Yeah, and he can't read Chinese, LOL. What's worse: Instructions in Chinese for a non Chinese speaker or instructions in English written by a Chinese not fluent in English?
Yes, those connectors are a deal breaker for me. If you can't buy it at Digikey, Grainger, etc. then I don't want it, and I certainly wouldn't pay extra. Good review that tells us what we need to know.
Nice review. Yes, having personally had cable heating problems and melting plastic, they need to make sure they’re sending it with the right gauge cable. Especially if they want to compete in this server rack area. Thanks!
Will, as always a very informative video, I am in the UK and have set up a 12volt off grid PV system totally from the information and reviews you have done on your channel. Thanks again for your invaluable advice and teardowns!!
@@martinjones3452 Martin, mine is a subsidiary system to complement my main grid supply not to replace it, so when we get blackouts this winter as they predict then we will still have power for cooking and lights etc, I used 4x renogy 100watt solar panels connected to a renogy Rover MPPT charge controller and 2x renogy Blu Tooth 100ah LiFePo4 batteries connected in parralel & as per Will's recommendations I opted for the Giandel 2000 watt full sine wave inverter. I ran two AC cables from the inverter, one to my kitchen and one to the living room to supply the power to new sockets that are in no way connected to the main electrics. The remote for the inverter is on a double socket in the living room so we can turn it on and off when we need it. At present from about 10-20 % we can be fully charged to 100% with a good day of sun even at this time of year in the UK. I have never used an electric Kettle before now but all our cuppas are done on Solar and we use our 1300watt Halogen Oven no problem, I also have a 2000 watt induction stove that the inverter runs no problem and it only uses about 2-3% of overall battery capacity to cook a meal which can get topped back up very quickly. Vacuum Cleaner works fine on it, It even runs an 800watt oil radiator in case of emergency heat required. So it is not a FULL household system but an alternative backup that we are using more and more, it has cost around £2000 so far but I am happy as it gives us peace of mind. Trouble with UK GRID TIED systems is they dont allow you to use them if the power goes off so that is why we chose the DIY off grid option. All thanks to Will and his wonderful video reviews/advice etc. I would also like to say that Giandel have great customer service, i needed to know what size fuse i would have to put on the system and if i would need an RCD and they replied very quickly within a couple of hours.
Thank you very much for your suggestions. I have fed back to my leader. They are already trying to fix it and low the price u mentioned. Again, thanks.
In other news, the SOK server rack battery is now UL 1973 Certified! If you need stickers to pass an inspection, contact Current Connected. If you want to purchase SOK batteries, check them out here: www.currentconnected.com/product/sk48v100/?ref=wp 5X Battery Combo Package with Cables: www.currentconnected.com/product/fully-loaded-25kwh-48v-server-rack-battery-kit-bundle-save/?ref=wp If you want to learn about other server rack batteries available, click here: www.mobile-solarpower.com/server-rack-lifepo4.html If you want a free blueprint for 48V offgrid solar power system, click here: www.mobile-solarpower.com/48v-complete-system-blueprint.html ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Does off-grid solar confuse you? Check out my DIY friendly website for solar system packages and product recommendations, and so much more! www.mobile-solarpower.com Join our DIY solar community! #1 largest solar forum on the internet for beginners and professionals alike: www.diysolarforum.com Check out my best-selling, beginner-friendly 12V off-grid solar book (affiliate link): amzn.to/2Aj4dX4 If DIY is not for you, but you love solar and need an offgrid system, check out Tesla Solar. Low prices and great warranty, and they can take your entire house offgrid with their new Powerwalls: ts.la/william57509 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ My offgrid solar equipment recommendations (Constantly updated! Check here first): 12V/48V Lithium Batteries: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solar-batteries.html Solar System Component Directory: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solarcomponents.html Plug-N-Play Systems: www.mobile-solarpower.com/full-size-systems.html Complete 48V System Kits: www.mobile-solarpower.com/complete-48v-solar-kits.html DIY Friendly Air Conditioner/ Heat Pumps: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solar-friendly-air-conditioners.html Complete 48V System Blueprint: