Your 12V lifepo4 battery needs to be rated for series connection to 48V. Only a few batteries on the market are not able to do this, such as the renogy "smart" 12V battery. Every battery review video I have, we cover this or I take the BMS apart and check the voltage rating of the FETs. If a batteries manual and advertising literature do not say you can, don't do it. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Does off-grid solar confuse you? Check out my DIY friendly website for solar system blueprints and packages, and much more! www.mobile-solarpower.com/ Join my 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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ My solar equipment recommendations (Constantly updated! Check here first): 12V Lithium Batteries: www.mobile-solarpower.com/lithium-batteries.html Server Rack LiFePO4 deals: www.mobile-solarpower.com/server-rack-lifepo4.html DIY LiFePO4 Batteries: www.mobile-solarpower.com/design-your-own-12v-lifepo4-system.html 50-250W Solar Panels: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solar-panels.html 300W+ Solar Panels: www.mobile-solarpower.com/300w-solar-panels.html 12/24/48V All-in-one Solar Systems: www.mobile-solarpower.com/all-in-one-122448v-packages.html Plug-N-Play Systems: www.mobile-solarpower.com/full-size-systems.html LiFePO4 Battery Cell Deals: www.mobile-solarpower.com/raw-lifepo4-deals-page.html DIY LiFePO4 BMS: www.mobile-solarpower.com/raw-lifepo4-deals-page-676969.html 12V/24V Inverters: www.mobile-solarpower.com/inverters.html LiFePO4 Battery Chargers: www.mobile-solarpower.com/battery-chargers.html Solar Charge Controllers: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solar-charge-controllers.html Solar Panel Mounting Guide: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solar-panel-mounts.html Fuses: www.mobile-solarpower.com/fuses.html Battery Monitors: www.mobile-solarpower.com/battery-monitors.html Favorite Tools: www.mobile-solarpower.com/tools.html 12V fridges: www.mobile-solarpower.com/12v-fridges.html DIY Friendly Air Conditioner/ Heat Pumps: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solar-friendly-air-conditioners.html ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 signaturesolar.com/?ref=cPwLcVc0SW-BjN -Ampere Time battery: Cheapest 12V batteries around! amperetime.com/?ref=h-cvbzfahsek -Rich Solar: Huge selection and cheaper prices than Renogy! Check them out: richsolar.com/?ref=h-cvbzfahsek -Renogy Solar Mega Store! Well known name brand and they have everything: renogy.sjv.io/n1VjXx Renogy 10% off Coupon Code: willprowse -Batteryhookup.com: Cheap cell deals bit.ly/2mIxSqt 5% off coupon 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! No exceptions! All emails asking me to design or help with building your system will be deleted. If you are a business or youtuber and 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 Affiliate information and disclaimers: Every video includes some form of paid promotion or sponsorship. Links in description are affiliate links. 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 FTC Disclosure Statement: 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.
It's not just the voltage rating of the FETs. The BMS in the 100AH 12V LFP batteries I have here (wonderfully made inside, laser welded cells, proper balancing wire plastic guide, really good stuff and all for an economic price) some part of the circuitry would have blown the BMS controller if the charger would have a failure and produce an over-voltage situation and one of the series batteries BMS would shut off to protect itself (the others would have not survived). It's not just the FETs that need to be rated for this, there is more to it.
I think I just realized the reason Will’s videos are so great has to do with the editing that strings together coherent thoughts back to back without any junk or confusing filler talk. Well done sir. This level of editing has *got* to be super time consuming.
Somehow your explanations are always much more clear than mine lol. I still think there is value to putting them in parallel with the charger on for a day or two before connecting in series. I don't trust that the cells inside each battery are completely balanced from the factory, especially on the cheap batteries. Also, I love those AIMS chargers! It's become one of my favorite piece of equipment.
I'm glad you think my videos are coherent! I had to stitch together so many clips and refilmed three different times haha! I am so bad on camera but I just keep trying over and over. Yes the aims charger is fantastic! I really wish they had a 48 volt model with the same features
@@WillProwse i've learned so much from your videos. I'm waiting on a video on where to put fuses in that configuration, bus bars, etc. Also, how to size the fuses. Once you do a video like that, i'll be able to finally connect my system.
I'm liking seeing some new 'beginner' level bids mixed in with the 'advanced' ones. All your stuff is good, but your newer vids are more polished reflecting your gained experience making them. I may never have a decent solar system with my tiny income, but I follow the 'state of the art' on this channel and never cease to learn something on each vid. This channel rocks!
This kind of basic solar video reminds me of the days when Will was poor living in his Rv and I was thinking I could do the same, and I did, don't think I will be making the same leap to a huge house and a Tesla but thats fine, Im very comfortable and independent which is partly due to what I learnt from this channel :)
Remember , everyday NEW people are entering the market… all they know is what you say today… what was said 3 years ago , while valid , is not as relevant as newer info on newer equipment…. Plus , your better at the teaching thing than when you lived in that van and didn’t have the resources you do now… great job young man… in a world of so many slacker kids, you are to be commended …….👍
Honestly....I have no clue about this topic, but you make things so understandable. I would honestly pay for a full course from absolutely beginner for someone who has no knowledge but wants to learn. Like this is a battery and this is an inverter, and go through how to set up an system from start to finish with a materials list etc. You are so clear and concise with how you deliver your knowledge! Thank you!!!
