SOK 12-Slot Outdoor Insulated Battery Rack

[faccnator]

Why wouldn’t we use one of two of these instead of a power shed out by a ground mount and then we can run AC to loads in the house etc.

12-Slot Outdoor Insulated Battery Rack - Fits SOK & EG4 Batteries

Specifications: Outdoor rated enclosure (NEMA 4) that holds up to 12 batteries The base is notched to allow easy placement with a forklift or pallet jack Gasket-sealed doors with keyed locks have provisions for a heat pump cooler/heater (sold separately) Insulated with flame-proof...

www.currentconnected.com

 

[timselectric]

Why wouldn’t we use one of two of these instead of a power shed out by a ground mount and then we can run AC to loads in the house etc.

Nowadays PV voltage is much higher. So, it's more efficient to run the PV the greater distance.

 

[Crowz]

Why wouldn’t we use one of two of these instead of a power shed out by a ground mount and then we can run AC to loads in the house etc.

12-Slot Outdoor Insulated Battery Rack - Fits SOK & EG4 Batteries

Specifications: Outdoor rated enclosure (NEMA 4) that holds up to 12 batteries The base is notched to allow easy placement with a forklift or pallet jack Gasket-sealed doors with keyed locks have provisions for a heat pump cooler/heater (sold separately) Insulated with flame-proof...

www.currentconnected.com

I LIKES!

 

[faccnator]

Ok well you got me there but it would still be cheaper than building like a block shed

 

[timselectric]

Ok well you got me there but it would still be cheaper than building like a block shed

Yes, it might be.
If you already plan to put everything out at the array, anyway.

 

[faccnator]

Depending on the panel angle this could fit basically under/inside the footprint of the array. If you were off grid or backing up your entire panel this would be pretty elegant. Would barely even notice the wiring at the house

 

[samwhammy]

What about using a 4' garage shelving unit or use multiple 48" server racks. I am going to give it a try. My batteries are going in the garage on the wall next to my inverters in the utility room. I don't have enough room for battery storage as it is just a mud room. I don't heat the garage so this should help hold in the heat during the winter. I like the SOK cabinet as it is very good for the price. If I was using one of their hybrid inverters, I would go that way and put it all outside. We are moving next year so I can use the shed for other things. This should help keep them clean and protect them until they get a permanent home.

 

[samwhammy]

I LIKES!

Well, I liked the cabinet until I found out they use steel backed brass buss bars. Brass is only about 25-percent as conductive as copper. I would replace them with copper. Maybe this will happen with updated versions of this cabinet. I try to remove resistance and improve heat dissipation anywhere possible in DC systems as I don't want to pay to heat conductors. I always oversize at least 1 gauge size where possible. AC or DC.

 

[gmbeihl]

Upgrading the bus bars is not that hard. Online metals has "0.25" x 1" Copper Full Round Edge 110-H02 Tinned" available in 4' lengths. Trim about an inch off the end and you have the same length as the original bus bars. Using RapidTap fluid, slowly drill a bunch of 1/4" holes for mounting and battery connection using the original for a template. Tap the battery connections for M8 if you want to match the original. Standoff insulating mounts that match the originals with M5 screws can be found on Amazon - search for "SM-20 M5 Polyester Standoff Insulators". Use double layer of electrical tape for insulation between connection areas.