www.mobile-solarpower.com/48v-complete-system-blueprint.html ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ My Favorite Online Stores for DIY Solar and Coupon Codes: -Current Connected: SOK, Victron and High Quality Components. Best prices and warranty around: currentconnected.com/?ref=wp -Signature Solar: Cheap Server Rack Batteries and Large Solar Panels: www.signaturesolar.com/?ref=h-cvbzfahsek -Ecoflow Delta Official Site: My favorite plug-n-play solar generator: us.ecoflow.com/?aff=7 -AmpereTime: Cheapest 12V batteries around: amperetime.com/products/ampere-time-12v-100ah-lithium-lifepo4-battery?ref=h-cvbzfahsek -Rich Solar: Mega site and cheaper prices than renogy! Check them out: richsolar.com/?ref=h-cvbzfahsek -ShopSolarKits.com: Huge site with every solar kit you can imagine! Check it out: shopsolarkits.com/?ref=will-p -Batteryhookup.com: Cheap cell deals bit.ly/2mIxSqt 10% off code: diysolar -Watts 24/7: Best deals on all-in-one solar power systems, with customer support and distribution here in the USA: watts247.com/?wpam_id=3 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Contact Information: I am NOT available for personal solar system consult! If you wish to contact me, this is my direct email: williamprowsediysolar@gmail.com Join the forum at diysolarforum.com/ if you wish to hang out with myself and others and talk about solar FTC Disclosure Statement and Disclaimers: Every video includes some form of paid promotion or sponsorship. Some links on this youtube channel may be affiliate links. We may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these. My videos are for educational purpose only. Information is subject to change/update at anytime. Electricity is DANGEROUS and can kill. Be smart and use common sense :) DIY Solar Power with Will Prowse is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, An affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
Bruh, I came back to this video just to leave a comment on the SOK link. The zoom in view is amazing! Weird thing to mention but it's refreshing to see a quality picture.
Always a thanks to you making our lives safe by your reviews the companies are adapting to your safety concerns to the end users and they are absolutely improving! 😁👍 Big up to you sir!
You're absolutely right Will....paralleling with such small battery-to-battery cables might be fine for the small loads of a telecom backup site, but not for power electronics. Battery cables and associated OPDs should always be sized for the maximum load connected. Busbars are the only correct way to parallel batteries, keeping in mind that all cables must be exactly the same size and length. Even very small differences in cable resistance can have negative effects on charging.
Now they are only $999 on their website and Amazon for several months now. It's the best price on a Server Rack battery I have found. Thanks for the teardown and taking the time to review (as always).
+1 on the appreciation on your investigation, and your strong opinions (both good and bad). I definitely feel like I'm learning a lot watching all your videos!
Will, your channel is an endless supply of practical knowledge. However, if a fire ever broke out in your shop, it would probably be visible from space.
Will keep doing what you do and I am going to start calling you teach. I have learned so much from your videos I am finally ready to build my own off grid system. I now have the confidence to spend my money based on your reviews and other RU-vid gurus who are willing to share what they have learned. So thank you.
It seems like the price has come down a bit. $1699USD but the surprising part is that on their Canadian website it's $1899 CAD(free shipping) = $1396USD. Us Canadians seem to be getting a better deal for some reason. That's probably the cheapest option for us at the moment. EG4s are similar price but you have to pay shipping here which I would bet is fairly expensive.
The connectors are called SLPPA25BSR and rated at 125A with a 25mm² cable. They are also availavle as SLPPA50BSR rated at 200A. So there is a Chance to make your self some bigger cables
Yeh it's great to see radlock connectors on these batteries. I first saw this type of connector when installing a 2MWh Tesla megapack back in 2015 or 2016
Those connectors are usually 75A continuous, you have to connect another pair to first and last battery to double the output to 150A continuous current. For PV you usually do not have 24/7 continuous current so you are safe using it on 200A limit.
Thanks for the comparison and well thought out discussion. I am currently looking to go partial solar and I differently would be out on the AOlithium, based on your information., you are one of a few who show such things. You are an asset to many that look to upgrade their current needs for power.
