Hey everyone, this is my first post here! I'm planning to set up a 48V solar system for my off-grid ranch, using 12V batteries connected in series. I'm diving deep into my options, especially the 12V 100Wh LiFePO4 batteries I see all over Amazon and eBay. I'm curious if these batteries are essentially the same products from a single manufacturer but just branded differently? Also, would I be better off investing in the 200Wh version instead of the 100Wh? Really appreciate any insights!
3 Answers
Great questions! You're right, a lot of those batteries out there might be similar internally, as many manufacturers source cells from the same places. There’s also many that just slap their brand on the same products. I'd recommend checking out Will Prowse’s YouTube channel—he often tears apart batteries to show what's really inside and how they compare. As for capacity, 200Ah batteries are indeed going to give you way more stored energy, which is very useful. Just remember to think in watt-hours for clarity. For a 100Ah, 12V battery, that’s about 1.2 KWh, while 200Ah will get you 2.4 KWh. More power, more options!
Honestly, starting with 48V batteries is your best bet. They come with a built-in battery management system (BMS) which helps keep everything balanced. While 12V might seem cheaper up front, the cost of extra wiring and balancing systems can add up and negate your savings. Most of the batteries you see are similar in quality; even the cheaper ones can last a decade with proper use. Just make sure to have fuses on all your batteries, especially since some budget BMS setups can be risky with overcurrent issues.
If you're going for a 48V system, definitely stick to 48V batteries! They have built-in safety features like fire suppression and better BMS setups that can communicate with your inverter, which makes your life easier. The 12V units in series might not track their charge levels well over time, and you'll need extra balancing equipment. More capacity is generally a plus, so I'd suggest going for the 200Wh units if your budget allows.