Another great video Will!!. Folks: Not all batteries are rated for putting 4 in series. Be sure to check how many in series your particular brand & model can support.
That's actually a very nice charger with PFC (power factor correction). PFC means it is more energy efficient. It also means it works well with a true sign wave generator, don't use it with a modified sine wave cheap generator. Good video that covers the important parts for entry level series batteries.
I'm glad you brought that up. I recently bought that charger and was going to ask that very question on the forums. Are you speaking of the inverter or an actual generator? I have a Giandel 4k 24-volt pure sine wave inverter but have a regular gasoline/propane 4kw generator in my RV.
@@CajunWolffe A regular non inverter generator will work fine. There may be some modified sine wave generators out there and those would not be a good match for pfc switch mode power supplies that the charger essentially is
@@CajunWolffe Most modified sine wave (anything, generator or inverter) are a poor source for a PFC power supply or charger. I haven't tried this charger on one, but they will work, but at substantially reduced efficiency. Frequently if used long enough, the PFC charger or power supply will eventually die, they just really aren't designed for use with a square wave or even "modified sine wave" source. A good quality PFC will work without damaging itself, but I wouldn't recommend it.
@@williamvaughan1218 That's what I'm thinking as my generator is just that, a generator, gasoline, or propane-powered engine turning an alternator producing 120/240 Vac depending on which way I throw the switch. It does a near-perfect 60htz at 60% load running my 15k BTU A/C and anything else. The electrical contractor who parks his work trucks a few slots down from where my RV is parked showed me how bad the utility power outlets were in comparison, dang!
This might be the first time I slightly differ with you Will, mainly from my own experience with connecting 12v batteries to make 48v battery. I have found it very essential to use a 48v battery balancer because the battery on the negative side always seems to charge/discharge quicker than the rest of the batteries. A $50 48v balancer from amazon is very worth it.
I've got four Chins 12v300a connected in 2 series 2 paralell. I did this with constant communication with Chins customer service which is amazing and quick to respond. They even toll me my max continous watt inverter I can connect, 5000w, so I'm very safely using a 24v3000w(6000w surge) inverter. Charged them individually to 100% them 2S2P connected them. Life's not just good but great with 15kW battery backup energy for overnight. Now if I can only get enough solar panels to charge to 100% from a nightly, and continuous 5000ish watt draw down. Exactly angled 1600w panels are providing more than I expected. I'm thinking another 400w panels will get me there. At least I hope because that's all the patio roof space I have left. I might need to do some ground mounts 😎
Once again coming in clutch Will 👏👏. Today I attempted to explain this.. now I can just share your link and your explanations are much easier and right to the point compared to my jibber ish 🤣
I bought an HQST 100A 12V LiFEPo4 battery without reading the fine print. Unlike the Renogy version (same company) these can only be connected in parallel, presumably because the BMS is not as capable. While the price was great ($364), building a system around this 12 volts means I must use heavier cables, among other drawbacks. So the lesson is to read all the specs before making a purchase.
The bms will allow discharge in series but alot of batteries has a discharge output and separate input for charging. If you connect output in series then connect the inputs in parallel, they will work without having to charge separately
I would like to see a video on how to change a 12v system to 24 or 48. What needs to go and if any, components that stay. And a detailed explanation on why it is a good idea to change. Are there any other reasons to go Series or Parallel.
Arg, I made sure all my 12v LIFEPO4 voltages were the same before putting them in series. Whoops. Gotta take them apart and get that last bit of capacity with the charger. Thanks for the video, Will, you da man.
@@EasyyokeFilms hey! After 2 years the four 200 amp hours batteries are going strong. Something to note is I had to reset the max capacity on my 3rd-party battery monitor twice because the I noticed it wasn’t displaying 100% charge after charging stopped. This might just be to lost capacity each year from use.
@@keezer4346 Thanks man. Three questions just to be sure. 1. So you have been using them in series for two years without any issues? Is that correct? 2. Do each battery have their own internal BMS or they dont individually have a battery BMS 3. Do you actually individually charge them each time you need to charge them as 12v batteries or you charge them together in series as 48V battery each time you need to charge. Thanks for taking your time to respond
@@EasyyokeFilms 1. Yes. No issues. 2. Yes, each of the four batteries has an internal BMS. 3. I charge them at 24v each day using my 24v Growatt (all in one system). First, I series connected two 12v batteries, then separately series connected another two 12v batteries. After, I paralleled the two series to achieve 24v 400ah. They are Lossigy batteries from Amazon. Also, I purchased two at first. Six months later I purchased another two when they went on sale. Usually, you want to buy them all at once, so they chemistry and internals are the same, but I didn’t and it worked out fine luckily.
@@keezer4346 Thanks so much for your response. There are many blogs that discourage series connecting batteries that have individual internal BMS like the batteries will go out of balance and not last. I guess I will just have to properly charge them. Thank you
I have just found that there are equalizers available that can balance 12 volt batteries in series. I got one from PowMr HA02 that cost me $65.55 in Australia. It appears to do a good job on balancing cheap 12 volt LIFEPO4 batteries. I have only had it a day and a half so how well it lasts I can not say. I am using it for 48volt.
Hey guys, whatever you do - don't parallel connect your brand matched batteries to equalize SOC (state of charge) before you put them back in series - you need to buy a charger and charge them one-by-one. Will was happy to explain this to me in another post I made on this video.