Hi Will, thanks for all the nice vids! Now these AOlithium server rack battery goes for much less. I just bought 2 of them for a total of 2973 dollar(incl. 15% cyber monday, that's >500 dollar). And free shipping to the EU.
@@mmbodnar Hi, Technical no issues. Very nice batteries incl. cables etc. Very well packaged. But if you want to rely on their customer service don't buy! Very difficult to reach via email, they just don't answer. Ordered them at 9 december and get them on 23 june. So that's more than 6 months of waiting. I live in Europe but they have a store in Germany but send the batteries from the USA unfortunately. Don't no why. The product: works without any issues!!
I cant afford to go solar but if that day comes I'll know everything I need to know thanks to these videos. Until then i really enjoy your expertise and professionalism. I enjoy planning out in my head my ideal solar setup even though I can't justify the cost.
I just started buying for my system. I have a tight budget and it is easy to exceed it but you can start small and expand the system later I wanted three batteries but settled for two with plans to add more latter. But now I am committed to see this project become reality.
@@PaulPaid where I live electricity is 6.5 cents per kilowatt hour. I live very close to a hydroelectric dam. I can't see how I could justify the cost of solar. Even if the solar panels last 100 years the batteries will likely fail before I save enough in electricity to pay for them. Until the batteries get a lot cheaper I can't see how I could justify the cost of going solar, besides the fact that I just can't afford the upfront cost
Hope this company listens to and implements every single one of your recommendations - you're only helping them become better and everybody wins. With such a great internal build, I just don't get how they whiffed on adequate cable size - the connectors are sweet tho'. One thing I would like to see, is a quickly/easily removable insulating busbar cover. I do not like some setups I've seen in server racks where it would be too easy to accidently touch a live busbar - god forbid a child or pet do so. Like reaching into a live breaker panel -it should be safe to do so without having to worry about a big long exposed energized strip of metal.
I don' care for the exposed DIP switches on the front panel. It would be much better with some sort of "Flip Up" plastic cover. I really like when mechanical switches are not able to be changed by accident, or other error...
@@exshvezdickou I understand the need for the function the switches provide, I just want to see them protected from any unwanted, or unintended manipulation. Either way, I still see them an a potential issue, which could easily be rectified.
Pricing on these are down to $999 so was looking for some review on if they are any good. Sounds like might be worth it at those prices (supply your own server rack and #00 main cables). Thanks for the quick review Will!
The biggest issue I've had so far in working out my system for my ute is "what gauge cable do I need?" I'm a relative noob with actually setting up a solar system, but have had an interest since the early 80s. My current thought is to go for the biggest gauge possible, with appropriate connectors (high capacity Andersons etc). I want to be able to run a small 120amp arc welder for short periods. I figure that will be my highest load on the system. I'll also have an electric (240V) 20 litre/2HP compressor. The ute will be my home, so my power needs will also run to powering a computer and associated peripherals on a daily basis. I'm really hoping my set up will be overkill for daily needs but cope with the occasional use of a welder. My current purchased items: 1 x 3000W pure sine wave inverter 2 x 115 AH 12V AGMs(connected in parallel). Might add a third later on. 2 x 160 Watt panels. Might add another in the future. A 20 amp MPPT controller (it was thrown in with the inverter as a freebie) I still need to decide on a controller panel for my 12 volt needs and learn whether that controller will work if both panels are connected. And I need to figure out cable sizes. I'll keep watching your videos because even the system in this video has some relation to what I need to learn with respect to cables and loads. One thing you've confirmed for me is that yes, I do need some fat wire between the batteries, and the inverter.
Will have you done an update to the Milk Crate Basic system you built a year ago? I thought an updated one was coming. Love your channel. You brilliant, affable, and inspirational.
HOWdy W-P, Thanks for the REVIEW - INside & OUTside of this BATTERY I prefer the FAR Left & FAR Right Positive & Negative battery connectors ... on the LifePower4 & EG4-LL batteries as it allows for simpler BUS-BAR connections & separation FYI --- my EG4-LL batteries came with 5-AWG jumper wires & too small 1/4" lugs ( where 5/16" lugs would have been preferred at least on one end ) COOP ...
