Batteries Mentioned in the Video (affiliate links): Vatrer Direct: www.vatrerpower.com/products/vatrer-51-2v-100ah-lifepo4-lithium-solar-battery-built-in-100a-bms-max-5120w-load-power?sca_ref=8078261.16AzzXe5Vubl9&sca_source=YT Vatrer Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B0C9HPYKNG?maas=maas_adg_7694CD5ECEADB0777D0B1DF5550B0DAF_afap_abs&ref_=aa%E2%80%8B%E2%80%8B%E2%80%8B%E2%80%8B_maas&tag=maas Code "WILLIAM5F" for Vatrer Discount Ecoworthy ($200 off with coupon code "20solarWILL" on amazon): amzn.to/4aE1A3q EG4: signaturesolar.com/shop-all/batteries/eg4-lifepower4/?ref=cPwLcVc0SW-BjN Other Server Rack Batteries: www.mobile-solarpower.com/server-rack-lifepo4.html
Eco-Worthy website charges me 10% sales tax, while the Vatrer website does not charge me sales tax, so for me, after your codes, they end up being almost identical in price.
I am 76 and I have been watching your channel for over 10 years, back in your van days. You are quite a remarkable young man. I pattern all my off grid systems after you. Eternal thanks.
Thanks Will. I have been off-grid for the last 18 years using (32) 6v golf cart batteries. I recently swapped them out for 8 of these Vatrer batteries and am very pleased. No more acid smell, holes in my clothes from acid, and adding water to 96 cells every month. You can see pictures of my old setup of golf cart batteries and my upgrade to Vatrer batteries in review section for link Will put up on Vatrer site for this battery. I would recommed these batteries for off grid. I also put a Vatrer 36v battery in my golf cart about a year ago and put a solar panel on roof and have been pleased with that too.
I have 4 of the 15 cell 48 volt versions. Have been using those for about 2 years and have 3 of the first version 51.2 volt 16 cells using a little over a year. Other than one that came in with a loose bms connection they have worked flawlessly so far. For help from the company it was all emails. But they replied within 12 hours and i was able to work thru the bms connection issue. At 1 time if you ordered thru their website shipping was free, at time didnt charge sales tax and for new orders had a spin wheel that had discounts that applied to the purchase. So far i am extremely happy with vatrer batteries
Will, I just picked up your book. Looks like it will be my go to step by step manual for my own mobile solar power system. Thanks for sharing this knowledge with a non electric guy like me. Huge kudos! 🌞😇
Vatrer wall mounted version looks good. I like wall mounted approach because it's more space efficient and easier to deploy at most any location. They weigh 110 lbs, so you need good anchors.
I'm so happy you do these tests, Will. I'm doing a "skoolie" (retired bus into an RV) and have been looking for a reliable yet cost-effective solution for batteries. Your testing and input are unmeasurable resource in my search. As well as, I bought your book some time ago, and it's been a fantastic piece of literature for my build. Do you plan on continuing your stress testinf of these? I'd love to see your future findings!
A pair of the Vaterer 100ah 12v self heated batteries have been performing well for my relatives in Ukraine for 2 years now. I also sent them a diesel heater from Vaterer, and they are very happy with it as well (the batteries run the heater). They seem to make above average equipment.
One thing that I wish would get called out more is the Bluetooth security fail. You can shut off the charge and discharge mosfets with any bluetooth battery app. There is no way to enable password protection. This means a thief could turn off your home batteries with any smart phone and disable any security system attached. It is so irresponsible from a manufacturer standpoint that they really deserve some pressure.
Will let me know whenever you decide you want to sale any of these 48v you review ill roll over with cash..thanks champ keep putting out honest reviews
I bought the Vatrer 100Ah power wall version paired with a Powmr 5KW inverter. Very clean looking installation. It does have a nice color LCD and communication’s. Was $1050 delivered (no sales tax or shipping fees) during December 2024 sale.
