Hey everyone! I'm in a bit of a unique situation and would love your input. I've got 8 x 400w solar panels being installed, but unfortunately, I won't have a battery system set up alongside them. I'm off-grid, living without mains gas, and I'm preparing to sell my home soon, so I figured this setup could help add value. However, I really wanted a battery instead of solar panels because I want to take advantage of cheap overnight rates from Octopus Energy.
I'm considering a couple of DIY options. One idea is to create my own battery bank in my double garage, which is hardly used outside of the washing machine. Alternatively, I've heard that some folks use old EVs (like a cheap Prius) as a battery source. The car would just sit there unused, acting as a backup battery. Any thoughts on these options? I'm open to any advice on how to build a battery bank or use an old EV this way! Thanks!
2 Answers
It's a bit of a head-scratcher, isn’t it? Being off-grid and still having grid electricity is a tricky balance. If you’re looking into battery solutions, definitely explore Fogstar battery kits. They use LFP cells, which are much safer, and the Battery Management System (BMS) is compatible with multiple inverter brands. You could easily place a few of these in your shed, pair them with your solar setup, and also charge overnight with Octopus’s off-peak rates.
Your choice of battery options will largely depend on what kind of inverter you're getting installed. Some inverters support battery systems while others don’t. DIY battery setups could work, but it requires serious research to ensure safety and functionality. If you want something straightforward, check out 48v server rack batteries; they're pretty popular and easy to find, but again, it's best to correlate this with your inverter's capabilities.