Solar DIY help

[Frank in Thailand]

Hi fhorst,
I'm definitely not a professional.I hired a company that would be...
but yes, the cheaper one works just as well as the victron
but yes I wanted to get it right, and victron is the best brand in the netherlands ...... ( not )
but yes at the moment I can't do anything
I'm waiting for my Lifepo3 battery which have been delayed by the coronavirus...

"Just as well as the Victron...."

Little nuance..

The Victron is probably rated at continuous usage while the China ones give the peak.

Also, Victron have safety margin, where the China ones have not.

You probably can use the 12v Victron 50A without any issues in 24v or 60A setup.

The China 12v 50A can be used safely up to 20A and not at 24 Volt.

Price wise..
China ones aren't bad, but be realistic on what you buy.

The cigar shaped ones have really bad way to connect the wire and with small movement or vibration it will get lose.

If the choice for temporary setup is no breaker of China one...
China one is the way to go.

For permanent installation..
Nope, they are not the way to go.

Topic starter now needs within budget a system that will be transported soon to new location.

I call that temporary setup.
And as there is small budget and good breakers NOT local available..

The cheap China ones are good.

Later, during the "real" installation, they should be tossed aside and have better quality.
(Not perse buss or littelfuse)

 

[xaratemplate]

"Just as well as the Victron...."

Little nuance..

The Victron is probably rated at continuous usage while the China ones give the peak.

Also, Victron have safety margin, where the China ones have not.

You probably can use the 12v Victron 50A without any issues in 24v or 60A setup.

The China 12v 50A can be used safely up to 20A and not at 24 Volt.

Price wise..
China ones aren't bad, but be realistic on what you buy.

The cigar shaped ones have really bad way to connect the wire and with small movement or vibration it will get lose.

If the choice for temporary setup is no breaker of China one...
China one is the way to go.

For permanent installation..
Nope, they are not the way to go.

Topic starter now needs within budget a system that will be transported soon to new location.

I call that temporary setup.
And as there is small budget and good breakers NOT local available..

The cheap China ones are good.

Later, during the "real" installation, they should be tossed aside and have better quality.
(Not perse buss or littelfuse)

I'm not sure what professional I can hire here so might be better to go with something that is simple. Here is message I posted in previous page of thread:

POSSIBLE SIMPLE SOLUTION:

I did some more searching on your website (PROWSE WEBSITE) and perhaps one of the systems listed below might be a better option for me regarding off-grid for some of my devices like laptop, led lights, kettle electric water heater and so on. Not sure what budget I would need but hoping if I really made my budget a little higher like $2k hopefully one of the systems will work well. Not sure if the RV system is useful in home but can let me know if that is better option. I like the all-in-one because less room for me to make error and get hurt and not much labor involved.

Van Life 12v System
Offgrid Home 48v System

 

[Frank in Thailand]

Indeed, finding a real professional is challenging task in the capitol, almost impossible at country side.

In Asia many people DIY as there is not a real other option.
If you build your house, most of the construction workers are rice farmers.
No offense, and some have become real craftsman.
Also many homes don't last 10 years....

Like I said in my PM, one of the problems is Corona lockdown that makes the shops closed

And apparently you are in a rush

There is always better product to find, almost none will make their rating.
And be advised that most China products are overrated.

Not bad, but don't think you can really use the 2000 watt on a 2000 watt inverter
You can use continuous 1000- 1500.

Same for panels
Theoretical maximum number watts production.
And most of them are not bad at all.

Will made a test with Flexible panels.
Expensive ones and cheap ones.
As most panels come from China and only get new label...
You don't have to be surprised about the results.

I bought mine at www.9solarcell.com
Local Thai company.
Yes official closed as all none essential stores.
I'm sure that if I send them an email, I can order panels.

Just as sure as I am that there are similar local shops.
But can be hard to find.

Alternatively is China.
High Transport costs and possible broken glass.

Amazon or eBay have many products, transport costs are crazy.

In Thailand we have Lazada and Shopee China crap with some local sellers.

And those shops are still open.
If you can't use them in Philippines, you can do AliExpress.

Alibaba is good for cells.
AliExpress for BMS
AliExpress for solar things
Maybe even MPPT inverter.
MPPsolar have a good reputation.
EASUN is the brand responsible for frying my 16*200Ah deep cycle batteries. (Charge at 19.5v for 12v battery) I can NOT advice.

MPP SOLAR Official Store
MPP SOLAR Official Store - Amazing prodcuts with exclusive discounts on AliExpress Mobile

They can hook you up with the Inverter you need.

For your installation I would choose 24 system, +3000 watt inverter with possible parallel function (!!)
That way you can extend when needed.

