Great video. I love that you are using a 1200 inverter for your fridge. Will definitely make it more efficient than a larger inverter. Video idea, how about testing the batteries to your fridge to see how long the fridge would run. I love the watt cycle batteries, for the money they are hard to beat.
@thesolarlabs already did that test. It's about 1200wh for a 24 hour period. That means with no solar, this thing should last 5-6 days. I also have 900w of solar as a bonus on top of this. You should grab 2 of these watt cycles while you can. Not many left in stock
This is a sweet combination of bigger than 12v, but smaller than 48v that I really like. I’m making up a very similar setup for our RV. This V and AH gives a very nice sized/priced/cost/weight result imho.
Good evening. I thought of 24v, but went to 48v. I've been working on this project for over a month now. 4 x 12.8 280ah batteries, 1 48v 5000w inverter/charger, 1 other 48v 220-240v 4000w inverter on the way, a combiner panel, 3 x 800w in series and paralleled solar strings, 4 x 200w each string. Just putting a power shed together, not finished yet. I don't have city water, so yes, a 1hp water pump 230v ,6.2amp. It won't run the whole house, but we won't be in the dark, nor thirsty.
@texasprepperprojects I'm on a 1hp 230v 6.5a well system too. I have a generator, but would like to know what would be needed to run my well system on a battery/charger/inverter/solar setup.
@lstownley good morning. Since I already have the main inverter with charge controller, 80amp, but is 110/120v, I went on this site called "FridayParts" and they offer a 48v 4000w 220/240v 60HZ inverter for $527.10. If you sign up for their're email, they give you a $50 coupon. This is the second inverter I mentioned in the original post obove.
Reasonable, thrifty set up. After having two good quality gopower high frequency inverters fail after several years, I've changed to LOW frequency inverters for durability and the fact I use it to power our window AC and refigeation. Also, as seen on RUclips, if high frequency inverters fail, the appliances will be supplied 80+ volts DC, a fire hazard as well . Your set-up is well thought out and a good value. I hope y'all are okay during next week's polar vortex. Blessings to you and your family from another TEXAN.
after running two separate 12v systems every day, one for three years and the second for a year now i have seen that the BMS in each battery will balance the battery and keep all battery's in the group equally charged if you reach full charge at least once a week. also if you use a high frequency inverter have a spare on hand as they will fail with regular use. i now use only low frequency inverters after replacing two failed high frequency ones.
Hi Scott, I ordered this battery at the end of November and it was delivered in two weeks by FedEx. Battery was packed well and I had no issues. After making some 6awg cables I charged it up with the Victron IP22 30A charger and everything went fine. I plan to install this in my vehicle and charge it through a Victron Orion XS 50A DC to DC charger. I was thinking of getting the WattCycle 500A LiFePO4 Battery Monitor with Shunt, or the Victron Smart Shunt as I will not be able to tell the battery SOC like in my Ecoflow power stations. Have you used the WattCycle monitor and shunt? If not, could you do a video on them? I enjoyed watching your project videos, very straight forward and practical. TIA
yes i have used their shunts. I would order another battery and the shunt from the watt cycle website right now and use my code YTPP www.wattcycle.com/products/wattcycle-500a-lifepo4-battery-monitor
@@texasprepperprojects Thanks for the prompt reply. I might get another one later and use the Etaker F-1000 charger on that one. I got mine during the Black Friday sale for $499 plus tax = $532.50.
I also Like 24 Volt 280ah CHINS with 200amp BMS and Low Temperature Circuit Protection and Victron Energy Phoenix 24/800 & 24/1200 Pure Sine Wave Inverters and Eaton Terminal Fuses on each Battery 1/0awg cables to Inverter and as You did 2/0awg cables tying the 2 Batteries Together and a 300amp Blue Sea Battery Disconnect Switch and Victron 150/45 or 35 amp Charge Controllers for My Solar Arrays and They Work Effortlessly well - Thank You for Posting this Video in Helping others in Times of Power Outages 🇺🇸
Two things I would definitely add are a circuit breaker and a shunt and power meter. I agree with you on the advantages of 24 volt, but there are some for 12 volt. A 1,000 watt inverter can draw up to one amp with no load. That’s 24 amps in a day just to be on. As many boaters and RVers have found, 12 volt loads such lights ,fans, fridge and CPAP will draw much less off the battery than off an inverter.