With lithium with separate input and output you can connect output in series and input in parallel so no need to connect and disconnect them. That's why china does this
Once I charged my batteries one at a time and then immediately put in series. Charger tried to bring up to bulk voltage for a few minutes. The one fresh off the charger started to go over voltage even with the correct settings. From then on I always top balance them together in parallel first instead of one at a time.
Will, thanks for sharing this video… it was great for us beginners. 😊 My only question is if I have a SOK battery that will allow a charge of up to 50 A what type of fuse do I put on the positive. Would it be a 50 amp fuse? also does one go on the negative end?
The fuse is more related to how much power you are going to draw from the battery, ie inverter size. Depending on your power needs you then need to calculate the wire size based on that amperage and the length of the wire. The fuse is usually about 1.25 times the amperage draw. The charger will have it's own limitations and fused accordingly. The positive side is the only one you need to fuse, as close to the battery as possible.
I found the video useful I appreciate you taking the time to make it. I also like very detailed videos which this was even though it was short if the video is really detailed and was an hour-long I would watch it
Rather than spend the extra money on a charger, can you use a solar charger to charge each battery to 100% SOC? Obviously, not connected to load while charging.
I'd been wondering if I set up my 24v pack for my portable solar rig right after seeing some other claims as to the proper technique, but I am relieved that I actually did what you recommend: charged my (20Ah Eco-Worthy) LFP batteries to full individually with a ToolkitRC charger's LFP profile, let them rest a bit then put them in series... though I admit, I haven't done a full capacity test because with my wee digital load battery tester, 512WHr is actually a lot to get through and I did capacity test the individual batteries when I got them. Thanks for setting my mind at ease!
After each battery is charged individually, I was told to then put them in parallel with each other so they would "balance" over a 24-hour period prior to series connection. Is that true for LFP or is that true only for FLA or is it just not true? Please explain. Thank you.
I would still use a 48 volt battery balancer hooked up to each battery cell. One 48v battery balancer has 8 leads, 4 positive and 4 negative one pair for each 12volt battery.
Will, I like your RV-specific videos. They can't be beaten. I would like to know more about hooking two Battle Born's in parallel and wiring and lengths of wire and gauge of wire. Most of us RV people who like your videos are not running an inverter all the time; so 24 or 48 volts is something that does not teach us much. I understand if you have a big RV that you would do this. I have a 20' trailer but do want the power reserve of two Battle Borns in parallel. I have a Victron lithium charger. Do I charge the parallel setup or do I have to charge them separately? I initially did charge each battery to full and then I ran them in parallel.
You can charge the parallel set up. I hope you are connected to the positive side of one of the batteries and the negative side of the other battery in your parallel set up. It's basically one big battery that way.
Which video would be the best one to watch for your house installation? I see you have a big list but would be hard to find what i am looking for. Thanks for the help!
Another straight to the point video that I really appreciate thanks. I have been using flooded batteries for the last 18 years on my home and now trying to wrap my head around changing to lithium with my first 2V cell of my 24V system playing up. I keep reading that a series connection with lithium is advised against due to the imbalance between cells over time. Is this really a concern or can it be easily dealt with. Cheers
If I wanted to build a 48v battery from cells would it be better to make 4 - 12v batteries with bms's etc and then hook those up in series, or just hook all 16 cells in series with a 16 cell BMS?
Okay, so I understand individually charging each 12v battery to get them all up to 100%, and then wiring in series. However, once you've done this, NOW can you charge it like a 48v pack, such as via an all-in-one inverter? I just bought 4 of the 12v batteries and assumed I could, but now I'm not positive if thats the case.
Great vid! Easy to understand. Q… Can I connect 2 12v 50Ah Li-ion batts in Series/Parallel (24v 100Ah total) or is there a min # of batts (ex. 4 or more)? Pros and Cons please 😁
I’ve purchased 4 x 12V 100AH lithium batteries for my 48V golf cart. I’ve also purchased a 48V lithium charger. When all 4 batteries are connected in series, how do I charge all 4 at once? Do I connect the positive to the first battery and negative to the last battery? Any and all help would be appreciated. Thank you!
So does configuring parallel or series depend on how much space you have to work with and thank you for helping me to understand what a 48 volt series is 👍
What's the difference between these batteries and the ones used by solar generator manufacturers in their portable power stations? For the cost of one of these batteries you could by a nice solar portable power station that has 2500 cycle life span and less weight.
Can I charge each 12v battery one at a time without having to disconnect each one from the next in the series? In other words, four separate charges for each of the batterie but while leaving them in the 24v or 48v series? Is it safe?
Good video, thinking you could blow MOSFETs if you had a series voltage greater than 48V and all but one batteries is fully charged. Guessing that’s one reason you don’t see the navy switching over to lithium iron phosphate(350vdc) batteries.
I went to 48v in my RV, but I sure get a lot of flak from the 12v crowd. I like the smaller wire, and no overheating of any component when running high--draw stuff, especially air con. I don't know, it just seems kinda nuts to be drawing hundreds of amps at 12v instead of 1/4 of that at a higher voltage. I have a 48v steel-case battery pack at 100ah. I was sternly admonished about what happens if the 48-12 converter fails out in the boonies. Well, I carry a spare 12v battery. Doesn't everyone?
Will, my battery will allow a maximum of 50 A to charge. Is it safe to charge at 45 A or do you recommend it being lower? Will the higher amps damage the battery overtime because it charges so fast or is lower amps safer?