For battery...
8 or 16x 120a. Lifepo4.
Daly BMS. (Proven quality), common port

solar..
depending on what you have left and on your priorities.

if you want to be able mostly during day and go in extreme low power mode at night..
8 x 120Ah and as much panels as possible.
if you don't want to go to that low power mode, 16x 120ah.
Refrigerator can be set at lowest temperature during day time and highest for the night.
Yes, you need to set every day, bit it saves tonnes in batteries.

For me, 152 * 16 was not enough for one air-conditioning (high energy efficient, 550w continue usage if it need to cool all the time.
Our refrigerator is low power also.

Only the refrigerator, the 152 would be enough.
Compare to your 16* 120 Ah.

If I like to use more ( and I do) I need more battery! "More is better"
For now I think 456Ah is enough.
That is 48*152Ah.

I have 27 panels.
Starting with 2..
Then 18
And now 27.
They give enough energy.

But together a shitload more then 2000 USD!!
The (now dead) deep cycle where $4500
The lifepo4 batteries alone are $2500.
BMS with balance will be together $300..

My Revo II 3.2kw 48v inverter was about $500, + $100 transport and tax (600 dollars)

One panel 105 USD + 10 transport
Mc4 connections about $50 (27 panels)
Cables, AC breakers, fuses, DC breakers, relays, emergency switches....

My emergency stop alone is +250 dollars.
Not really needed, but I care a lot about safety.

"While that might conflict with the cheap breakers I use..
Those are during the "move around" phase and work perfectly for this.
I need to disconnect cables and with breakers in between it saves me the sparks and are more safe.
They are double or triple the needed current and available.
Thailand doesn't have DC breakers in the hardware stores, except this cheap type.
At permanent setup, they will be replaced by better quality".

Freight is expensive.
Buying glass panels from any different country is not realistic at your quantity.
If you need a few hundred, sure! ...
Even with my 27 it was not realistic option.

If you can't wait, the flexible ones are the best bang for the buck and will last just as long as the glass ones!
And they are a lot lighter.
Better suited to put on your roof.

If the roofs are like Thailand...
Most can not support the additional weight of the glass panels.

One or 2, yes.
6 or 8?
Probably not.

(Thailand often have steel sheet roof, with just enough iron structure to carry the weight of the sheets.
As we have no snow, it's extra weight not in the planning.)

Good luck!!

24 or 48v will suit you better long term.
For all in one Inverter, the ones that can do parallel are easy to extend in later time.
If power during day is most important - many panels
If power during night is most important - many battery.

The rest is up to you.
Many wisdom and please share what you decide!!

The pricing on AliExpress is already low, but you always can try to get a few % off the price by contacting the seller.

I can advise the Revo II
Will can advise the MPPsolar
I read good stories about the GroWatt.

If you find your product, please do a search on the internet (Google, YouTube, Facebook, etc) for reviews of buyers.
They can help you decide.
I didn't do with my EASUN.. why I didn't? I still don't know...
That mistakee costs me $4500.

 

[xaratemplate]

Indeed, finding a real professional is challenging task in the capitol, almost impossible at country side.

In Asia many people DIY as there is not a real other option.
If you build your house, most of the construction workers are rice farmers.
No offense, and some have become real craftsman.
Also many homes don't last 10 years....

Like I said in my PM, one of the problems is Corona lockdown that makes the shops closed

And apparently you are in a rush

There is always better product to find, almost none will make their rating.
And be advised that most China products are overrated.

Not bad, but don't think you can really use the 2000 watt on a 2000 watt inverter
You can use continuous 1000- 1500.

Same for panels
Theoretical maximum number watts production.
And most of them are not bad at all.

Will made a test with Flexible panels.
Expensive ones and cheap ones.
As most panels come from China and only get new label...
You don't have to be surprised about the results.

I bought mine at www.9solarcell.com
Local Thai company.
Yes official closed as all none essential stores.
I'm sure that if I send them an email, I can order panels.

Just as sure as I am that there are similar local shops.
But can be hard to find.

Alternatively is China.
High Transport costs and possible broken glass.

Amazon or eBay have many products, transport costs are crazy.

In Thailand we have Lazada and Shopee China crap with some local sellers.

And those shops are still open.
If you can't use them in Philippines, you can do AliExpress.

Alibaba is good for cells.
AliExpress for BMS
AliExpress for solar things
Maybe even MPPT inverter.
MPPsolar have a good reputation.
EASUN is the brand responsible for frying my 16*200Ah deep cycle batteries. (Charge at 19.5v for 12v battery) I can NOT advice.

MPP SOLAR Official Store
MPP SOLAR Official Store - Amazing prodcuts with exclusive discounts on AliExpress Mobile

They can hook you up with the Inverter you need.

For your installation I would choose 24 system, +3000 watt inverter with possible parallel function (!!)
That way you can extend when needed.