i bought the 2 of the 100ah Wattcycle. Im very happy with their performance so far. Just one thing i wish it didnt do and that is the charger cuts off at 14.20 volts. One of the issues i find with smaller DIY systems is its defeating the purpose of a Solar system if you have to charge the batteries using the Grid.
Interesting easy concept, I can understand running the refrigerator after beryl knocked out our power for days here in Houston. I was always looking for fuel for generator each night. Can you show the math on the 7 kwH
@TheSolarLab tested this. It depends on lots of factors but he showed 1.2kw per 24 hours. So, this thing should last 5 to 6 days with zero solar assistance
I just ordered 2 of these Litime 60A controllers based on your recommendation. I have 10 ea used 315W panels stored in a shed. I couldn't find any specs on the website for this chg controller but going with a small 24 volt battery bank....I can probably chg instantly in north TX sun. I think I need to finish making my Chinese 3.2 cell batteries. Great channel-! Thanks
I've got 4 ea 100AH lifepo4 batts 12V. And a 280 AH 12V chinese lifepo4 assembly and 304AH 12V chinese assembly DIY. And my wife needs a set of tires on her car. $$.@texasprepperprojects
one thing that is not mentioned is a battery balancer. Over time the batteries become out of balance. I use a victron battery balancer for my 2 12v 200ah lifepo4 in series
On your NEXT VIDEO . Can you Please show us with Something Plugged into The Inverter and Working Properly .. Like your Refrigerator or Fan or Anything. Thank You
24v is way better because of all the 24v dc appliacnes like fridges on the market. ya most people dont realize those 12v compressor fridges are actually based on 24v and run directly off a battery. lots of 24v stuff made for rvs and truckers like air conditioners now. if you assemle the cells yourself inside those batteries, you can build the same 8kwh setup for 320$ (excluding a 200$ 3kw inverter, and 8$ worth of balance boards) whole sale from china, but they take 3 months to import.
I have a vevor 24 volt 3500 watt inverter and it only uses a little over 5 watts at idle , unbelievable but true. I love it so far and used almost daily for 2 years now.
I'm proud that it's a 24v system. Nobody should be doing a 12v these days. I also agree 24v is a nice middle ground all because of the lower solar requirement. The inverter is too low. Get a 24v 2000w. At least this will run most power tools if you ever need to. Just because you only want to run your fridges doesn't mean others will. The 60a mppt is an overkill. 40a is more than plenty for that system. 60a is fine but then again you say you only need to run your fridge and only need a 1200w inverter but got a 60a mppt ? Thats an overkill.
Good video of just how easy it is to set up an emergency power supply. This is not meant to be an everyday system. If it was, I would recommend an in-line fuse and a cutoff switch. As long as you aren't trying to pull too much wattage, this system will be just fine. Here's what I do. I have a 2k "solar generator". I have 2 12v, 100ah lifepo4 batteries in series, and i plug them into the solar charge port of the power station. This expands the capacity of my "system" to about 4.5kwh. I use the batteries for projects around the farm, like running the trolling motor in the jon boat or a sprayer. Since it is 100% for emergency backup, I don't worry too much about the batteries being balanced. I need to run my fridge, separate freezer, and TV for a few hours, not power my off-grid cabin forever. Charging becomes the issue for most people. You need a charger capable of charging lifepo4 batteries, or enough sun to run through a charge controller. My "extra" power is supplied by 36v lifepo4 trolling motor batteries. I have 2 of them in the boat l, and they work perfectly well with the power station, but I have never needed to use them for an emergency.