You are good to open up things. We should ship you a couple of Tesla's and other eletric cars from Norway that you could open up. If these things go real now. And it seams that it does. "How ro convert your electric car to a become a powerbank" will be a an actual scenario for us. Learning us how to do that in the most safest way. (to use those Batteries to solar ect) will be a Big help.
I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss the Radlock connectors. They are a quality connector and used in high current DC applications. I think not having terminals exposed is a positive. See what I did there?
@@WillProwse They come in different pin sizes for different ampacity. The largest is 12mm and is rated at 400amps per Amphenol spec sheet. Not sure what those batteries have on them.
AOLithium’s support told me that the battery can't be installed face-up, but they do say it can be installed on its side. All other rack batteries I've looked at say they can be installed in any orientation. Looking at your views of it with the cover off, it seems like it could be installed face up. Doing so lets me put them up against a wall more more low-profile.
I keep getting anxiety thinking about pulling out a server rack and dealing with all the cables back there. Alas, I'm relieved when I slapped myself realizing that these are battery racks. Phew.
You’re the only channel I subscribe to that RU-vid doesn’t put in my recommenders when a new video comes out. You’re one of the least controversial, too. I don’t get it. Been watching every video for a couple years and I still have to go to your channel to see all the videos I missed. Sucks, man.
05:48 Fuse upgrades are pricey but cells are more precious. Hard to source replacements! Good tire-kicking strategy is to ask how fast internal fuse replacements ship out if ever needed, and see who even answers ;^P Great video.
If they were connecting to a busbar with each pack directly, then short 3 AWG cable links would be more than adequate but to parallel them up like that it would be pushing it a bit and could be a problem if this was connected to a larger inverter over 5KVA or multiple large charge controllers.
So still deciding... In Canada these packs are $300 cheaper than Ruixu and $900 cheaper than SOK... Looks like as long as we get multiple "single-slot" packs we can use the 3 AWG cables and a bus bar and it should be fine. Avoid the multi-pack kits that come with the shorter daisey-chain parallel cables. Has 1 year more warranty than Ruixu but their support is less useful.
I am leaning toward Signature Solar as I like their rack with bus bar configuration. I plan to go with a rack of 6 5Kwh batteries and will claim the tax credit to go with it.
I love watching you take apart batteries. I am looking to upgrade my RV to lithium and add more solar. Many use Battle Born and Dakota batteries. Have you taken any of these apart to see why their prices are so high? What makes them so expensive? Do you have a battery you can recommend that is similar to these but more cost friendly? I need 2 100ah batteries. Any help is welcomed. Thanks!!!!
Very nice video, for the cables come with the battery, it will be difficult to disign, the supplier can not customized for every diffierent client, because some of the clients use 1 single battery only, some of the other may use 6 pcs or more( i am not sure how many pcs battery can paralell maximum for this BMS). so i think that is why they only design the cable as 1 single battery for less cost.
When you connect 4 batteries in parallel, why don’t you connect the mains in the center, so that only two batteries share interconnected cables? Vs having 3 batteries feeding thru the interconnected cables?
LOVE YOUR VIDEO'S!! You always give it to us straight!! Thanks. Quick question. If I install a "power wall" battery bank, and my grid does not do lower night time rates to charge it, is it still a good idea to have the power wall. Thanks!
Could you make or point me to the video about battery pack security? How and where should I use circuit breakers, fuses etc, what the good practices are. Thanks.
Dammit Will,... now AOLithium has these pack on black friday sale for $1499 CAD (in Canada) which is about $1090 USD.. makes it hard to ignore! I would only consider single packs so I don't have to deal with the crappy short parallel cables.
Will do you have any concerns from a fire standpoint housing the lithium batteries in your shop or house? I am in the fire service and am very cautious about what I want in my house. While I would like to do solar at some point but the batteries bother me from a safety standpoint. I would like to hear your thoughts.
One of these days the City of Las Vegas will be on the phone to Will "Our grid is going to have trouble over the holiday weekend handling all the visitor EVs could we please plug the grid into your battery room?"