Excellent info! This is definitely on my short list now. Since I have no experience with welding I'm going to say this better for me in the long run. My intention is to go off grid with my setup. Once it's done I'll have to post a video with all the things I've engineered into my entire build to eventually go off grid. But that being said, having the ability to swap cells means I can stock up a few batteries in a maintainer and be able to swap them out if something goes wrong later. I'm still trying to decide if I want to do rack mount or not. The ability to move around is nice but there's something to be said for having a battery designed to be mounted.
I have 4. My experience was exactly the same. Very minor shipping damage on 1 of the 4. Cell deviation is very very low even after 90 cycles now. Weird terminal tightening but it works. Charge my model 3 during the summer and they’ve just been humming along. 100% go on these.
This may jest be me, although I hope it isn't. I would prefer full communication between ALL of the components of my solar system, whether it's a DIY or if I get a pro to put it together. Now if component "A" also has a Bluetooth or WiFi enabled connection ALONG WITH talking to the "central hub" that would be great.
Curious… the Ecoworthy height is 3U and the Vatrer is 4U, meaning if rack space is an issue, you can fit 4 Ecoworthy units in the same space as 3 Vatrers.
Not a huge deal , really . You can get decent racks / cabinets for reasonable prices these days , that will hold 500+ pounds . Especially if you don't need to have them mobile and can anchor them well .
I think it is good for everyone , allowing a limited area for industry / corporate engagement . Hopefully , they keep things inbounds , and don't try to " color outside the lines " with their marketing . That gets extremely annoying fast .
If not already suggested, perhaps use a torque wrench to check mechanical connections of the battery terminals for consistency. Especially since there were so many loose screws on the terminal mountings.
I copied your mobile EG4 off grid system and used the EG4-LL battery. Could I use this battery to expand that system? I'm not sure my OCD will let me mix match the 2, but I'm tempted to try it if I can, lol.
Will, thanks for your time on these reviews. Have you ever drive tested any of these server rack batteries in a camper / RV? I often wonder how well they'll hold up with roads full of potholes and bumps as in Michigan? What shock protection/absorption should be used (if any) in RVs?
These seems to use the Jiabaida ( JBD or Xiaoxian) BMS which I agree with you are excellent BMS. These screens are very common with these. I have the same LCD on my BMS The JBD can have BOTH RS485 and UART so the LCD can be UART and the Bluetooth interface connected to the UART so you can use both the app and the RS485
Why doesnt Vatrer ship these batteries out with the carry handles extended ... locked in padded foam ( instead of folded down ) to prevent shipping damage ?
On weird Chinese names. Amazon required companies to have official trademarks as a means to stop spamming and constant name changing. So, they went and got them, and basically found having weird names that are barely English works really well because they won't be confused for anything else and get approved by the trademark office quickly.
after testing you can dispose of these by sending them to my house please. i think you have an illegal amount of solar equiptment so send it to me to keep from breaking the law. i am pretty sure by sending me the extra solar equiptment you have may increase your lifespan by several years and mostly be even more cool !!!
at this rate, this means that server rack industry needs innovation. for example, server rack batteries are heavy and not easily repairable upgradeable. Why not make the electronics/electrical separate from the batteries where a user connects the batteries to panel and wires. The product will have be user or DIY friendly like reverse polarity over current protection, automatic voltage level, etc....
Short answer: having communication would be more efficient, while not having it would make for a slightly simpler system to set up and maintain. I have BattleBorn batteries in my 48V offgrid home system, with no communication, and they have been working fine for a tad over two years now. Perhaps someone can give you more details on each choice than I can.
Will, have you ever tested batteries seeking how many watt hours it takes to charge to 100% and get 5120Wh output. As a rough estimate, I must charge 10% more in to get 100%. Somewhere I read up to 125% in to reap 100%.
I still recommend you buy 16 MB31 314Ah batteries of your choice and your choice of battery box for around $1.8K including shipping from China for 48VDC @ 16KWh capacity. Try to find a battery box with JK-BMS with 2 Amp balancer and 200 AMP charge and discharge rates.
Great review as always, but was wondering if you have a review up coming for the TechCella 12.8V 320Ah LiFePO4 Lithium Battery? This battery is unusually small for a 320ah rating.
