Physical Layout of Batteries and Balance of System Components

joeedens

For those of you that have lots of experience installing systems I'd like your input on what you consider the best layout for the batteries and components.

I'm installing a system using 2 of Midnite's stretched e-panels which will have 1 VFX3648 and 1 Classic 200 installed on the door of each e-panel. For batteries I'm installing a 48 volt HUP Solar One battery bank. The battery bank consists of 4 steel boxes each housing 6, 2 volt cells which will all be wired in series. The 4 steel boxes measure 40"L x 8.25"W x 25"H. The steel boxes will be housed in a sealed plywood box with a removeable cover vented to the outside.

I've got plenty of wall and floor space so I've got lots of flexibility on installation. My question is mainly, should I install the batteries in a 2x2 (2 steel boxes x 2 steel boxes) which would have a footprint of the box of approximately 82" long x 18.5" wide x 27" high, and then mount both e-panels on the wall directly over the battery boxes? This configuration would allow me to minimize the inverter-to-battery cable length and charge controller-to-battery cable length, but would mean that I would have to work over the battery box any time I need to interact with the inverter, charge controller, etc.
The other option is to utilize a corner space and have the batteries stalled on one wall in a 1x4 (1 steel box x 4 steel boxes) which would have a box footprint of approximately 42" long x 35" wide x 27" high, then mount both e-panels on the adjacent wall around the corner, in a configuration which would not be directly over the batteries. This configuration would have longer battery cables but I would be able to access the e-panels without working over the top of the battery box.
So which way would you go?

mike95490

Re: Physical Layout of Batteries and Balance of System Components

I'd add a gauge to the cables, and go longer, and not have to lean over foaming batteries to shut down the system

n3qik

Re: Physical Layout of Batteries and Balance of System Components

Go 1 x 4 way.

This way, allows one bank to be worked on without leaning over another. Plus all batteries will have a better chance to be at the same temp. With a 2 x2, the inner batts. could stay at a higher temp.

stephendv

Re: Physical Layout of Batteries and Balance of System Components

I would prefer not to put expensive electrical kit on top of batteries, even if they're vented outside. Mount to the side seems the better option.

joeedens

Re: Physical Layout of Batteries and Balance of System Components

So far it looks like 3 votes for mounting to the side of the batteries. Any more thoughts?

westbranch

Re: Physical Layout of Batteries and Balance of System Components

Don't now if it is possible , but have you considered a small "room" ( 3 x 3) rather than a box with controls on one side of the wall and batteries on the other side? controls could be very close to its own bank... and /or the banks could be on shelves.

Also the 'room' could be vented outside...

Eric