![Sodium battery test & introduction vs. Lithium & Lead Acid. Also -22deg freezer test [4K] Na-ion SIB](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/cVDpKU_X_XQ/mqdefault.jpg)
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
www.wattcycle.com/products/wattcycle-24v-300ah-mini-lifepo4-battery-set
6% Exclusive discount code: YTPP
Holy crap good luck buddy!
with what?
@texasprepperprojects sorry, with your upcoming storm.
Thank!
Great video. I love that you are using a 1200 inverter for your fridge. Will definitely make it more efficient than a larger inverter. Video idea, how about testing the batteries to your fridge to see how long the fridge would run. I love the watt cycle batteries, for the money they are hard to beat.
@thesolarlabs already did that test. It's about 1200wh for a 24 hour period. That means with no solar, this thing should last 5-6 days. I also have 900w of solar as a bonus on top of this. You should grab 2 of these watt cycles while you can. Not many left in stock
@@texasprepperprojects I'm good to go on batteries. I have around 18KW. This is more than enough for how I use them. Have a Happy New Year.
fantastic!!
So cool! Also would like to see 48V projects. Thanks!
One day
This is a sweet combination of bigger than 12v, but smaller than 48v that I really like. I’m making up a very similar setup for our RV. This V and AH gives a very nice sized/priced/cost/weight result imho.
Thanks
Good evening. I thought of 24v, but went to 48v. I've been working on this project for over a month now. 4 x 12.8 280ah batteries, 1 48v 5000w inverter/charger, 1 other 48v 220-240v 4000w inverter on the way, a combiner panel, 3 x 800w in series and paralleled solar strings, 4 x 200w each string. Just putting a power shed together, not finished yet. I don't have city water, so yes, a 1hp water pump 230v ,6.2amp. It won't run the whole house, but we won't be in the dark, nor thirsty.
Nice setup!
@texasprepperprojects I'm on a 1hp 230v 6.5a well system too. I have a generator, but would like to know what would be needed to run my well system on a battery/charger/inverter/solar setup.
That's beyond me
@lstownley good morning. Since I already have the main inverter with charge controller, 80amp, but is 110/120v, I went on this site called "FridayParts" and they offer a 48v 4000w 220/240v 60HZ inverter for $527.10. If you sign up for their're email, they give you a $50 coupon. This is the second inverter I mentioned in the original post obove.
In my post obove, not mentioned is that I also have a battery balancer, since I'm operating multiple batteries. Eco-Worthy 48v.@texasprepperprojects
Reasonable, thrifty set up.
After having two good quality gopower high frequency inverters fail after several years, I've changed to LOW frequency inverters for durability and the fact I use it to power our window AC and refigeation.
Also, as seen on RUclips, if high frequency inverters fail, the appliances will be supplied 80+ volts DC, a fire hazard as well .
Your set-up is well thought out and a good value.
I hope y'all are okay during next week's polar vortex.
Blessings to you and your family from another TEXAN.
Stay warm out there. I hope we don't get another snow day.
after running two separate 12v systems every day, one for three years and the second for a year now i have seen that the BMS in each battery will balance the battery and keep all battery's in the group equally charged if you reach full charge at least once a week. also if you use a high frequency inverter have a spare on hand as they will fail with regular use. i now use only low frequency inverters after replacing two failed high frequency ones.
That’s great information!
Hi Scott, I ordered this battery at the end of November and it was delivered in two weeks by FedEx. Battery was packed well and I had no issues. After making some 6awg cables I charged it up with the Victron IP22 30A charger and everything went fine. I plan to install this in my vehicle and charge it through a Victron Orion XS 50A DC to DC charger. I was thinking of getting the WattCycle 500A LiFePO4 Battery Monitor with Shunt, or the Victron Smart Shunt as I will not be able to tell the battery SOC like in my Ecoflow power stations. Have you used the WattCycle monitor and shunt? If not, could you do a video on them? I enjoyed watching your project videos, very straight forward and practical. TIA
yes i have used their shunts. I would order another battery and the shunt from the watt cycle website right now and use my code YTPP www.wattcycle.com/products/wattcycle-500a-lifepo4-battery-monitor
@@texasprepperprojects Thanks for the prompt reply. I might get another one later and use the Etaker F-1000 charger on that one. I got mine during the Black Friday sale for $499 plus tax = $532.50.