For battery...
8 or 16x 120a. Lifepo4.
Daly BMS. (Proven quality), common port

solar..
depending on what you have left and on your priorities.

if you want to be able mostly during day and go in extreme low power mode at night..
8 x 120Ah and as much panels as possible.
if you don't want to go to that low power mode, 16x 120ah.
Refrigerator can be set at lowest temperature during day time and highest for the night.
Yes, you need to set every day, bit it saves tonnes in batteries.

For me, 152 * 16 was not enough for one air-conditioning (high energy efficient, 550w continue usage if it need to cool all the time.
Our refrigerator is low power also.

Only the refrigerator, the 152 would be enough.
Compare to your 16* 120 Ah.

If I like to use more ( and I do) I need more battery! "More is better"
For now I think 456Ah is enough.
That is 48*152Ah.

I have 27 panels.
Starting with 2..
Then 18
And now 27.
They give enough energy.

But together a shitload more then 2000 USD!!
The (now dead) deep cycle where $4500
The lifepo4 batteries alone are $2500.
BMS with balance will be together $300..

My Revo II 3.2kw 48v inverter was about $500, + $100 transport and tax (600 dollars)

One panel 105 USD + 10 transport
Mc4 connections about $50 (27 panels)
Cables, AC breakers, fuses, DC breakers, relays, emergency switches....

My emergency stop alone is +250 dollars.
Not really needed, but I care a lot about safety.

"While that might conflict with the cheap breakers I use..
Those are during the "move around" phase and work perfectly for this.
I need to disconnect cables and with breakers in between it saves me the sparks and are more safe.
They are double or triple the needed current and available.
Thailand doesn't have DC breakers in the hardware stores, except this cheap type.
At permanent setup, they will be replaced by better quality".

Freight is expensive.
Buying glass panels from any different country is not realistic at your quantity.
If you need a few hundred, sure! ...
Even with my 27 it was not realistic option.

If you can't wait, the flexible ones are the best bang for the buck and will last just as long as the glass ones!
And they are a lot lighter.
Better suited to put on your roof.

If the roofs are like Thailand...
Most can not support the additional weight of the glass panels.

One or 2, yes.
6 or 8?
Probably not.

(Thailand often have steel sheet roof, with just enough iron structure to carry the weight of the sheets.
As we have no snow, it's extra weight not in the planning.)

Good luck!!

24 or 48v will suit you better long term.
For all in one Inverter, the ones that can do parallel are easy to extend in later time.
If power during day is most important - many panels
If power during night is most important - many battery.

The rest is up to you.
Many wisdom and please share what you decide!!

The pricing on AliExpress is already low, but you always can try to get a few % off the price by contacting the seller.

I can advise the Revo II
Will can advise the MPPsolar
I read good stories about the GroWatt.

If you find your product, please do a search on the internet (Google, YouTube, Facebook, etc) for reviews of buyers.
They can help you decide.
I didn't do with my EASUN.. why I didn't? I still don't know...
That mistakee costs me $4500.

It sounds like if I want to go with the all-in-one system I need to start small and build my way up by adding more batteries and panels at later date. I think for costs sake need to stick with just trying to power Laptop and LED lights plus cell phones and the other stuff will have to wait. Although the all-in-one is expensive I think if I got an all-in-one and then battery, solar panels and inverter to support basic items that I mentioned I would be fine. Do you think it is possible if I go that route to stay within or lesser than $2k budget?

 

[Frank in Thailand]

Yes, that is possible.

But you need to be patient.

I just received word from Haomi who I asked reference price to send to postal 1234 (;is not capital)

His reply:

My friend, the formal logistics and transportation fee in the market is very expensive now, so there is a gray channel for goods to be shipped. The price of one party is:$373, double tax, you need to pick up the goods at the Philippine warehouse.

The gray route is already 373..
Plus pay tax and the gray route..
(Hence double tax)

That makes battery from China at this moment not attractive.
In the near future it will be again.

With current strict regulations in Philippines and "shoot to kill" for those who break them...

(Nuance, all who make troubles that can be seen as breaking health rules have a real chance to get shot by police or military.
The war against drugs in the Philippines now includes those who might endanger spread of the virus)

Going the gray route is not something I ever will advise.
Creative price on the customs slip is one thing..
Getting stuff the illegal way totally different and it stops all possible warranty.

God speed.
And many wisdom!

 

[xaratemplate]

Yes, that is possible.

But you need to be patient.

I just received word from Haomi who I asked reference price to send to postal 1234 (;is not capital)

His reply:

My friend, the formal logistics and transportation fee in the market is very expensive now, so there is a gray channel for goods to be shipped. The price of one party is:$373, double tax, you need to pick up the goods at the Philippine warehouse.

The gray route is already 373..
Plus pay tax and the gray route..
(Hence double tax)

That makes battery from China at this moment not attractive.
In the near future it will be again.