Thanks, Will. Any chance these will be "listed" soon. Some Chinese items are "listed" on international (non UL) standards. I plan on adding a rooftop solar array (16 panels x 545 watt/P = 8,720 watt) over my deck roof, which is relatively flat. I'm thinking 25 kwh of batteries to charge my new Cybertruck and as backup power for essential electrical items (fridge, freezer, heat pump) in case my 200 Amp grid power goes out. The 123 kwh battery in the CT can also be used as a backup power supply when it is at home. Does Vatrer make a power station/inverter system that these batteries can be added to? I don't plan on tying this array, or my CT into the grid, but my electrical inspector seems to think he has a right to redflag anything not "listed", even if it is not power-shared into the grid. I've already passed my final electrical inspection on my new house here in Colorado. My county (Montrose) has no regs or inspections regarding solar arrays. I'm not sure if Colorado requires electrical permits for off grid solar systems.
I have a better name: UFO battery, owned by Gospower China 🇨🇳 they are 200amp server racks. I have 6 so 60kW rack. No problems and on the Deye/Sunsynk approved battery list. You should test'em.
I had Vatrer golf cart batteries for 3 years without problem. After I watched this video, I should build my energy system with Vatrer. Will, plese donate it to me .
Batteries Mentioned in the Video (affiliate links):
Vatrer Direct: www.vatrerpower.com/products/vatrer-51-2v-100ah-lifepo4-lithium-solar-battery-built-in-100a-bms-max-5120w-load-power?sca_ref=8078261.16AzzXe5Vubl9&sca_source=YT
Vatrer Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B0C9HPYKNG?maas=maas_adg_7694CD5ECEADB0777D0B1DF5550B0DAF_afap_abs&ref_=aa%E2%80%8B%E2%80%8B%E2%80%8B%E2%80%8B_maas&tag=maas
Code "WILLIAM5F" for Vatrer Discount
Ecoworthy ($200 off with coupon code "20solarWILL" on amazon): amzn.to/4aE1A3q
EG4: signaturesolar.com/shop-all/batteries/eg4-lifepower4/?ref=cPwLcVc0SW-BjN
Other Server Rack Batteries: www.mobile-solarpower.com/server-rack-lifepo4.html
Eco-Worthy website charges me 10% sales tax, while the Vatrer website does not charge me sales tax, so for me, after your codes, they end up being almost identical in price.
@Cyprian700 holy cow!
You don't get enough credit for all the work you od for folks testing & reviewing these. Thanks
Agreed
Agreed !
I was just thinking, there is NO other channel this comprehensive
Will - singlehandedly made me interested in Solar :D
Honestly, Will is doing an unsung service for a lot of people who want more energy independence.
The Internet does appreciate this guy
I am 76 and I have been watching your channel for over 10 years, back in your van days. You are quite a remarkable young man. I pattern all my off grid systems after you. Eternal thanks.
Thanks Will.
I have been off-grid for the last 18 years using (32) 6v golf cart batteries. I recently swapped them out for 8 of these Vatrer batteries and am very pleased. No more acid smell, holes in my clothes from acid, and adding water to 96 cells every month.
You can see pictures of my old setup of golf cart batteries and my upgrade to Vatrer batteries in review section for link Will put up on Vatrer site for this battery.
I would recommed these batteries for off grid. I also put a Vatrer 36v battery in my golf cart about a year ago and put a solar panel on roof and have been pleased with that too.
I have 4 of the 15 cell 48 volt versions. Have been using those for about 2 years and have 3 of the first version 51.2 volt 16 cells using a little over a year. Other than one that came in with a loose bms connection they have worked flawlessly so far. For help from the company it was all emails. But they replied within 12 hours and i was able to work thru the bms connection issue.
At 1 time if you ordered thru their website shipping was free, at time didnt charge sales tax and for new orders had a spin wheel that had discounts that applied to the purchase.
So far i am extremely happy with vatrer batteries
That small wire for the screen is the fuse :P
Why
LOL!
0:00 Intro and Price Comparison
0:40 Vatrer VS Ecoworthy
1:12 First Impressions
2:42 Basic Functions
3:54 Capacity Tests!
5:55 Tear down time!