I would not wait. There are only 25 on stock now and tariffs are coming. They aren't going to go down in price........
Save your back. Cut down a two by to put in front of the lip going into the house. Also makes it easier to bring in the dolly with anything else .
not a bad idea~!
Nice vid! I might give this a try.
Do not wait long. There are only 30 of the 300 amp batteries in stock so dive on them now!!
I also Like 24 Volt 280ah CHINS with 200amp BMS and Low Temperature Circuit Protection and Victron Energy Phoenix 24/800 & 24/1200 Pure Sine Wave Inverters and Eaton Terminal Fuses on each Battery 1/0awg cables to Inverter and as You did 2/0awg cables tying the 2 Batteries Together and a 300amp Blue Sea Battery Disconnect Switch and Victron 150/45 or 35 amp Charge Controllers for My Solar Arrays and They Work Effortlessly well - Thank You for Posting this Video in Helping others in Times of Power Outages 🇺🇸
Thanks!
@texasprepperprojects @ 24 Volts We Stay at 3584 watt hours for 280ah Batteries and Only Increase Our Volts 👌
nice!
@@texasprepperprojects Not 7.6KWH for 2 300ah Batteries in Series
@@1GREATDANE it actually is. 3,840 each
Two things I would definitely add are a circuit breaker and a shunt and power meter. I agree with you on the advantages of 24 volt, but there are some for 12 volt. A 1,000 watt inverter can draw up to one amp with no load. That’s 24 amps in a day just to be on. As many boaters and RVers have found, 12 volt loads such lights ,fans, fridge and CPAP will draw much less off the battery than off an inverter.
That is why I disconnect the power wire when not in use. I also addressed the fuse. I do like shunts but I wanted this to be clean and simple
i bought the 2 of the 100ah Wattcycle. Im very happy with their performance so far. Just one thing i wish it didnt do and that is the charger cuts off at 14.20 volts. One of the issues i find with smaller DIY systems is its defeating the purpose of a Solar system if you have to charge the batteries using the Grid.
Use the power charger I show and listed. You can adjust it any where you want. 14.6v
I never charge the batteries on grid. I can get 2 entree meal at Panda express for 1 night of charging my 19kWh of batts
Cool
@@Gary-ee3kq wow i wish i had that much solar
@mannyfragoza9652 winter time with all these ☁️ I wish had more.
Interesting easy concept, I can understand running the refrigerator after beryl knocked out our power for days here in Houston. I was always looking for fuel for generator each night. Can you show the math on the 7 kwH
@TheSolarLab tested this. It depends on lots of factors but he showed 1.2kw per 24 hours. So, this thing should last 5 to 6 days with zero solar assistance
I just ordered 2 of these Litime 60A controllers based on your recommendation. I have 10 ea used 315W panels stored in a shed.
I couldn't find any specs on the website for this chg controller but going with a small 24 volt battery bank....I can probably chg instantly in north TX sun.
I think I need to finish making my Chinese 3.2 cell batteries.
Great channel-! Thanks
You need to buy these 300ah watt cycle right now. At least 2 if not 4
I've got 4 ea 100AH lifepo4 batts 12V. And a 280 AH 12V chinese lifepo4 assembly and 304AH 12V chinese assembly DIY.
And my wife needs a set of tires on her car. $$.@texasprepperprojects
Could you show how you calculate 7.6kwh?
3.8 x 2
@@texasprepperprojects 12.8v X 100A x 2 batteries
@@thedudefromU 12.8 x 300ah = 3,840wh x 2 batteries = 7,680 wh or 7.6KWH
one thing that is not mentioned is a battery balancer. Over time the batteries become out of balance. I use a victron battery balancer for my 2 12v 200ah lifepo4 in series
I did discuss that
This fog/bad weather has been killing my solar gains
True, that's why I have a ton of battery
Excellent!
I continue to keep my systems 12 volt, easy for me to understand.