Watched immediately,hahaha , very educational video exactly for me, it's gonna be bomb 4 zooms and growatt 5000 12 panels,pure beauty.Go solar , keep up with the video's
Your explanation is very clear but my question is, if I have 16 solar panels, 8 batteries and 24v inverter how can I connect it or which material am I going to use
Your videos are the bomb. Thank you! We are building our boat's diesel replacement with two sets of 4 battleborn in this exact configuration with an oceanvolt 5. something kw motor. If the range requires and additional set of 4 we will invest. We were considering the additional 4 in series to use as primary house with the option of backup propulsion if required. If our initial set of four have been used for, let's say, a year before adding the additional series of four (battleborns) will there be issues we should consider?
How long do all 4 batteries stay balanced? Do one on one end or the middle lose more charge then the others and get out of balance? What were you using to check capacity? How low do you take them?
If you cycle them to 100%, the top balancing circuit will be activated, and all cells will reach the same voltage by bleeding current from highest voltage cell. No, it's a series string, so very different than current sharing dynamics of parallel connection. Only one amount of current goes through the whole string. Just a typical system shunt. Most people add a shunt, so you can use that. I take them as low as possible. Whatever the battery manufacturer recommends. I will set the inverter LVD slightly higher than BMS LVD, to avoid stress to BMS fets.
Hello Will, greetings from the Uk ,i have 4 batteries like these that i plan to put into series connecting to a 3000w inverter, what suze fuse would i need to use for this system? Many thanks for sharing your extensive knowledge. Stephen
Enjoy your informative videos. I currently have 8 Roll’s S-550 (6V, 438 ah) lead acid batteries for our cottage off grid solar system. What would you recommend for a comparable replacement lithium batteries set up? Cheers
Thanks for this video. Question regarding setting voltage on my battery charger. I have a Beleeb BLC 20 and I’d like to charge 4 12V LifePO batteries connected in series. Should the charger be set to 48V or 12V?
He is like the Bob Ross of solar. After I watch his videos I am like "Yeah I can do that!" Then I start looking up parts...... Maybe I should watch more of his videos instead 🤣
Shane, my brother, this is no bullshit. I have been binging on Will and was like a purple belt in karate. I knew it all, and went to the purchase process all Jackie Chan like. I got to buy the components, realized I knew diddly squat, and went back to the videos…
On youtube channel project in paradise 808 I seen the over voltage fail on a battle born battery and it started a fire and someone told him to take the video down and he did if battle born did that then that isn't right at all go check out his latest video
Thank you for these videos. When you have these 12.8v life4po batteries with a built in BMS connected in a series or parallel, do you need to add an external BMS?
Will, in a series string like this, is the available current dictated by the max discharge current of a single battery? If the batteries were in parallel would the current be the combined Max current of the batteries? And since I'm askin', would a series string using, different batteries, have the current limited by the battery with the BMS that supported the lowest Max current. I think the answers to all three questions will be yes, but I'd feel better hearing it from you, buddy.
Question: What happens if you were to arrange 3 batteries like you have here in line HOWEVER, u flip the 2nd battery around so that the sequence goes: (+ -) (- +) (+ -) Negative to negative, positive to positive but in a straight line, Would it work... would it be taxing on one battery more so? and what would the output be, would it be 300AH at 12v? Cheers for all the informative vids, keep up the awesome work!
Will, I am enjoying all of your videos regarding LiFePO4 batteries. Keep the videos coming!!I purchased 4 Chins 12V 100ah batteries to connect in series and for some reason when they are fully charged using a 48v HTRC charger, the BMS shuts down the charger (shows Full) at 53ah. I also charged each individual battery with a 12v HTRC charger and each battery showed 14.4v when fully charged, but I didn't have a way to check total ahs for each battery. I reconnected in series again and still only get 54ah at full charge and shut off of charger. Any thoughts or suggestions to get more ahs Tim
@2.02 answer a question I had about diy cells to create a 12v battery. If you top balance each cell the natural voltage drop would mean the first to be top balanced would be at a different voltage to the last one top balanced but it seems to not matter?
One connected in series, what’s the best way to charge them? A 48V charger across all 4, or disconnect and charge each individually with a 12V charger?
Your 12V lifepo4 battery needs to be rated for series connection to 48V. Only a few batteries on the market are not able to do this, such as the renogy "smart" 12V battery.
Every battery review video I have, we cover this or I take the BMS apart and check the voltage rating of the FETs. If a batteries manual and advertising literature do not say you can, don't do it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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Contact Information:
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Join the forum at diysolarforum.com/ if you wish to hang out with myself and others and talk about solar
Affiliate information and disclaimers:
Every video includes some form of paid promotion or sponsorship. Links in description are affiliate links. 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 :)
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It's not just the voltage rating of the FETs. The BMS in the 100AH 12V LFP batteries I have here (wonderfully made inside, laser welded cells, proper balancing wire plastic guide, really good stuff and all for an economic price) some part of the circuitry would have blown the BMS controller if the charger would have a failure and produce an over-voltage situation and one of the series batteries BMS would shut off to protect itself (the others would have not survived).
It's not just the FETs that need to be rated for this, there is more to it.
do you know of any that are rated for series connection to 72v?
I think I just realized the reason Will’s videos are so great has to do with the editing that strings together coherent thoughts back to back without any junk or confusing filler talk. Well done sir. This level of editing has *got* to be super time consuming.