Hey Will, thanks for all your videos. They have been an incredible resource for getting into this stuff. Please can you take a look at quiet/silent passive inverters? I'm designing a system for my tiny house and I need to have the inverter inside my living room. I was planning to go all-in-one, but it seems that the only options are to go with something expensive like Goodwe/Solis/Solinteg/SunSynk/Deye. However, I have seen sporadic reports of "van style" charger/inverters that are basically silent like the AIMS 2.4kW. I feel like I am missing something but there isn't really a lot of info out there on the subject. Greets from South Africa
AOLitihium’s support has told me to use bus bars for >100 A loads. Also while I realize this video is a year old, right now I can get them for $1500 for one, tax & shpping included ($5,465 for four), vs $1650 for one SOK, plus tax & shipping ($7,646 for four).
Will, it would be really cool if you could maintain a list of reputable sources for Solar setups. I just started to watch your videos and I just don't know where I can reliably source there parts like you are showing in your videos.
I wouldn’t pay much attention to what the BMS is reporting for SOC. Trophy batteries, which you mentioned share the same BMS, also have a known issue where the SOC is reported inaccurately. The SOC reporting error is discussed on the forums quite a bit, and I’ve seen this same behavior with my own Trophy batteries. For example, I’ve seen instances where my 3 batteries in parallel reported wildly different SOC’s (60%-80%), then suddenly all jumped to 98% once they hit 56v just a minute later. I just ignore what the BMS reports and trust the Victron smart shunt.
LFP SOC is tricky to report precisely as the LFP chemistry has a flat voltage curve plateau at 3,2V. Ideally you need to count coulombs passing into the busbars. On the other end NMC is quite linear from 4,2V down to 3,2V. Much easier to estimate the SOC then.
Different connectors, much smaller and no bus bar. All of my observations and opinions still stand. Why would anyone buy this. Ruixu and others are way better
@@WillProwse price is the reason we are considering it. In Canada right now it is dramatically cheaper than any other option we have. With other brands either the USD conversion, duty / taxes or shipping make them up to $1500 more per slot. That is HUGE. The power leads are solvable by ordering multiple single units and using an off the shelf bus bar. The price difference is immaterial. For those of us that already have a system in place this is not a concern as we would likely have a large current bus bar in place before our inverters to interface charge controllers / etc. The concern about self-discharge, I posted a note in the DIY Solar Forum and I believe this is an issue with the integration between the BMS and the onboard shunt measuring SOC. If the BMS power bypasses the onboard shunt or is below the measurable threshold programmed into the shunt (this is done by all shunt controllers to prevent ghost reflections at no-load), it is possible the BMS would drain down the battery itself without the SOC meter reflecting this. This may be a problem with other units as well, it's just you noticed it on these because they sat on your shelf. Specific question -> How long did you leave these units powered on with no charge source connected to them? Realistically nobody purchasing these as their primary battery bank would leave them for a month at a time powered on with no charge source attached to them. They would be receiving solar input and be cycled daily. I think for the incredible price savings these two issues are worth overlooking for those that are not in the American market. These do deserve more analysis and I don't believe dismissing the product so quickly is in the best interest of those that don't have access to cheap / free shipping or the US Dollar.
Question: I use about 70 kwh daily at my home.... Is there a realist solar setup that would fit my needs? If a single solar panel only makes ~ 300 watts for about 4 hours in the best time of the day wouldn't I require over 100 panels to generate 70 kwh a day??? Not to meantion pallets of batteries? I do not see my home going off grid...
Hello Will it's dec.7, 2023 these Batteries are advertised for $1099. And less than $1000 if you buy multiple batteries. Would you advise someone to buy these at this price? Is it possible to get a bus bar and modify the set up? I'm about to make the investment, your advice is greatly appreciated. Sounds like you were impressed by the battery parts and construction, the price dropped by half! I'm concerned about the cables. Thanks keep up the good work 👍
I bought the ac300 and b300 because of your recommendation. This Bluetti stuff is crap. Just 2 weeks had to replace entire system. New system I am only getting 50% efficiency. Thousands of dollars for this crap. Thanks a lot.
