I'm a complete beginner when it comes to electronics and haven't worked with them since high school, which was 25 years ago. I live in a remote area where power outages are common, especially during winter storms, and I'm going camping where there's no electricity. I'm looking for guidance on creating a larger battery bank that is safe and cost-effective, as I really don't want to spend a fortune on a commercial battery power station. I've read that I need a battery, a battery management system, and an inverter, but I'm unsure how to charge everything or connect the components properly. Can anyone help me figure this out?
2 Answers
It's tempting to think you can save money by building your own battery pack, but there are many factors to consider. You need to account for the costs of not just the batteries but also the necessary components like a solar converter, BMS, and an inverter. If you want a sizable battery bank, I'd recommend looking into stackable modules from home solar installations. They might be pricier upfront, but they're designed to be safe and effective for what you need.
Honestly, if you have zero experience with electronics, I wouldn’t recommend diving into this on your own. Battery power stations are more affordable now than before and can really simplify the process for you. Lithium batteries are cheaper, but not as cheap as you might hope for significant capacity. Start by figuring out what devices you're planning to power and for how long; it helps in determining your needs.
Good point! Knowing what you'll be using helps a lot, especially when sizing your battery system.