Very time consuming. And that's exactly what I'm going for! Glad you appreciate it 😁👍🏻
Agree. This vid did a great job explaining at an elementary level so was easy to follow the concepts and understand. 👍
@@WillProwsecan I series 5 pcs 12v lifepo4 to have 60v battery pack? tnx
Yes@@BASTA_DDS_ABNORMAL_YAN
Somehow your explanations are always much more clear than mine lol. I still think there is value to putting them in parallel with the charger on for a day or two before connecting in series. I don't trust that the cells inside each battery are completely balanced from the factory, especially on the cheap batteries. Also, I love those AIMS chargers! It's become one of my favorite piece of equipment.
Ha! I feel the same way about you too!!
I'm glad you think my videos are coherent! I had to stitch together so many clips and refilmed three different times haha! I am so bad on camera but I just keep trying over and over.
Yes the aims charger is fantastic! I really wish they had a 48 volt model with the same features
@@WillProwse they do, it is a 36/48v outputs 25a @36v and I think 18.75a @48v
@@WillProwse i've learned so much from your videos. I'm waiting on a video on where to put fuses in that configuration, bus bars, etc. Also, how to size the fuses. Once you do a video like that, i'll be able to finally connect my system.
@@HighTechLab no way!!! That's amazing! I need one haha
I'm liking seeing some new 'beginner' level bids mixed in with the 'advanced' ones. All your stuff is good, but your newer vids are more polished reflecting your gained experience making them. I may never have a decent solar system with my tiny income, but I follow the 'state of the art' on this channel and never cease to learn something on each vid. This channel rocks!
This kind of basic solar video reminds me of the days when Will was poor living in his Rv and I was thinking I could do the same, and I did, don't think I will be making the same leap to a huge house and a Tesla but thats fine, Im very comfortable and independent which is partly due to what I learnt from this channel :)
Remember , everyday NEW people are entering the market… all they know is what you say today… what was said 3 years ago , while valid , is not as relevant as newer info on newer equipment…. Plus , your better at the teaching thing than when you lived in that van and didn’t have the resources you do now… great job young man… in a world of so many slacker kids, you are to be commended …….👍
It's good that you're retouching on beginner stuff even though you've already have done it. I think this is a good route for future videos
Honestly....I have no clue about this topic, but you make things so understandable. I would honestly pay for a full course from absolutely beginner for someone who has no knowledge but wants to learn. Like this is a battery and this is an inverter, and go through how to set up an system from start to finish with a materials list etc. You are so clear and concise with how you deliver your knowledge! Thank you!!!
Great post Will. You are a natural teacher/ instructor. You are clear and concise.
Another great video Will!!.
Folks: Not all batteries are rated for putting 4 in series. Be sure to check how many in series your particular brand & model can support.
Some, including Renogy 100ah, are for parallel only connection.
Chins says can go 4 in series for 48v and 4 in parallel making it 4s4p aka 16 batteries. Up to 800ah Total.
This kid is incredible. He knows more about the systems than the manufacturers or their engineers.😍😍😍😍😍🇺🇸
Thanks for thinking of those of us who are solar challenged. ☀️
That's actually a very nice charger with PFC (power factor correction). PFC means it is more energy efficient. It also means it works well with a true sign wave generator, don't use it with a modified sine wave cheap generator. Good video that covers the important parts for entry level series batteries.
I'm glad you brought that up. I recently bought that charger and was going to ask that very question on the forums. Are you speaking of the inverter or an actual generator? I have a Giandel 4k 24-volt pure sine wave inverter but have a regular gasoline/propane 4kw generator in my RV.
@@CajunWolffe A regular non inverter generator will work fine. There may be some modified sine wave generators out there and those would not be a good match for pfc switch mode power supplies that the charger essentially is
@@CajunWolffe Most modified sine wave (anything, generator or inverter) are a poor source for a PFC power supply or charger. I haven't tried this charger on one, but they will work, but at substantially reduced efficiency. Frequently if used long enough, the PFC charger or power supply will eventually die, they just really aren't designed for use with a square wave or even "modified sine wave" source. A good quality PFC will work without damaging itself, but I wouldn't recommend it.
@@williamvaughan1218 That's what I'm thinking as my generator is just that, a generator, gasoline, or propane-powered engine turning an alternator producing 120/240 Vac depending on which way I throw the switch. It does a near-perfect 60htz at 60% load running my 15k BTU A/C and anything else. The electrical contractor who parks his work trucks a few slots down from where my RV is parked showed me how bad the utility power outlets were in comparison, dang!
@@john_in_phoenix I agree, but as mentioned, I have a standard generator; it's not a PSW or MSW type.
Well done, once again Will.
Very clear and detailed for your viewers!
That comment on state of charge vs voltage is a good point brother.
Always love hearing battery talk! Even if I know it , there is some new piece of info I learn or re-remember. Thx !
Thank you for another excellent video. Voltage and state of charge are not intuitive concepts. You did a nice job explaining them. Thanks again
Like this beginner stuff on batteries, solar, charges and all the beginner stuff. Starting to understand👍
Do more like this, please. We appreciate you expertise, Will.
always love the way you explain all the basics again, especially to new comers..
I've learned a lot from you young man, thanks for sharing your knowledge and making it understandable.
Watching for a year and just what I wanted clarified today. Thanks!
