this post was submitted on 10 May 2025
27 points (100.0% liked)
Ask Electronics
3656 readers
1 users here now
For questions about component-level electronic circuits, tools and equipment.
Rules
1: Be nice.
2: Be on-topic (eg: Electronic, not electrical).
3: No commercial stuff, buying, selling or valuations.
4: Be safe.
founded 2 years ago
MODERATORS
you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
view the rest of the comments
I believe it is worth it, but you will have to invest some of your time in research. You need to understand how to properly size your system. For example the MPPT is sized, not only to the specs of the solar panel array (or single panel in your case), but also to the nominal voltage of the battery bank (12V vs 24V). Then, if you want to use that power, you will need an inverter. It is all doable but all-in-one power stations are becoming cheaper and cheaper. You could look at refurbished or wait for sales. It's not much more than a DIY setup. If you do opt for DIY, I would use lithium batteries. Initial cost seems higher but they are ultimately cheaper and safer over time. There are several low-cost brands today that sell lithium close to led-acid prices (li-time, watt-cycle).
I haven't really explored other chemistries because bulkier was a no-go for me. But you also may want to look at discharge profiles. Lithium (LifePO4) have a nice linear discharge rate, so you get nice constant power until the end (think power tools: they work, they work, they work, the battery is dead). Also, if considering other chemistries, you need to also know the charging profile and determine if the MPPT can produce that profile to charge your batteries.
Yeah, i would definitely look at LIFEPO4. People just have the name recognition of "lithium" so they don't really understand the differences between that and lithium ion, and so from what I saw last time I checked, the price was not really different, even though LIFEPO4 lasts longer and is safer.
What about sodium batteries? Aren't they a bit bulkier but cheaper and safer?
Finding a charge controller and inverter that's compatible with the voltage of sodium ion batteries will be difficult.
They sell them on AliExpress.
Are those already in mass production and available to random customers? All I can find are a lot of recent news articles, very few manufacturers and very pricey batteries.
I don't know the volumes but you can get them on aliexpress in lots of form factors, like 18650 or bigger blocks.
No idea how price competitive they are.
I would also add to make sure there's a good battery management system (BMS).
Apparently very easy to build your own lifepo4 battery bank using (prismatic) cells connected in series and extremely cheap to diy- huge power for much much cheaper than trying to afford a higher power battery. This is my next upgrade.
Works extremely well if using LEDs etc Victron energy has all the info. My project was to upgrade power on my old (fixer upper) boat so I only needed 12v info Delighted with result.
Plenty of info around once usecase gets more specific... I focused on sailing specific forums etc I mean... Envision LiFePO4 315Ah Prismatic Cell (Grade B) for less than £50
https://www.fogstar.co.uk/products/envision-lifepo4-315ah-prismatic-cell-grade-b?variant=53483558732153&country=GB¤cy=GBP&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17176519818