordered enough at one time to make tge Alibabaexpress worth the hassle. The only difference on the grade cells you get from Docan is whether or not you pay them the extra to test & write reports for the cells you ordered. If you don't care about the paperwork, the ESS grade and the EV tested grade all come from the same factory.

 

[robbob2112]

Hi All, If I have written something I shouldn't have, then sure, delete the post.

The original poster 'Cyberfed' asked for

authentic battery seller​

I thought I was answering his question.

Before business, I used to teach. Information is education. The more information you have, the more you can formulate questions. When you ask questions, you are ready for an answer.

​

Nope you are good... there are a number of vendor's on here... they help out when a user has a problem with a product.

Assuming you have Winston cells to sell, post a link to the website or contact info... we just don't like the pushy shills than come on and say what a great product they have and everybody else sucks..

 

[1201]

If op is willing to buy 1 million units I'm sure he can get original grade a cells.

 

[Trev.]

robbob, I did put my website link in my original post. Contacts etc are in the website. Nothing about the EVE cells in the website though. Early days on EVE. Yes I have stock on both Winston and EVE cells.

 

[murph88]

A great many of us here at this Forum have bought successfully from Amy Wan at Shenzhen Luyuan and been very happy with the transaction.
Her excellent reputation brings her a lot of business, and she works very hard to maintain that reputation.
https://szluyuan.en.alibaba.com/?spm=a2756.trade-order-list.0.0.110d76e9kv6ApB

Alibaba is very different to Ali Express.

Alibaba withhold payment to the seller until the buyer has received the goods.
They are a third party to the transaction and oversee everything and act as protection against fraud and scams to BOTH parties.
Ali Express is just a free market, and offer none of that, so buyer beware.

Also suggested you use Pay-Pal for payment.
Pay Pal will intervene if anything does go wrong, it gives you one extra layer of protection.

These batteries are hazardous material, and shipping is always expensive because the carrier must use specially trained people with all the required safety equipment. Government rules and regulations are horrendous, hence its always expensive to ship Lithium batteries anywhere.

ALL the batteries come off the exact same production line, its all 100% fully automated robot production. Quality control is excellent.
What happens is you can buy just the standard battery, or you can pay a premium for the exact same thing that has been fully tested and comes with a test report and guaranteed performance. However its not necessarily any different or better than what the industry calls call grade B cells.

They don't make good cells and crappy cells, they are all exactly the same off the same production line.
If you wish to pay the premium, that is entirely up to you.
Best bang for your buck will be to buy more of the cheaper cells to get the most amp hours per dollar.
If one or two are very slightly sub par, you will still be hugely in front, especially if the lower cost gets you a couple of spare cells !

There is no guarantee that a fully tested and more expensive cell will be any better or more reliable than a cheaper cell a few years hence.
The main factor is WHO you buy from, and what protections are offered.

So, THIS is basically what I "wanted" to hear and completely believe. By the statement that all of the cells are the same, do you mean all of the same brand name cells... EVE for example? Or are you saying EVE cells are just a group of cells bought, tested, and sold by a company called EVE?

What I'm trying to do is purchase on ebay. I have searched for a while on this site, but never seen any real information as to the "quality" of cells anyone bought through ebay. My goal is to have that 30 days of protection from ebay, so I can test and run my new cells hard and fast to hopefully show problems during that 30 days.

Thanks for any further information regarding this!

 

[Warpspeed]

Good luck trying to get a refund after thirty days of hard use.
The seller will just say the cell failed through abuse, and maybe it did.
Only way e-bay will intervene is if there is obvious serious physical damage on delivery, and you have irrefutable photographic evidence.
Claiming that a 280 amp hour rated cell only delivered 275 amp hours and you want a full refund just ain't gonna fly.

 

[S Davis]

I would have to say that all cells are not created equal, they might come off the same production lines but the cells either meet specifications or not, b grade is usually either old stock or didn’t meet specifications. The battery grading is bs the sellers came up with to make people feel better about buying out of spec cells.

Just look at all the posts with people with balancing issues and runner cells. Maybe I have been lucky but then I never look for the lowest price and paid for ir matched, batched cells from a recommended seller. My batteries run between .002 and .020 through the charge and discharge cycle and rarely have to activate the balancer. I don’t have to babysit them.