This might be the first time I slightly differ with you Will, mainly from my own experience with connecting 12v batteries to make 48v battery. I have found it very essential to use a 48v battery balancer because the battery on the negative side always seems to charge/discharge quicker than the rest of the batteries.
A $50 48v balancer from amazon is very worth it.
Came here looking for this. It seems like they would quickly get out of balance.
Simple, straight forward just like i like it....pls do more of this!
Great video!! I’m so glad to see beginner videos. I’m an electrician so I understand a lot of your videos but still learn even from these type videos.
I've got four Chins 12v300a connected in 2 series 2 paralell. I did this with constant communication with Chins customer service which is amazing and quick to respond. They even toll me my max continous watt inverter I can connect, 5000w, so I'm very safely using a 24v3000w(6000w surge) inverter. Charged them individually to 100% them 2S2P connected them. Life's not just good but great with 15kW battery backup energy for overnight. Now if I can only get enough solar panels to charge to 100% from a nightly, and continuous 5000ish watt draw down. Exactly angled 1600w panels are providing more than I expected. I'm thinking another 400w panels will get me there. At least I hope because that's all the patio roof space I have left. I might need to do some ground mounts 😎
LOL, 7 years of doing this, but when I see "beginner friendly", it make me more likely to watch.
Once again coming in clutch Will 👏👏. Today I attempted to explain this.. now I can just share your link and your explanations are much easier and right to the point compared to my jibber ish 🤣
😂😂
Another good video, Will....
I bought an HQST 100A 12V LiFEPo4 battery without reading the fine print. Unlike the Renogy version (same company) these can only be connected in parallel, presumably because the BMS is not as capable. While the price was great ($364), building a system around this 12 volts means I must use heavier cables, among other drawbacks. So the lesson is to read all the specs before making a purchase.
The bms will allow discharge in series but alot of batteries has a discharge output and separate input for charging. If you connect output in series then connect the inputs in parallel, they will work without having to charge separately
One of my favorite things about watching your videos is you don’t push the most expensive equipment on people.
I think serial is pretty easy. I'd love to see a parallel tutorial!
I would like to see a video on how to change a 12v system to 24 or 48. What needs to go and if any, components that stay. And a detailed explanation on why it is a good idea to change. Are there any other reasons to go Series or Parallel.
Arg, I made sure all my 12v LIFEPO4 voltages were the same before putting them in series. Whoops. Gotta take them apart and get that last bit of capacity with the charger. Thanks for the video, Will, you da man.
How did this work out for you… There are reports of the batteries going out of balance and killing one or more of the batteries
@@EasyyokeFilms hey! After 2 years the four 200 amp hours batteries are going strong. Something to note is I had to reset the max capacity on my 3rd-party battery monitor twice because the I noticed it wasn’t displaying 100% charge after charging stopped. This might just be to lost capacity each year from use.
@@keezer4346 Thanks man. Three questions just to be sure. 1. So you have been using them in series for two years without any issues? Is that correct? 2. Do each battery have their own internal BMS or they dont individually have a battery BMS 3. Do you actually individually charge them each time you need to charge them as 12v batteries or you charge them together in series as 48V battery each time you need to charge. Thanks for taking your time to respond
@@EasyyokeFilms 1. Yes. No issues. 2. Yes, each of the four batteries has an internal BMS. 3. I charge them at 24v each day using my 24v Growatt (all in one system). First, I series connected two 12v batteries, then separately series connected another two 12v batteries. After, I paralleled the two series to achieve 24v 400ah. They are Lossigy batteries from Amazon. Also, I purchased two at first. Six months later I purchased another two when they went on sale. Usually, you want to buy them all at once, so they chemistry and internals are the same, but I didn’t and it worked out fine luckily.
@@keezer4346 Thanks so much for your response. There are many blogs that discourage series connecting batteries that have individual internal BMS like the batteries will go out of balance and not last. I guess I will just have to properly charge them. Thank you
Thanks Will. I like the beginner stuff!
I have a question, when you wire up 2 12v lifpo4 batteries in a series to make 24v, does the bms in wash battery keep them both balanced???
I have just found that there are equalizers available that can balance 12 volt batteries in series. I got one from PowMr HA02 that cost me $65.55 in Australia. It appears to do a good job on balancing cheap 12 volt LIFEPO4 batteries. I have only had it a day and a half so how well it lasts I can not say. I am using it for 48volt.
Another good video, Will; I just bought that charger a month ago.
Can you use the same 12V charger to charge them in series after you put them in the same SOC?
Keep those 101 coming please
You're a candle in the darkness.
Hey guys, whatever you do - don't parallel connect your brand matched batteries to equalize SOC (state of charge) before you put them back in series - you need to buy a charger and charge them one-by-one. Will was happy to explain this to me in another post I made on this video.
With lithium with separate input and output you can connect output in series and input in parallel so no need to connect and disconnect them. That's why china does this
Pretty nuts only ~3-4 years ago it was pushing $5000 for 5kWh at 48v and now you can get that in an EG4 for $1500 all ready to go.
Once I charged my batteries one at a time and then immediately put in series. Charger tried to bring up to bulk voltage for a few minutes. The one fresh off the charger started to go over voltage even with the correct settings. From then on I always top balance them together in parallel first instead of one at a time.
THANKS for the info Will. Can you tell me the Make of LiPo Charger you were showing in this video. TKS
AIMS Power CON120AC1224DC AC Converter & Battery 12V or 24V Smart Charger 75 amps Listed to UL 458 & CSA
Will, thanks for sharing this video… it was great for us beginners. 😊
My only question is if I have a SOK battery that will allow a charge of up to 50 A what type of fuse do I put on the positive. Would it be a 50 amp fuse? also does one go on the negative end?