9:53 Conclusion
10:15 Huge Forum Update!
www.diysolarforum.com
I've been following your videos since you were living in your car. You have a compelling life story and should write about it.
I have 2. I have been VERY happy so far.
Good to hear!!!
How long have you had them? Thanks in advance
Competition with these batteries is great for the consumer
Will, I just picked up your book. Looks like it will be my go to step by step manual for my own mobile solar power system. Thanks for sharing this knowledge with a non electric guy like me. Huge kudos! 🌞😇
You are the Battery Man there is no one else the buck stops with you ❤
I love serviceable battery like this.
the 100A one got hit so hard it knocked the H off
lol, I'm sure that's what happened.
My customers will bombard me from your video, Will
Looks cool Will I’m going to buy one for me vs. the EcoWorthy, take it for a spin
I see they produce a wall mount battery, would love to see it reviewed!
I have been watching your videos for years, so "YES" it's time to join your forum. =)
Kudos to your analytical investigative knowledge.
Vatrer wall mounted version looks good. I like wall mounted approach because it's more space efficient and easier to deploy at most any location. They weigh 110 lbs, so you need good anchors.
I'm so happy you do these tests, Will. I'm doing a "skoolie" (retired bus into an RV) and have been looking for a reliable yet cost-effective solution for batteries. Your testing and input are unmeasurable resource in my search. As well as, I bought your book some time ago, and it's been a fantastic piece of literature for my build. Do you plan on continuing your stress testinf of these? I'd love to see your future findings!
A pair of the Vaterer 100ah 12v self heated batteries have been performing well for my relatives in Ukraine for 2 years now. I also sent them a diesel heater from Vaterer, and they are very happy with it as well (the batteries run the heater). They seem to make above average equipment.
Thanks for your review! Just what I was hoping to hear. The two I have are performing great!
Good news about the updates to your Forum! It was excellent as it was...even better now!
Is fun watching you get excited about these. Great info!!
Yes, these are pretty good for the price. Great video!
One thing that I wish would get called out more is the Bluetooth security fail. You can shut off the charge and discharge mosfets with any bluetooth battery app. There is no way to enable password protection. This means a thief could turn off your home batteries with any smart phone and disable any security system attached. It is so irresponsible from a manufacturer standpoint that they really deserve some pressure.
I have two (2) of the Vatrer 12V 460aH installed in my motorhome. They are AMAZING (so far).
You make batteries interesting, Thanks!
Thanks for keeping us updated!
Will let me know whenever you decide you want to sale any of these 48v you review ill roll over with cash..thanks champ keep putting out honest reviews
Excellent review ‼️👋
I've been using this battery for two months with no issues. It's powering my Anker Solix F3800 with 3.9 kw of solar.
Great news about the new forum section for news. Great idea!
I bought the Vatrer 100Ah power wall version paired with a Powmr 5KW inverter. Very clean looking installation. It does have a nice color LCD and communication’s. Was $1050 delivered (no sales tax or shipping fees) during December 2024 sale.
Fresh off the boat. 😂 used to call my cousins FOB all the time.
Just to compare, Battleborn 12v 100Ah battery is $899 ! These are 48v 100Ah at the same price.
Almost 4X cheaper 😂 just crazy!
Absolutely the best DIY Solar channel on the WWW...Thank you.
The catch is telling someone who respects your opinion that they should buy a Vaterererer battererery. I like the doomfume name more.
🤣
Vatrer has been around for a little while. I have a 48V system I bought for my golf cart that I have been really happy with for the past 2 years
Excellent info! This is definitely on my short list now. Since I have no experience with welding I'm going to say this better for me in the long run. My intention is to go off grid with my setup. Once it's done I'll have to post a video with all the things I've engineered into my entire build to eventually go off grid. But that being said, having the ability to swap cells means I can stock up a few batteries in a maintainer and be able to swap them out if something goes wrong later. I'm still trying to decide if I want to do rack mount or not. The ability to move around is nice but there's something to be said for having a battery designed to be mounted.
Where do they come up with these names? 🙈😂 Great work as usual, sir 👌
They buy the rejected drug names from pharma companies I think ..