With current strict regulations in Philippines and "shoot to kill" for those who break them...

(Nuance, all who make troubles that can be seen as breaking health rules have a real chance to get shot by police or military.
The war against drugs in the Philippines now includes those who might endanger spread of the virus)

Going the gray route is not something I ever will advise.
Creative price on the customs slip is one thing..
Getting stuff the illegal way totally different and it stops all possible warranty.

God speed.
And many wisdom!

I saw the breaking story as well and I foresee this becoming a real issue. I think Ebay will be my best option to order parts its safer and has money back guarantee even if more expensive. I will make a list of items again from ebay this time or partially on Amazon as well and you can let me know what works well or not.

 

[xaratemplate]

Yes, that is possible.

But you need to be patient.

I just received word from Haomi who I asked reference price to send to postal 1234 (;is not capital)

His reply:

My friend, the formal logistics and transportation fee in the market is very expensive now, so there is a gray channel for goods to be shipped. The price of one party is:$373, double tax, you need to pick up the goods at the Philippine warehouse.

The gray route is already 373..
Plus pay tax and the gray route..
(Hence double tax)

That makes battery from China at this moment not attractive.
In the near future it will be again.

With current strict regulations in Philippines and "shoot to kill" for those who break them...

(Nuance, all who make troubles that can be seen as breaking health rules have a real chance to get shot by police or military.
The war against drugs in the Philippines now includes those who might endanger spread of the virus)

Going the gray route is not something I ever will advise.
Creative price on the customs slip is one thing..
Getting stuff the illegal way totally different and it stops all possible warranty.

God speed.
And many wisdom!

I think I may have found a potential solution from Ali Express although shipping cost is high but product cost is low enough to avoid import fees:

All-in-One system:

199.0US $ |(hse1) 3kva 2400w Solar Inverter 230vac 24vdc + 50a Solar Charger + 30a Battery Charger - Inverters & Converters - AliExpress

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

www.aliexpress.com

Notes: If I understand correctly it has a 2000 watt Inverter so should be able to power fridge, laptop and household appliances just need to add solar panels to get it to that level and will need a decent sized battery but no sure where to get battery yet but at least this gives me starting point.


Solar Panels:

135.0US $ |Solar Panel Kit 100W 200W Energy Solar System Complete Kits Mono Solar Cell For Car Boat Home Roof Camping 12V24V Battery Charge|Solar Cells| - AliExpress

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

www.aliexpress.com

126.28US $ 23% OFF|Complete Solar Panel Kit 100W 200W 300w 12V Sunpower Flexible Solar Panels ETFE Film Coating For Battery Charger|Solar Cells| - AliExpress

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

www.aliexpress.com

Notes: Not sure what I should be looking for in the solar panels but at the very least if I understand correctly I need to connect at least 400watts worth so i.e. 4 100 watt panels. Not sure how you connect it in series or parellel or which one is more beneficial..... Do I need any extra wires or other stuff for them to connect to all-in-one system? I intentionally searched for flexible panels as they have no glass if I am correct and are lighter perhaps I can mount it with strong adhesive tape to wall.


Battery:

242.0US $ |12V 80AH Lifepo4 Battery Pack Deep 2000 Cycle 3.2V Sealed Lithium Iron Phosphate Rechargeable Cell 4S BMS Bluetooth Maintenance|Battery Packs| - AliExpress

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

www.aliexpress.com

Notes: If I am correct I need to buy 2 of these and run them in parellel to get decent power to run appliances. Ideally would need like 4x if I want to run a fridge right? However having 2x should be enough to power stove cooktop for maybe 1 hour max?

Additional Notes:

By the way if I am missing other parts or wires I need please send links to aliexpress as long as price is under $197 USD i.e. $196 or lesser to ensure I don't get import fee i.e. for actual product price not the shipping cost.

 

[xaratemplate]

I think the battery requires certain protection systems. I'm thinking my only option is to try to have someone build that for me in the USA and then sell item to me under valued so that I won't get destroyed with import fees. From what I understand to get a reliable battery it will cost much more then the one linked to and needs high quality cells.

 

[Frank in Thailand]

I think the battery requires certain protection systems. I'm thinking my only option is to try to have someone build that for me in the USA and then sell item to me under valued so that I won't get destroyed with import fees. From what I understand to get a reliable battery it will cost much more then the one linked to and needs high quality cells.

Oi??

Send from China to USA to have someone put together who uses Will's video tutorial, and then send to Philippines???

If it is at all possible to send as private person within reasonable pricing "dangerous goods" from USA to Philihlphines and make it undervalued,and have the customs fall for it???

Lol.
If it really scares you, you can buy pre-build packs.
Don't worry about tax.

Paying transport + tax to USA and then transport (maybe without tax) to Philippines will me a LOT more then the "scarry" 20%...