JMHO

 

[murph88]

Good luck trying to get a refund after thirty days of hard use.
The seller will just say the cell failed through abuse, and maybe it did.
Only way e-bay will intervene is if there is obvious serious physical damage on delivery, and you have irrefutable photographic evidence.
Claiming that a 280 amp hour rated cell only delivered 275 amp hours and you want a full refund just ain't gonna fly.

Shouldn't have even mentioned the ebay thing... that was obviously distracting. My bad.

This is what I was referencing about what you had said which led to the only question I asked....

ALL the batteries come off the exact same production line, its all 100% fully automated robot production. Quality control is excellent.
What happens is you can buy just the standard battery, or you can pay a premium for the exact same thing that has been fully tested and comes with a test report and guaranteed performance. However its not necessarily any different or better than what the industry calls call grade B cells.

They don't make good cells and crappy cells, they are all exactly the same off the same production line.
If you wish to pay the premium, that is entirely up to you.
Best bang for your buck will be to buy more of the cheaper cells to get the most amp hours per dollar.
If one or two are very slightly sub par, you will still be hugely in front, especially if the lower cost gets you a couple of spare cells !

Now, back to the question...

By the statement that all of the cells are the same, do you mean all of the same brand name cells... EV for example? Or are you saying EV cells are just a group of cells bought, tested, and sold by a company called EV? The only thing I'd really love to know is if your statement applies to all of the various names they put on cells, or just certain ones?

Sorry about the confusion.

 

[jorby]

I doubt there is a single "giga-giga production line" in China making all the cells that everyone brings to market. The logical conclusion is that there are different manufacturers making virtually identical cells. The quality may vary, but the production equipment, materials and recipe are likely to be almost identical. I read somewhere that there is not much corporate technical secrecy protection in China. Testing of the finished product is probably the most important factor.

 

[Warpspeed]

Now, back to the question...

By the statement that all of the cells are the same, do you mean all of the same brand name cells... EV for example? Or are you saying EV cells are just a group of cells bought, tested, and sold by a company called EV? The only thing I'd really love to know is if your statement applies to all of the various names they put on cells, or just certain ones?

Sorry about the confusion.

Well obviously there are very different cell manufacturers out there, and different sizes and styles of cells offered by a particular manufacturer.

But if Manufacturer X produces a certain specific product, chances are that all of those came from the same manufacturing plant, and very likely off the same identical production line.

These days there will probably be just some very basic automated screening at the end of a production line, and those will be the standard cells packed in bulk for dispatch.
Some customers require grade A cells that go through much more rigorous testing, which is both time consuming and expensive. You get a test report for each cell and a higher resulting cost.
The grade A cells are in fact identical to the standard cells, and many if not the majority of standard cells are just as good as the grade A cells.
Some will be below average, but still within a wider specification.

Many electronic components are like this, particularly analog chips.
You might for instance buy a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, or a voltage regulator.
There might be the standard version, and an A grade version.
Standard temperature sensor might be guaranteed +/- 1 degree Celsius at 20C. The A version might be +/- 0.2 degrees Celsius at 20C.
They are the EXACT same part, its just that the A version is guaranteed with a tighter spec.

Now maybe you don't need the expensive A version for its improved accuracy.
But its a waste of time thinking the A version is going to be a more long term reliable part.
In a years time the A version might have drifted well out of spec, especially if its been abused.

But thinking the A version parts must be very special because they cost a lot more, is a complete myth.

 

[murph88]

Well obviously there are very different cell manufacturers out there, and different sizes and styles of cells offered by a particular manufacturer.

But if Manufacturer X produces a certain specific product, chances are that all of those came from the same manufacturing plant, and very likely off the same identical production line.

These days there will probably be just some very basic automated screening at the end of a production line, and those will be the standard cells packed in bulk for dispatch.
Some customers require grade A cells that go through much more rigorous testing, which is both time consuming and expensive. You get a test report for each cell and a higher resulting cost.
The grade A cells are in fact identical to the standard cells, and many if not the majority of standard cells are just as good as the grade A cells.
Some will be below average, but still within a wider specification.

