SCmountainman
New Member
Looking for insight on expanding my battery bank after Christmas. I have (2)-5kwh 48v ARK lithium pre built server rack style lifepo4 batteries already. I’m wanting to expand my battery bank to 30kwh.
I’m thinking of using (2) parallel sets of (4) chins/zooms/lossigy etc. 12v 200ah lifepo4 packs in series instead of going with more server rack style batteries. This would give me 20kwh more capacity for +/- $5200 not including disconnects, fuses, cabling, etc. They are readily available and ship free.
Pros-cheaper, arrive faster, seem to have decent build quality. I have a 12v system as well, so if something happens to a series set, I can break down and keep good batteries for my 12v system.
Cons-I have to add additional fusing/breakers, extra wire cost, shunt to monitor, could lose a bms and lose a series set dropping my bank down in capacity if something went wrong. Extra components are extra points of potential failure.
VS. EG4 or similar batteries, which I would need (4) of the 5kwh pack which would be +/- $7400 with shipping. Not including cabling and accessories. They also go in and out of stock rapidly and I don’t want to pre order.
Pros-fast wiring and integration into my existing system. LCD displays. “Gold standard” of affordable pre built batteries.
Cons-way more costly, go out of stock often, dealing with freight shipping so I would have to drive to a terminal for pickup which is 45 miles away.
Just looking to get more autonomy for rainy days. I can run 2 days on my current setup with no sun. Trying to get at least 5 days. Want to reduce my generator usage during extended rain/snow/cloud events.
Anything I’m missing? Anything I’ve overlooked? Please advise. Thanks!
I’m thinking of using (2) parallel sets of (4) chins/zooms/lossigy etc. 12v 200ah lifepo4 packs in series instead of going with more server rack style batteries. This would give me 20kwh more capacity for +/- $5200 not including disconnects, fuses, cabling, etc. They are readily available and ship free.
Pros-cheaper, arrive faster, seem to have decent build quality. I have a 12v system as well, so if something happens to a series set, I can break down and keep good batteries for my 12v system.
Cons-I have to add additional fusing/breakers, extra wire cost, shunt to monitor, could lose a bms and lose a series set dropping my bank down in capacity if something went wrong. Extra components are extra points of potential failure.
VS. EG4 or similar batteries, which I would need (4) of the 5kwh pack which would be +/- $7400 with shipping. Not including cabling and accessories. They also go in and out of stock rapidly and I don’t want to pre order.
Pros-fast wiring and integration into my existing system. LCD displays. “Gold standard” of affordable pre built batteries.
Cons-way more costly, go out of stock often, dealing with freight shipping so I would have to drive to a terminal for pickup which is 45 miles away.
Just looking to get more autonomy for rainy days. I can run 2 days on my current setup with no sun. Trying to get at least 5 days. Want to reduce my generator usage during extended rain/snow/cloud events.
Anything I’m missing? Anything I’ve overlooked? Please advise. Thanks!