If you like I can get you a few ideas of products that can do what you want, in your price range.

After MPPT, inverter and solar (+all connections, cables and so),
how much have you left over for battery?

400watt on solar is really a little.
Rule of thumb is 5 hours usage of the panels per day.
Yes there are more hours light, but in the start ( morning) and afternoon production will be a lot lower.

5*400= 2000w for 24 hours.
Minutes 10% losses due various components..
Give you 75 watts of usable power per hour.

You need for 300w (average) power consumption at least 1600 watts on panels if you need all power to come from the panels.

Flexible panels don't last as long as glass ones, but if you need "now" and can not find local dealer who can sell to you during Corona lock down..
They are the best way to go.
If you can wait..
Don't need NOW.
Better buy glass panels.

But, my understanding is that you are in a rush.

Be aware that shipment from China still go great, but with delay.
You are looking at atleast 3-4 weeks extra.
That is for just about all items, big or small from China.

If you can wait till the whole thing blows over (3 of 4 months)
Or atleast till the hardware store is open again...
It will safe you loads of money and give products that can last a whole lot longer!!

 

[Frank in Thailand]

I don't know how you do it..
but you manage to find just about the worse deals available on Aliexpress

A few suggestions, in your same order:

All in one system: the one you selected does NOT (!!) support parallel option. (no extension) Price + transport is way above the $200,-
You might want to try this one:
PIP-5048HS $509 + $100 transport 48v system 5kw ,parallel capable
PIP-4024MSP $616 +$100 transport 24v system, 4kw, parallel capable
Both need separate parallel kit, price unknown.

Or.. keep it simple for now.
30A pwm 12/24v controller ($9.59 + 5.04) (lifepo4 capable) and inverter.
maybe even 2 inverters.
- one pure sine wave for refrigerator/pump/microwave/ all that have engine: 500w ($82) or 1000w ($169) or 3000w $238.50 + 34.18 = $272.68
- one modified sine wave for laptop/water/rice cooke /cooking stove/led lights/ all that doesn't have engine: 2000w ($95 + 22) or 3000w (139 + 25)

As you have only refrigerator that needs pure sine wave now, 500w is enough. Your biggest power spikes don't need pure sine wave.
this could be 82 + 117 = 199
or all pure 272.68

The link of the 3000w unit is not the highest quality out there, but it gives you an indication.
Better 3000w model is $365+46.31 (together about $425,-)

Solar panels: 80 usd for 100W?? that is really expensive!!
You might want to try this one: 150W 18V MONO SOLAR USB 12V / 5V DC $ 40.43
The link to PWM is for 30A model, is for 4 of these panels, 600W solar.
you can have more then one PWM.
Per 600W you pay $ 176.35 (include PWM)

Batteries: Did you look at the transport costs?? $162.82 + 188.76 = $ 351,58‬ (+ $70 tax) for 12v 80Ah?? that is absurd high price.
Normally 120Ah cell is about 35 x 4 = 140 + BMS 30 = 170.
If you are willing to pay 162.62 + the 20% tax for this small battery, Alibaba might still be good option.
3.2V 120AH Lifepo4 Battery for $35 Haomi
3.2V 120AH Lifepo4 Battery for $35 Xuba

you are looking at 24 or 48 volt system.
that is 2 or 4 times this $420,- .. Really difficult to stay inside your budget and include extreme transport price surge due to Corona.
Only your batteries will cost you $1680 for 120A 48v system
My 304Ah 48v system was 1602 DDP Thailand before Thailand closed most transport doors.
Seems crazy cheap now compared to the price you need to pay....
About triple the capacity for lower price...., both about same distance from China.

Your budget is $2000
Highest priority is time. You need it fast, yes?

Lifepo4 batteries are at this time not realistic with your budget.
Cars still drive during corona lock-down, as result important car goods are still available (gasoline, light bulbs, batteries, tires)

Buy for now lead acid.
Forget for now lithium as it's way out of your budget.

Concentrate on solar and the inverter.
4 x 120Ah (or more) lead acid will cost you about $4-500 and is enough to keep the refrigerator on at night.

Lets say start $2000
battery 500, you have 1500 left.
inverter 450 you have 1050 left
solar 24 panels, 1050
end of money.

Keep in mind that goods from China will take 3 to 4 weeks longer then normal.

