LiFePo battery preference

hemmjo
hemmjo Solar Expert Posts: 93 ✭✭
in Solar Product Reviews & Opinions #1
I have been managing off grid solar systems operating in the Dominican Republic. One set up in 2014, another just like it in 2015.  They have been working very well, except when batteries are abused by careless staff members. 

Each system has 1100 watts Solar World panels, Midnight Classic 150 charge controller, and 12v 1000w KASIE pure sine inverters.Currently both systems have 4, 6volt, 235ah, batteries connected in series and parallel to provide 12v at 470ah.  It is time to replace one set, I would like to switch to LiFePo now.

I am not yet sure what brands are even available in the country. TRANE is a large solar supplier an hours drive from our mission. I have someone checking what is available.

For now I have been investigating features and prices on NAZ. I see ReLion has model#RB300, 12v, 300ah for about $2700.00.  Rolls has R12-300FLP for $1420.

I have no experience with LiFePo batteries this is all new to me. There most be something to justify double the cost for the ReLion vs the Rolls.  I am very curious to know if anyone has insight to this.

Thanks,

John


Two systems in the Dominican Republic  http://villagemountainmission.org/
installed Feb 2014 at 19.796189° -70.893594°, Classic 150 + WBJR, KISAE SW1210, MN Battery Monitor, IOTA DLS 55/IQ4,  4- Solar World 275w, 4-6v x 225ah Trace Batteries
installed Feb 2015 at 19.795733° -70.893372°, same components  as above
Honda PowerMate PC0497000, 7000/8750w generator - powers the well and chargers maybe once a week






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  • littleharbor2
    littleharbor2 Solar Expert Posts: 2,169 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #2
    Start shopping around lithium batteries have become very competitively priced in many cases actually cheaper than lead acid batteries

    2.1 Kw Suntech 175 mono, Classic 200, Trace SW 4024 ( 15 years old  but brand new out of sealed factory box Jan. 2015), Bogart Tri-metric,  460 Ah. 24 volt LiFePo4 battery bank. Plenty of Baja Sea of Cortez sunshine.

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  • hemmjo
    hemmjo Solar Expert Posts: 93 ✭✭
    #3
    Yes, I have recently  discovered, we may have wasted our money on the Lead Acid batteries we bought last year!!  I just found the LiTime site they have 12v 300ah for $600, 12v 560ah for $1300. We paid $1500 for a 12v 470ah array using 4- 6volt batts.

    My problem is, I need these in the Dominican Republic, so I may be limited in regard to sources and brands. I am not knowledgeable enough yet to know what features to look for. What features might be missing on a less expensive battery.

    I know how easy is it to make a slick website to advertise something that is not very good. Are there some I should stay away from?

    Two systems in the Dominican Republic  http://villagemountainmission.org/
    installed Feb 2014 at 19.796189° -70.893594°, Classic 150 + WBJR, KISAE SW1210, MN Battery Monitor, IOTA DLS 55/IQ4,  4- Solar World 275w, 4-6v x 225ah Trace Batteries
    installed Feb 2015 at 19.795733° -70.893372°, same components  as above
    Honda PowerMate PC0497000, 7000/8750w generator - powers the well and chargers maybe once a week






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  • littleharbor2
    littleharbor2 Solar Expert Posts: 2,169 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #4
    Find a brand you're interested in and then look up some independent reviews. Not one from the Batteries website

    2.1 Kw Suntech 175 mono, Classic 200, Trace SW 4024 ( 15 years old  but brand new out of sealed factory box Jan. 2015), Bogart Tri-metric,  460 Ah. 24 volt LiFePo4 battery bank. Plenty of Baja Sea of Cortez sunshine.

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