The fuse is more related to how much power you are going to draw from the battery, ie inverter size. Depending on your power needs you then need to calculate the wire size based on that amperage and the length of the wire. The fuse is usually about 1.25 times the amperage draw. The charger will have it's own limitations and fused accordingly. The positive side is the only one you need to fuse, as close to the battery as possible.
I found the video useful I appreciate you taking the time to make it. I also like very detailed videos which this was even though it was short if the video is really detailed and was an hour-long I would watch it
Rather than spend the extra money on a charger, can you use a solar charger to charge each battery to 100% SOC? Obviously, not connected to load while charging.
I'd been wondering if I set up my 24v pack for my portable solar rig right after seeing some other claims as to the proper technique, but I am relieved that I actually did what you recommend: charged my (20Ah Eco-Worthy) LFP batteries to full individually with a ToolkitRC charger's LFP profile, let them rest a bit then put them in series... though I admit, I haven't done a full capacity test because with my wee digital load battery tester, 512WHr is actually a lot to get through and I did capacity test the individual batteries when I got them.
Thanks for setting my mind at ease!
After each battery is charged individually, I was told to then put them in parallel with each other so they would "balance" over a 24-hour period prior to series connection. Is that true for LFP or is that true only for FLA or is it just not true? Please explain. Thank you.
I would still use a 48 volt battery balancer hooked up to each battery cell. One 48v battery balancer has 8 leads, 4 positive and 4 negative one pair for each 12volt battery.
Will coming through with another banger 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽
Will, I like your RV-specific videos. They can't be beaten. I would like to know more about hooking two Battle Born's in parallel and wiring and lengths of wire and gauge of wire. Most of us RV people who like your videos are not running an inverter all the time; so 24 or 48 volts is something that does not teach us much. I understand if you have a big RV that you would do this. I have a 20' trailer but do want the power reserve of two Battle Borns in parallel. I have a Victron lithium charger. Do I charge the parallel setup or do I have to charge them separately?
I initially did charge each battery to full and then I ran them in parallel.
12v 400ah is the same capacity of 48v 100ah
You can charge the parallel set up. I hope you are connected to the positive side of one of the batteries and the negative side of the other battery in your parallel set up. It's basically one big battery that way.
I think much of what you want to know is in his earlier videos or his book.
Which video would be the best one to watch for your house installation? I see you have a big list but would be hard to find what i am looking for. Thanks for the help!
Another straight to the point video that I really appreciate thanks. I have been using flooded batteries for the last 18 years on my home and now trying to wrap my head around changing to lithium with my first 2V cell of my 24V system playing up. I keep reading that a series connection with lithium is advised against due to the imbalance between cells over time. Is this really a concern or can it be easily dealt with. Cheers
If I wanted to build a 48v battery from cells would it be better to make 4 - 12v batteries with bms's etc and then hook those up in series, or just hook all 16 cells in series with a 16 cell BMS?
Okay, so I understand individually charging each 12v battery to get them all up to 100%, and then wiring in series. However, once you've done this, NOW can you charge it like a 48v pack, such as via an all-in-one inverter? I just bought 4 of the 12v batteries and assumed I could, but now I'm not positive if thats the case.
You get younger 😁 , thank you for teach us
Great vid! Easy to understand. Q… Can I connect 2 12v 50Ah Li-ion batts in Series/Parallel (24v 100Ah total) or is there a min # of batts (ex. 4 or more)? Pros and Cons please 😁
I’ve purchased 4 x 12V 100AH lithium batteries for my 48V golf cart. I’ve also purchased a 48V lithium charger. When all 4 batteries are connected in series, how do I charge all 4 at once? Do I connect the positive to the first battery and negative to the last battery? Any and all help would be appreciated. Thank you!
U figure that one out? I’m curious too
So does configuring parallel or series depend on how much space you have to work with and thank you for helping me to understand what a 48 volt series is 👍
Great explanation!
What's the difference between these batteries and the ones used by solar generator manufacturers in their portable power stations?
For the cost of one of these batteries you could by a nice solar portable power station that has 2500 cycle life span and less weight.
For 4s 12V Lead-acid batteries you can buy a simple 4s 48V balancer. Is there a 4s 12V LiFePO4 balancer too ?
This is extremely helpful. Thank you!
Can I charge each 12v battery one at a time without having to disconnect each one from the next in the series? In other words, four separate charges for each of the batterie but while leaving them in the 24v or 48v series? Is it safe?
I am doing exactly that right now and it seems to be fine. RC lipo batteries with balance leads do the same thing when charging with a balance charger
Good video, thinking you could blow MOSFETs if you had a series voltage greater than 48V and all but one batteries is fully charged. Guessing that’s one reason you don’t see the navy switching over to lithium iron phosphate(350vdc) batteries.
You should do a video on your Frankenstein setup period different amp hour batteries working together
Informative as usual. 👍 But you seem a little down in this video. Hope all is going good enough.
I went to 48v in my RV, but I sure get a lot of flak from the 12v crowd. I like the smaller wire, and no overheating of any component when running high--draw stuff, especially air con. I don't know, it just seems kinda nuts to be drawing hundreds of amps at 12v instead of 1/4 of that at a higher voltage. I have a 48v steel-case battery pack at 100ah. I was sternly admonished about what happens if the 48-12 converter fails out in the boonies. Well, I carry a spare 12v battery. Doesn't everyone?
