Where Do I Start with Solar Panels and Storage Batteries?

WindChaser05 · April 8

I’m completely new to solar power and energy storage, and I’m thinking about installing some solar panels and a battery system for my home. I’m not really sure where to begin – there’s a lot of info out there and it’s a bit overwhelming. Any tips or stuff I should watch out for as a beginner? Thanks a ton!

BB. · April 11

You have to tell us a bit more about your needs... Where (do you have lots of sun, little shade), how much energy do you use in a day/month/etc. (kWatt*Hours), are you doing this to save money, are you doing this for emergency power, do you have the money (solar is not cheap), can you do this safely (solar, battery, wiring, etc. all can be sources of fire if not done correctly, if not done to code could cause your home insurance to not pay out on a claim, etc.)....

-Bill

WindChaser05 · April 15

BB. said:

You have to tell us a bit more about your needs... Where (do you have lots of sun, little shade), how much energy do you use in a day/month/etc. (kWatt*Hours), are you doing this to save money, are you doing this for emergency power, do you have the money (solar is not cheap), can you do this safely (solar, battery, wiring, etc. all can be sources of fire if not done correctly, if not done to code could cause your home insurance to not pay out on a claim, etc.)....

-Bill

Hey, thanks for getting back to me! I’ve got my solar panels already—four 400W panels, so 1600W total. Right now, I’m considering pick up a 51.2V 200Ah battery pack from Docan. Is this one: https://www.docanpower.com/china-stock/lifepo4-battery-pack/51-2v-200ah-230ah-10-11kwh-plug-play-lifepo4-battery-pack-wall-floor-mounted. I’ve checked out a few shops, and this one’s price feels like it fits my budget best. Could you take a peek and let me know if it’s a solid choice? Or, if you’ve got any other battery packs you’d recommend instead, I’m all ears. Appreciate your input!

JRHill · April 15

Does anyone think that technical capabilities are as important as they once were? It was a given you had to be a cross between an electrician and a programmer to manage an off grid system in times past. I don't think it's as much these days but instead having a system that someone can manage/operate in your absence.

Like turn key, hands off. It just works. Grid connected and off grid is a huge difference, in my opinion.

BB. · April 16

Everything works well if designed well--Until the day something dies or more is asked of the system (increased loads) than it can supply.

Regarding the battery bank... I suggest that you tell us more about your needs... How many Watt*Hours per day of energy do you need? Roughly where is the system located (nearest major city, etc.)?

And these are from China... I guess you are not in the USA--The tariffs will change the pricing dramatically (upwards of 145% tariff/tax).

-Bill

WindChaser05 · April 18

BB. said:

Everything works well if designed well--Until the day something dies or more is asked of the system (increased loads) than it can supply.

Regarding the battery bank... I suggest that you tell us more about your needs... How many Watt*Hours per day of energy do you need? Roughly where is the system located (nearest major city, etc.)?

And these are from China... I guess you are not in the USA--The tariffs will change the pricing dramatically (upwards of 145% tariff/tax).

-Bill

Thanks for getting back to me! Yeah, tariffs are definitely pushing prices up. I checked with Amy, and she said the batteries in their US warehouse haven’t gone up yet (though I hear they might after May 1st). So, I went ahead and grabbed a battery pack. Should be here soon—super excited!

MGar · April 25

This site has stock in USA: https://www.vatrerpower.com/

I got 2 100 amp ones a few weeks ago and well packaged

and all volts are good. (The rack mount one from Canada.)

You have a lot of research to do, like Bill asked everything is not

the same depends where you live and climate etc.

Do you want to run a power plant? And who installs it, repairs it?

In the City or country side? Where is the sun, wheres the trees

and other shadows?

You probably want disconnects right at the grounded solar panels with lighting arrest. For the fire department..

Make sure to never connect to solar panels under load with the MC4

click in connections that's another reason for a disconnect at panels.

And what is the MIN charge rate of the battery cells? I read somewhere

for LiFep04 its 30% of the C it was maybe on the Winston site no sure..

So you need to try to match that 0.3 of C, or the BMS is going to do

some work balancing the cells at the top of charge. It did matter on

the Winston cells that are now over 10 yrs old, they would stay within

.005v but if charging with less than .3C they would stray.

Where Do I Start with Solar Panels and Storage Batteries?

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