Life, Liberty and The Pursuit of Happiness Forum - Recent Topics

LiFePO4 Battery

Steven — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 16:35:22 +0000

2) LiFePO₄ or Lithium Iron Phosphate battery has a less proven track record. This battery type tends to be more expensive per kWh but is more friendly as there is no maintenance. They can be DIY built for big savings or purchased as a complete package at great cost. Either way we only have 80% of the rated capacity for our use. We can not fully charge or discharge this type or it will suffer damage. They can suffer from swelling of the cells if the charge parameters are set incorrectly. But once again this is managed by the solar charge controller and should be maintenance free for years to come.

Each 5kW battery cost $1,499 before tax and shipping. A minimum of three is recommended for 15kWh at $4,497 before tax and shipping. They can be ordered from https://signaturesolar.com

Flooded Lead Acid

Steven — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 16:31:14 +0000

1) Flooded Lead Acid has been the norm. In this category there is a new and improved version that uses nano carbon applied to the lead plates to prevent sulfation and provides 80% of the rated capacity for our use. With an auto watering system they are mostly maintenance free.

a) Sulfation is the formation and build up of lead sulfate crystals on the surface of the active material of the batteries lead plates when it is left unattended or uncharged.
b) Batteries used in an Off-Grid Homestead tends to be used or cycled enough to prevent this condition. There are four charge states for a lead acid battery. Bulk is about 80% of the charge, Absorption is the last 20% of the charge, Float holds battery voltage stable and Equalization is used to desulfate the lead plates and balance cells with each other should this be needed. This happens automatically within the solar charge controller. We set the parameters and the system handles it from there.

The flooded lead acid battery can be ordered from the following company, with free shipping in Michigan and no core charge for $160 per 6 volt battery. 8 batteries are needed for a 48 volt system, 16 are recommended for 22 kWh at $2,560.

sales@magnacharge.com
517-489-4258
421 E. Elm Street
Lansing, MI 48912
US

Solar info request

Anonymous 31 — Wed, 13 Apr 2022 20:22:52 +0000

Can you attach some of your best info on getting started with solar panels?