And that's ok. I got no problem with a small 12v
Good morning folks. I've already seen an uptick in price on solar energy products. They are taking advantage of the import tariff threat.
True
Im suprised you didnt get spark when connecting inverter. I always use resister or alligator clip test light to not pop cap
Was done off screen
On your NEXT VIDEO . Can you Please show us with Something Plugged into The Inverter and Working Properly .. Like your Refrigerator or Fan or Anything.
Thank You
I powered it on so you could see the volt meter. I have powered items on several times. Nothing special about it.
What if you have two 24 volt 100 ah li time battery's now, can you link these in series to the system and be okay?
parallel them so the voltage stays the same
@@texasprepperprojects so it will not matter that the have 24 volt 100 ah and parallel 12 volt 300 ah in the same system?
I don't like to mix batteries like that
Why can’t you put just a straight jumper from the positive and the negative on the battery instead of having a loop?
You could, but i had the jumper already made ;)
@ oh ok gotcha.
Why not a 48v system? Also you could just use a circuit breaker to disconnect batteries.
because the minimum solar input voltage for 48v is too high. Also, this is more capacity for less money than any 48v rack mount battery
24v is way better because of all the 24v dc appliacnes like fridges on the market. ya most people dont realize those 12v compressor fridges are actually based on 24v and run directly off a battery. lots of 24v stuff made for rvs and truckers like air conditioners now. if you assemle the cells yourself inside those batteries, you can build the same 8kwh setup for 320$ (excluding a 200$ 3kw inverter, and 8$ worth of balance boards) whole sale from china, but they take 3 months to import.
You're right, there are a lot of 24v appliances on the market!
I want to go 24v but i need a low idle draw inverter, and reviews on 24v is super lacking
12v and 48v has most of the spotlight
Just disconnect it when not in use. Have you looked at the gaindels?
I have a vevor 24 volt 3500 watt inverter and it only uses a little over 5 watts at idle , unbelievable but true. I love it so far and used almost daily for 2 years now.
@@edolson1698 alright will try it
@@edolson1698 I see a similar idle draw for the 12v 3500 version, just yo confirm your using the 24v model right?
@viyusavery248 yes mine is a 24 volt 3500 watt vevor brand inverter
I'm proud that it's a 24v system. Nobody should be doing a 12v these days. I also agree 24v is a nice middle ground all because of the lower solar requirement. The inverter is too low. Get a 24v 2000w. At least this will run most power tools if you ever need to. Just because you only want to run your fridges doesn't mean others will. The 60a mppt is an overkill. 40a is more than plenty for that system. 60a is fine but then again you say you only need to run your fridge and only need a 1200w inverter but got a 60a mppt ? Thats an overkill.
The mppt is going to be more useful later when I need to add more panels.
@@texasprepperprojectswhat were you thinking by building a setup to fit your needs and not everyone elses????? 😂😂
Good video of just how easy it is to set up an emergency power supply. This is not meant to be an everyday system. If it was, I would recommend an in-line fuse and a cutoff switch. As long as you aren't trying to pull too much wattage, this system will be just fine.
Here's what I do.
I have a 2k "solar generator". I have 2 12v, 100ah lifepo4 batteries in series, and i plug them into the solar charge port of the power station. This expands the capacity of my "system" to about 4.5kwh. I use the batteries for projects around the farm, like running the trolling motor in the jon boat or a sprayer. Since it is 100% for emergency backup, I don't worry too much about the batteries being balanced. I need to run my fridge, separate freezer, and TV for a few hours, not power my off-grid cabin forever.
Charging becomes the issue for most people. You need a charger capable of charging lifepo4 batteries, or enough sun to run through a charge controller.
My "extra" power is supplied by 36v lifepo4 trolling motor batteries. I have 2 of them in the boat l, and they work perfectly well with the power station, but I have never needed to use them for an emergency.
Very nice
Why didn't you Plug anything in The Inverter . I waited the Whole Video so I could see it ACTUALLY WORKING 😔
I powered it on so you could see the volt meter.