I hope my vatrer vaccinations are up to date, he he he
nice to see it's repairable I had one sok battery that a whole row of bolts not tourqed it charged funny
Simply the best for the money! Im not a communications guy either! Wonderful review!
Good job on the Forum changes. Should be a big improvement .
Will, those batteries are for the sample man
I just got one today! It is still in the box.
I don’t bestow adulation on anybody but keep the reviews coming…..I keep changing up my shopping list
I think they will make a heated version too! I really like these batteries!
Vats a matta you! looks good. A rose by any other name...
I have 4. My experience was exactly the same. Very minor shipping damage on 1 of the 4. Cell deviation is very very low even after 90 cycles now. Weird terminal tightening but it works. Charge my model 3 during the summer and they’ve just been humming along. 100% go on these.
Thanks for what you do!!!
You mentioned the terminals were stripped, but didn't address that on you inside view. Is there an issue?
They felt tight with wrench but I should have used a torque wrench to check
If it's from China, the name is a random vowel/consonant sandwich!
That's a good savings almost $300 plus you're not paying a shipping charge.
No longer waiting anxiously for this review. 😂 In.
Pulling OVER the rated capacity is massive, as opposed to the Eco Worthy that simply doesn't. Sign me up!
This may jest be me, although I hope it isn't. I would prefer full communication between ALL of the components of my solar system, whether it's a DIY or if I get a pro to put it together. Now if component "A" also has a Bluetooth or WiFi enabled connection ALONG WITH talking to the "central hub" that would be great.
Damn, the lack of communication is a deal breaker, I think. Pity. Do you have a video where you explain why you don’t use communication?
simply don't need it. Can you set the parameters just write you won't deal with any issues
Aolithium 51.2v 100ah Server Rack Lithium LiFePO4 Battery 16S for Off Grid/Home Backup 799.00 Can. and UK only
Are there QR codes on those cells? Who made them?
Happy user here ! Great batteries !
Curious… the Ecoworthy height is 3U and the Vatrer is 4U, meaning if rack space is an issue, you can fit 4 Ecoworthy units in the same space as 3 Vatrers.
Not a huge deal , really .
You can get decent racks / cabinets for reasonable prices these days , that will hold 500+ pounds . Especially if you don't need to have them mobile and can anchor them well .
I think it is good for everyone , allowing a limited area for industry / corporate engagement .
Hopefully , they keep things inbounds , and don't try to " color outside the lines " with their marketing .
That gets extremely annoying fast .
If not already suggested, perhaps use a torque wrench to check mechanical connections of the battery terminals for consistency. Especially since there were so many loose screws on the terminal mountings.
Love this channel.. Thank you
Better battery for the mobile cart setup?
Thanks for all the information! Do you think it would be ok to put a couple of these in an rv?
If you are okay with the 102.5 pounds each, plus have room, and have a 48, Nominal) Volt system, why not.
I copied your mobile EG4 off grid system and used the EG4-LL battery. Could I use this battery to expand that system? I'm not sure my OCD will let me mix match the 2, but I'm tempted to try it if I can, lol.
Will, thanks for your time on these reviews. Have you ever drive tested any of these server rack batteries in a camper / RV? I often wonder how well they'll hold up with roads full of potholes and bumps as in Michigan? What shock protection/absorption should be used (if any) in RVs?
These seems to use the Jiabaida ( JBD or Xiaoxian) BMS which I agree with you are excellent BMS. These screens are very common with these. I have the same LCD on my BMS The JBD can have BOTH RS485 and UART so the LCD can be UART and the Bluetooth interface connected to the UART so you can use both the app and the RS485
Why doesnt Vatrer ship these batteries out with the carry handles extended ... locked in padded foam ( instead of folded down ) to prevent shipping damage ?
"Fah rah rah rah rah, rah rah rah rahhhh!"
A lot of thanks from Pakistan.
On weird Chinese names. Amazon required companies to have official trademarks as a means to stop spamming and constant name changing. So, they went and got them, and basically found having weird names that are barely English works really well because they won't be confused for anything else and get approved by the trademark office quickly.