The panels, you can use for many years.
the inverter(s) you can use for many years.
You can reuse them. not extend the capacity, but if you buy 3000w, and make dedicated line to the kitchen.. Reuse
3000w is enough for most kitchen

batteries... a few years, 1, 2 maybe 3. but.. available within budget and time !!!
When they die, you can always buy lifepo4 if that is in the budget and again available within reasonable price

 

[xaratemplate]

I finally see some things opening up

I don't know how you do it..
but you manage to find just about the worse deals available on Aliexpress

A few suggestions, in your same order:

All in one system: the one you selected does NOT (!!) support parallel option. (no extension) Price + transport is way above the $200,-
You might want to try this one:
PIP-5048HS $509 + $100 transport 48v system 5kw ,parallel capable
PIP-4024MSP $616 +$100 transport 24v system, 4kw, parallel capable
Both need separate parallel kit, price unknown.

Or.. keep it simple for now.
30A pwm 12/24v controller ($9.59 + 5.04) (lifepo4 capable) and inverter.
maybe even 2 inverters.
- one pure sine wave for refrigerator/pump/microwave/ all that have engine: 500w ($82) or 1000w ($169) or 3000w $238.50 + 34.18 = $272.68
- one modified sine wave for laptop/water/rice cooke /cooking stove/led lights/ all that doesn't have engine: 2000w ($95 + 22) or 3000w (139 + 25)

As you have only refrigerator that needs pure sine wave now, 500w is enough. Your biggest power spikes don't need pure sine wave.
this could be 82 + 117 = 199
or all pure 272.68

The link of the 3000w unit is not the highest quality out there, but it gives you an indication.
Better 3000w model is $365+46.31 (together about $425,-)

Solar panels: 80 usd for 100W?? that is really expensive!!
You might want to try this one: 150W 18V MONO SOLAR USB 12V / 5V DC $ 40.43
The link to PWM is for 30A model, is for 4 of these panels, 600W solar.
you can have more then one PWM.
Per 600W you pay $ 176.35 (include PWM)

Batteries: Did you look at the transport costs?? $162.82 + 188.76 = $ 351,58‬ (+ $70 tax) for 12v 80Ah?? that is absurd high price.
Normally 120Ah cell is about 35 x 4 = 140 + BMS 30 = 170.
If you are willing to pay 162.62 + the 20% tax for this small battery, Alibaba might still be good option.
3.2V 120AH Lifepo4 Battery for $35 Haomi
3.2V 120AH Lifepo4 Battery for $35 Xuba

you are looking at 24 or 48 volt system.
that is 2 or 4 times this $420,- .. Really difficult to stay inside your budget and include extreme transport price surge due to Corona.
Only your batteries will cost you $1680 for 120A 48v system
My 304Ah 48v system was 1602 DDP Thailand before Thailand closed most transport doors.
Seems crazy cheap now compared to the price you need to pay....
About triple the capacity for lower price...., both about same distance from China.

Your budget is $2000
Highest priority is time. You need it fast, yes?

Lifepo4 batteries are at this time not realistic with your budget.
Cars still drive during corona lock-down, as result important car goods are still available (gasoline, light bulbs, batteries, tires)

Buy for now lead acid.
Forget for now lithium as it's way out of your budget.

Concentrate on solar and the inverter.
4 x 120Ah (or more) lead acid will cost you about $4-500 and is enough to keep the refrigerator on at night.

Lets say start $2000
battery 500, you have 1500 left.
inverter 450 you have 1050 left
solar 24 panels, 1050
end of money.

Keep in mind that goods from China will take 3 to 4 weeks longer then normal.

The panels, you can use for many years.
the inverter(s) you can use for many years.
You can reuse them. not extend the capacity, but if you buy 3000w, and make dedicated line to the kitchen.. Reuse
3000w is enough for most kitchen

batteries... a few years, 1, 2 maybe 3. but.. available within budget and time !!!
When they die, you can always buy lifepo4 if that is in the budget and again available within reasonable price

I finally see some items opening up on Ebay for all in one system. Here are the components I think could work for me:


HSE13Kva 2400w 24v 230vac Solar inverter 50A solar charger 25A charger

(hse) 2kva 24v 2000w Solar Inverter 230vac 50a PWM Solar Charger Battery Charge for sale online | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for (hse) 2kva 24v 2000w Solar Inverter 230vac 50a PWM Solar Charger Battery Charge at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

Solar Panel: If I am correct each panel needs to support 24v didn't see any other ones that support that. Unless you can buy 2x 12v in place of one 24v but not sure how that works. Does the volts need to be divisible by 24 i.e. if you bought 4x 12v panels you could connect in series?

Mono-crystalline Solar Panel Cell Flexible 12V 24 Volt 100 Watts Solar Batteries | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Mono-crystalline Solar Panel Cell Flexible 12V 24 Volt 100 Watts Solar Batteries at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

Battery: Help me solve this issue please

This is where I will still need some help solving problem. I think in order to save money on this will need someone to build battery for me or teach me how to do it i.e including connecting them together and add BMS. By the way I can now buy things on Aliexpress I see shipping options but everything needs to be at $196 or lesser so I avoid custom fees. So if I can ship parts in batches and then have someone show me how to build it rather here in forums or using online service to find electrician that may work better unless someone has other options for me.