Will, my battery will allow a maximum of 50 A to charge. Is it safe to charge at 45 A or do you recommend it being lower? Will the higher amps damage the battery overtime because it charges so fast or is lower amps safer?
Watched immediately,hahaha , very educational video exactly for me, it's gonna be bomb 4 zooms and growatt 5000 12 panels,pure beauty.Go solar , keep up with the video's
Your explanation is very clear but my question is, if I have 16 solar panels, 8 batteries and 24v inverter how can I connect it or which material am I going to use
Your videos are the bomb. Thank you!
We are building our boat's diesel replacement with two sets of 4 battleborn in this exact configuration with an oceanvolt 5. something kw motor. If the range requires and additional set of 4 we will invest. We were considering the additional 4 in series to use as primary house with the option of backup propulsion if required. If our initial set of four have been used for, let's say, a year before adding the additional series of four (battleborns) will there be issues we should consider?
Nice video! haha, get 4 sok 100ah from Dexter and connect in with BB together...check working or not.
Excellent video great content very informative thank you for sharing this six stars
Great information. Thanks Don
Thanks for that information will very interesting. Have a good week. M
Thanks.. I appreciate your time and effort..
How long do all 4 batteries stay balanced? Do one on one end or the middle lose more charge then the others and get out of balance?
What were you using to check capacity? How low do you take them?
If you cycle them to 100%, the top balancing circuit will be activated, and all cells will reach the same voltage by bleeding current from highest voltage cell.
No, it's a series string, so very different than current sharing dynamics of parallel connection. Only one amount of current goes through the whole string.
Just a typical system shunt. Most people add a shunt, so you can use that.
I take them as low as possible. Whatever the battery manufacturer recommends. I will set the inverter LVD slightly higher than BMS LVD, to avoid stress to BMS fets.
@@WillProwse Thanx
Thank you for the video report .
Good job, makes sense.
Hi good video Will.
Hello Will, greetings from the Uk ,i have 4 batteries like these that i plan to put into series connecting to a 3000w inverter, what suze fuse would i need to use for this system?
Many thanks for sharing your extensive knowledge.
Stephen
Enjoy your informative videos.
I currently have 8 Roll’s S-550 (6V, 438 ah) lead acid batteries for our cottage off grid solar system.
What would you recommend for a comparable replacement lithium batteries set up?
Cheers
Thanks for this video. Question regarding setting voltage on my battery charger. I have a Beleeb BLC 20 and I’d like to charge 4 12V LifePO batteries connected in series. Should the charger be set to 48V or 12V?
He is like the Bob Ross of solar. After I watch his videos I am like "Yeah I can do that!" Then I start looking up parts...... Maybe I should watch more of his videos instead 🤣
Shane, my brother, this is no bullshit. I have been binging on Will and was like a purple belt in karate. I knew it all, and went to the purchase process all Jackie Chan like. I got to buy the components, realized I knew diddly squat, and went back to the videos…
On youtube channel project in paradise 808 I seen the over voltage fail on a battle born battery and it started a fire and someone told him to take the video down and he did if battle born did that then that isn't right at all go check out his latest video
Have you tried banana oil to open glued plastic cases? is amazing opening small glued plastic cases, may be useful to open bigger ones too
Thank you for these videos. When you have these 12.8v life4po batteries with a built in BMS connected in a series or parallel, do you need to add an external BMS?
Will, in a series string like this, is the available current dictated by the max discharge current of a single battery? If the batteries were in parallel would the current be the combined Max current of the batteries? And since I'm askin', would a series string using, different batteries, have the current limited by the battery with the BMS that supported the lowest Max current. I think the answers to all three questions will be yes, but I'd feel better hearing it from you, buddy.
Will do you have a similar video for a parallel connection?
Some good info for sure lots to know thank you
very useful, thank you
Question: What happens if you were to arrange 3 batteries like you have here in line HOWEVER, u flip the 2nd battery around so that the sequence goes:
(+ -) (- +) (+ -) Negative to negative, positive to positive but in a straight line, Would it work... would it be taxing on one battery more so? and what would the output be, would it be 300AH at 12v?
Cheers for all the informative vids, keep up the awesome work!
The short answer is "nothing good" that connection model makes no sense for the flow of electricity and it won't really work as a battery at all
Will, I am enjoying all of your videos regarding LiFePO4 batteries. Keep the videos coming!!I purchased 4 Chins 12V 100ah batteries to connect in series and for some reason when they are fully charged using a 48v HTRC charger, the BMS shuts down the charger (shows Full) at 53ah. I also charged each individual battery with a 12v HTRC charger and each battery showed 14.4v when fully charged, but I didn't have a way to check total ahs for each battery. I reconnected in series again and still only get 54ah at full charge and shut off of charger. Any thoughts or suggestions to get more ahs
Tim
What about later on balancing when the pack is in use? Is there an external balancer needed, like on AGM battery system’s for example?
@2.02 answer a question I had about diy cells to create a 12v battery. If you top balance each cell the natural voltage drop would mean the first to be top balanced would be at a different voltage to the last one top balanced but it seems to not matter?
One connected in series, what’s the best way to charge them? A 48V charger across all 4, or disconnect and charge each individually with a 12V charger?