Didn't see any barcodes on the cells. Are they under the connectors or brackets?
after testing you can dispose of these by sending them to my house please. i think you have an illegal amount of solar equiptment so send it to me to keep from breaking the law. i am pretty sure by sending me the extra solar equiptment you have may increase your lifespan by several years and mostly be even more cool !!!
🤣🤣 all batteries are actually donated to forum members! Just donated most of my packs last week
at this rate, this means that server rack industry needs innovation. for example, server rack batteries are heavy and not easily repairable upgradeable. Why not make the electronics/electrical separate from the batteries where a user connects the batteries to panel and wires. The product will have be user or DIY friendly like reverse polarity over current protection, automatic voltage level, etc....
Do you worry at all about a company like this still existing if you end up needing to use the warranty?
hanks Will.
Can you do a video on the latest DIY off grid solar battery? Perhaps comparison with raw cells and a kit.
Does this BMS not have any communication connections on the board or if it does, are the ports for it just missing from the case?
Any benefits or downsides of having or not having comunication?
Short answer: having communication would be more efficient, while not having it would make for a slightly simpler system to set up and maintain. I have BattleBorn batteries in my 48V offgrid home system, with no communication, and they have been working fine for a tad over two years now. Perhaps someone can give you more details on each choice than I can.
This server rack battery fits my needs, and this one doesn't. Diabeetus.
If you know, you know. 😅
What’s on nose piece on safety glasses? Left eye.
Yeah it gets stuck in that spot. Super annoying and I can never tell until I'm done filming
Will, have you ever tested batteries seeking how many watt hours it takes to charge to 100% and get 5120Wh output. As a rough estimate, I must charge 10% more in to get 100%. Somewhere I read up to 125% in to reap 100%.
I still recommend you buy 16 MB31 314Ah batteries of your choice and your choice of battery box for around $1.8K including shipping from China for 48VDC @ 16KWh capacity. Try to find a battery box with JK-BMS with 2 Amp balancer and 200 AMP charge and discharge rates.
I have one.. gonna buy a next 1 soon.
Great review as always, but was wondering if you have a review up coming for the TechCella 12.8V 320Ah LiFePO4 Lithium Battery? This battery is unusually small for a 320ah rating.
Why do they make 48v and 51.2v server rack batteries...?
They don't make 48 volts anymore
@@EatingWild There are plenty up for sale...
Can a server rack battery take storage temperatures in an RV in Arizona?
Thanks, Will. Any chance these will be "listed" soon. Some Chinese items are "listed" on international (non UL) standards. I plan on adding a rooftop solar array (16 panels x 545 watt/P = 8,720 watt) over my deck roof, which is relatively flat. I'm thinking 25 kwh of batteries to charge my new Cybertruck and as backup power for essential electrical items (fridge, freezer, heat pump) in case my 200 Amp grid power goes out. The 123 kwh battery in the CT can also be used as a backup power supply when it is at home. Does Vatrer make a power station/inverter system that these batteries can be added to? I don't plan on tying this array, or my CT into the grid, but my electrical inspector seems to think he has a right to redflag anything not "listed", even if it is not power-shared into the grid. I've already passed my final electrical inspection on my new house here in Colorado. My county (Montrose) has no regs or inspections regarding solar arrays. I'm not sure if Colorado requires electrical permits for off grid solar systems.
Another great video. Are you going to do a review on the new Epoch 12v 460Ah V2 Elite Series. Thanks
Another case of don't judge the battery by its cover.
Reviewing their wall mounted battery at all?
I have a better name: UFO battery, owned by Gospower China 🇨🇳 they are 200amp server racks. I have 6 so 60kW rack. No problems and on the Deye/Sunsynk approved battery list. You should test'em.
Good to know.
It's not just good but it's Vaterer(better-er).
It's better than better.
Why the height difference, are the EVE 105A ?
What do you think is going to happen with the tariffs
I had Vatrer golf cart batteries for 3 years without problem. After I watched this video, I should build my energy system with Vatrer. Will, plese donate it to me .
Seems like EG4 might need to lower their battery price in order to stay competitive.