Enclosure:

I'm assuming it will be best to put this thing in an enclosure so I won't hear too much nosie i.e. the MPP unit. Any ideas of what I can mount this too? I am in a condo so no way to mount it to the wall until we are off quarantine and allowed back into our house.

 

[Frank in Thailand]

Let me start you with correcting you on customs fees.
It's the total price of product and transport.
100% sure.

Good news is that the transport price is not "fixed". The seller can make it on paper 1 USD.

Price of the product can be flexible also, as long within reason.

Customs aren't stupid.
You can not make 300 USD unit 25 USD

Most sellers are more then happy to assist you with flexible pricing.

That is on eBay and AliExpress or other site.

Your question about the solar voltage.
They scare me a little bit.
This should be basic knowledge.

Parallel and series.
In short
2 x 12v 200W panels in parallel make 12v 400W.

2* 12v 200w panels in series make 24v 200W.

If you need higher voltage, you simply make serie connections.
If you need higher wattage/Amperage you make parallel.

You can make 10*12v to have 120 volt
Or 2 * 5 * 12v to make 2 strings of 60 Volt.
They can be parallel and have double wattage/Amperage


The batteries..
You like to have Lifepo4, Yes?

Like advised many times..
Do DDP.
Don't be afraid of the scary taxes.

But you need to wait till the Corona stress calms down.

Corona stress makes the transport costs crazy high.
That makes the sales lower, and the price of the batteries lower.

Just wait for the right moment when for your country the transport starts up again.
Then the price of the cells is still low, and transport price more normal.

BMS, you can already order from AliExpress. It will take longer time then the cells to arrive.

The Inverter/MPPT...
MPPsolar is often reliable company.
Just make sure you don't buy a clone with only sticker...
Buy at the official dealers.

Solar panels...
As you have your mind set on the lifepo4, you need to wait.
Or pay crazy high price.

As you have to wait for transport getting more flexible in Philippines, I would focus on buying locally glass panels.
Better, reliable and cheaper.

If you still want fast, forget About lifepo4 or triple your budget.

 

[Jeremiah]

Are you within reach of Batangas? If you are there is a factory there that makes solar panels with a 25 year warranty for quite a decent price.
The also have some older stock of panels with just 10 year warranty. They are larger panels though (the smallest is about 50 lbs).
You can get a 320 watt panel for 4749 pesos VAT inclusive, so 2 of those bad boys would meet your wattage requirement (I may have misread your requirement). If you go this route you'll have to be sure that your charge controller can handle the voltage of these larger panels (the open circuit voltage on this (VOC) is 46v; sometimes the more rinky dink controllers are expecting a lower voltage so just keep it in mind.
This company had sold panels to some major players like SM (or so they claim who knows).
Anyway it's the best deal I've seen in the Philippines that didn't seem sketchy. If you don't live within striking distance of Batangas that's their only pickup point and their shipping price kinda sux; unless you can arrange someone else to pick it up or whatever. Also they only take payment via deposit directly to their bank account (it can be transfer from your bank) which I thought is bizarre for a huge company.
PM me if you're interested and I'll give you their info.

 

[Jeremiah]

Another thought,
If you are on a strict budget you could always make your own panels.
It's not that hard but quite time consuming and you need to be able to solder without destroying your cells [visualize pressing hot metal onto potato chips and hoping they dont break haha]. It used to be more worth it but now with these prices it's getting less so. Even so, you could save that way. You buy the cells online, you can even get "damaged" ones like I used to do which usually are almost perfect, you buy some EVA encapsulant (like a thin rubber sheet), get some cheapo glass and sandwhich that in the glass.
I made a hilarious cardboard box "vaccum oven" to try to get the bubbles out of the EVA but in the end they don't effect efficiency that much. If you like to tinker it can be quite rewarding and your significant other will be amazed at your awesome power to force the sun into submission.
That said it's really not so hard to do if you don't mind your panels looking ugly. Also, you can do it without the EVA; I experimented a bit using silicone to seal the glass together and it worked fine but who knows how long those will last. One of the ones I did that way cracked.
If you decide to go this route ask and I'll give you some tips.
You can get cheap cells in the states and send em back via balak bayan box servers like Forex.