Many electronic components are like this, particularly analog chips.
You might for instance buy a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, or a voltage regulator.
There might be the standard version, and an A grade version.
Standard temperature sensor might be guaranteed +/- 1 degree Celsius at 20C. The A version might be +/- 0.2 degrees Celsius at 20C.
They are the EXACT same part, its just that the A version is guaranteed with a tighter spec.

Now maybe you don't need the expensive A version for its improved accuracy.
But its a waste of time thinking the A version is going to be a more long term reliable part.
In a years time the A version might have drifted well out of spec, especially if its been abused.

But thinking the A version parts must be very special because they cost a lot more, is a complete myth.

Perfect! Great explanation... since I was thinking sort of in microprocessor terms. It's my understanding that apple pays a little more for a little better chips that come from the exact same line as the chips which are not as precise, but used by other companies in their less expensive products. Not as precise, but still do the job well.

To sum up - correct me if I'm wrong - the "name" on the cell doesn't mean everything. Some lower priced cells with the same manufacturer name may or may not perform exactly like the higher priced cells with the same manufacturer name. When we are talking about 10+ years of cycling, the small differences, if any, will pretty much even out most often.

 

[Zork Arg]

Hello bright minds,
I apologize I'm not sure where to post this so I'm trying here.

I'm looking to buy 16x 300+AH batteries to build a nice ESS system. Probably EVE or CATL they seem to dominate the sites, I'm looking for 'the real deal' best possible grade brand new. No ripoff's of slight failures in testing that make them less quality (still referred by some websites as ESS solar grade A).

I don't want this forum to turn into a giant argument about vendors and scams, surely there has to be a few sellers that are known to consistently sell brand new perfect batteries.

I've read that Shenzhen Seplos Technology Co from off grid storage are good. I must admit ali-express scares me for batteries, though they have a long standing business and lots of good reviews but....ali-express. Now if people come back and say yep they are solid ok then. They wanted $400 in shipping which makes sense but also hurts the wallet. Another site I usually buy from redirected me to docan power which seems like a really good deal (free shipping AND no tax?!) I noticed everything was "grade A" but they had some listed as EV grade and ESS grade (still grade "A"). So I researched a bit and it looks like they are just coming up with their own terminology and likely are B grade cells. I have no idea.

I don't want to get ripped off with fake cells. I don't mind the shipping time, just want legit brand new 300+AH batteries. Same with shipping cost I'll bite the bullet and pay high shipping so long as I'm getting real brand new top of the line meets all specs no bulging ect.. batteries.

Another way to put it: From where would YOU feel comfortable putting batteries in your home?

Cheers.

Thanks in advance!!

Everyday Dave has an excellent DIY video on YouTube that has his supplier listed in the comments. Watch that video and see what you think.

 

[Shawn Hayes]

Hello bright minds,
I apologize I'm not sure where to post this so I'm trying here.

I'm looking to buy 16x 300+AH batteries to build a nice ESS system. Probably EVE or CATL they seem to dominate the sites, I'm looking for 'the real deal' best possible grade brand new. No ripoff's of slight failures in testing that make them less quality (still referred by some websites as ESS solar grade A).

I don't want this forum to turn into a giant argument about vendors and scams, surely there has to be a few sellers that are known to consistently sell brand new perfect batteries.

I've read that Shenzhen Seplos Technology Co from off grid storage are good. I must admit ali-express scares me for batteries, though they have a long standing business and lots of good reviews but....ali-express. Now if people come back and say yep they are solid ok then. They wanted $400 in shipping which makes sense but also hurts the wallet. Another site I usually buy from redirected me to docan power which seems like a really good deal (free shipping AND no tax?!) I noticed everything was "grade A" but they had some listed as EV grade and ESS grade (still grade "A"). So I researched a bit and it looks like they are just coming up with their own terminology and likely are B grade cells. I have no idea.

I don't want to get ripped off with fake cells. I don't mind the shipping time, just want legit brand new 300+AH batteries. Same with shipping cost I'll bite the bullet and pay high shipping so long as I'm getting real brand new top of the line meets all specs no bulging ect.. batteries.

Another way to put it: From where would YOU feel comfortable putting batteries in your home?

Cheers.

Thanks in advance!!

Just curious if you ever ordered cells, if so, what supplier and which cells?
If so, what was our experience with that supplier and quality of cells?
Thanks