 

[xaratemplate]

Are you within reach of Batangas? If you are there is a factory there that makes solar panels with a 25 year warranty for quite a decent price.
The also have some older stock of panels with just 10 year warranty. They are larger panels though (the smallest is about 50 lbs).
You can get a 320 watt panel for 4749 pesos VAT inclusive, so 2 of those bad boys would meet your wattage requirement (I may have misread your requirement). If you go this route you'll have to be sure that your charge controller can handle the voltage of these larger panels (the open circuit voltage on this (VOC) is 46v; sometimes the more rinky dink controllers are expecting a lower voltage so just keep it in mind.
This company had sold panels to some major players like SM (or so they claim who knows).
Anyway it's the best deal I've seen in the Philippines that didn't seem sketchy. If you don't live within striking distance of Batangas that's their only pickup point and their shipping price kinda sux; unless you can arrange someone else to pick it up or whatever. Also they only take payment via deposit directly to their bank account (it can be transfer from your bank) which I thought is bizarre for a huge company.
PM me if you're interested and I'll give you their info.

Unfortunately not close enough to Batangas. However if I could find a shipping service to get it here that would be better (I prefer to pay with cash so hopefully they except Cash On Pickup). The only problem is right now I have limited space and at 50lbs I'm assuming those are the inefficient cells for solar panel i.e. some old tech. However once in our house maybe that would be a good option but for now need something that can fit in our small space only have a patio at condo unit so need efficient cells. By the way located in Davao City so once everything opens back up should be some local places that sell panels but not sure how long this lockdown will last and want an opportunity to invest in solar in case economy goes down the tube. I may end up hiring someone to build me a lifepo4 battery shouldn't cost much to hire an electrician with solar background. As for building solar panel not something I want to do right now but maybe at a later date. I'm a real beginner just learned about how connecting solar panels in series increases voltage but keeps current the same. At the moment I am training my self on how everything works and once I have it all together I will actually connect everything but need to order everything first and then will start dedicating more time to process of building solar system.

 

[Jeremiah]

I'm a real beginner just learned about how connecting solar panels in series increases voltage but keeps current the same. At the moment I am training my self on how everything works and once I have it all together I will actually connect everything but need to order everything first and then will start dedicating more time to process of building solar system.

This is the same principle behind stacking up AAA or AA batteries in a toy. Have you ever seen that how some devices will take like 4 of them or so in a row? It's doing the same thing (batteries in series). If you decide to build an LifePo4 battery don't hire an electrician to do it.
The local electricians are really not so knowledgeable and if he has solar experience it will be either with lead acid batteries or just premade LiFePO4 batteries. If you want to hire local you'll need a EE. @fhorst really knows what he's talking about though so may be best just to get deep cycle lead acids for now. Just be careful, most of the PH batteries I see for sale for solar applications everyone behaves like they are new and such a great deal when really they are used Telco batteries. Even the sellers seem confused sometimes when you have to explain to them "no those are not new, those were used for time by the Telco companies where you bought them" just because they look shiny still doesn't make them new. be careful.

...I'm assuming those are the inefficient cells for solar panel i.e. some old tech...

yes they are the poly. cells but the newer panels sold by the same company are the same weight and dimensions (some are poly some or mono). The reason it's so heavy is b/c a 320 watt panel is the equivalent in size of 3 pieces of 100 watt panels. It's got glass laminate covering it and aluminum housing. But yeah, depending on your roof arrangement, sometimes getting smaller panels is WAY better so you can arrange them in a better way. Be careful that nobody steals them too. it's good to put them up super early or even at night if you can so neighbors may not notice (depending on your arrangement) that you have panels.
Again, please don't pay an electrician to program your BMS, etc. ie. build a LifePO4 batt. He's not gonna have a clue.
one thing to be careful of; Will warns that the flexible (lightweight) panels only last a few years (I don't remember which video I saw him say that, maybe it was in his book?)

Oh you mentioned cash on pickup; no the company I mentioned requires you pay 1 day before pick up... I know lame...

 

[Chefwhowa]

Question how many watts in a inverter would I need to run a washer machine?

 

[Frank in Thailand]

Question how many watts in a inverter would I need to run a washer machine?

How long is a piece of rope?

There is no real answer.
In Thailand the washer only uses cool water.
They are not power hungry.
In Europe most do heat the water.
Heating to 30 or 95 is big difference.
How much kg? Washer load?
New, older, really in old??

All different influence.
Your washer should have a label.

This label shows the wattage.

As it is electric motor, you need pure sine wave.
Modified sine wave is less efficient and give bigger heat to the motor.
Depending on the motor it will survive, or not.

If the label state : 2500 watts, then 3000 watts is minimal.

 

[Chefwhowa]

How long is a piece of rope?

There is no real answer.
In Thailand the washer only uses cool water.
They are not power hungry.
In Europe most do heat the water.
Heating to 30 or 95 is big difference.
How much kg? Washer load?
New, older, really in old??

All different influence.
Your washer should have a label.

This label shows the wattage.

As it is electric motor, you need pure sine wave.
Modified sine wave is less efficient and give bigger heat to the motor.
Depending on the motor it will survive, or not.

If the label state : 2500 watts, then 3000 watts is minimal.

Ok its an older model and would I need a split phase inverter for a washer or no?