Expanding Our Off Grid Solar System | PowerQueen Deep Cycle Lithium Battery

If you’re in the market for low-temp deep cycle lithium batteries, make sure you check out ipowerqueen.co....
Use discount code - BIGSKY for 5% off.
Thanks again to @powerqueenbattery for sponsoring this video. See more videos: / @powerqueenbattery
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Recorded on a GoPro Hero 10 in 30FPS 4K mode and DJI Air 2S Drone in 4K 60FPS Cine Mode.
Content created under accordance with FAA Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 107.
#homebuild #DIY #mountainliving #offgridliving #offgrid #powerqueen #solar

[@briansmith192]

Welcome to the world of product endorsements'. I'm sure Li-Time likes your endorsement of Powerqueen batteries. Just be careful before you have trouble. Good luck.

[@SI-lg2vp]

To get serious about solar you should be looking at 48vdc systems because that is the standard. I started with a 24 volt, and expanded to 48 volt equipment.

[@bigskyoffgrid]

We definitely agree! Start with a 48v system if you can afford it. Much high cost of entry though. A system 12v or 24v system can hold you over until you save enough for a 48v system. We're trying to burn as little gas as possible to save for a 48v system currently. Another 1280 watts of battery goes a long way around here.

[@user-ei3ml8jo1s]

@@bigskyoffgrid i believe you meant to say 1280 Watt-hrs of battery.

[@cathyjones3403]

Impressive 👏👏👏

[@kathyk9519]

Thanks for all the info! You are quite knowledgable!!! This helps this newbie to understand. I believe I can start this process now. And just sayin, it would be nice to see more of KC than her feet 😁. Yes, I know we did see her sitting in a chair. I just wanted a little more of her Input. Have a great week!😊

[@bigskyoffgrid]

Glad we could help! The individual components are the solar panels, charge controller, batteries and the inverter. Check out different sizes for each components and you can figure out what is the best option for you. 48v systems are expensive but worth it. 12v or 24v systems get the job done well at a much cheaper cost of entry. Hahahaha we will make sure Kacie is included!

[@qtrhors1]

Lithium iron phosphate batteries have a great track record. Lithium iion batteries are the ones that people are refering to that have over heating problems. I have sevearl older power stations that are lithium ion. No problems. Everything I by from now on will be lithium iron phosphate. They last way longer and are safer. Lead acid batteries for starting my 66 Fairlane GT :)

[@lawrencedavidson6195]

They are nice batteries, i'm running five of them in parallel in a 12v (soon to be upgrading to a 24 or 48v) system here in Jamaica.

[@bigskyoffgrid]

That is awesome! We're looking forward to having a 48v system in the future. Thanks for watching!

[@mannyfragoza9652]

Is that a charger/ Inverter?

[@bigskyoffgrid]

Yes, we've been rather impressed with the capabilities of the inverter/charger. Eliminates a separate charger from the system as well as the additional wiring. Great for off-grid, on-grid, or camper setups.

[@joeyjennings9548]

the cables from charge controller to battery look ok. but 12 volt from battery to inverter im thinking 4 times as thick? as far as i know.. NEVER disconnect the battery from the controller when its charging.. it should fry? note i dont have in my solar setup lithium batteries. 🔋💥 never will. i dont even store or charge my tool batteries indoors. i had 2 blow up.. 1 was just sitting there.. during dinner. not being used not charging.. just like a firecracker.. 💥 threw it outside.. never again.

[@bigskyoffgrid]

We went from 4 gauge, to 2/0 Gauge, and we're waiting on some 4/0 gauge to arrive just to be safe. We also ordered some battery/solar disconnects to help with any configuration in the future. We prefer the batteries with a Battery Management System (BMS) built in, to ensure their is some protections in place for charging and discharge. We pretty much run exclusively lithium at the homestead with the except of the camper. Lithium batteries can expand if over heated, happens to laptop and phone batteries often. We have a metal job box around in case there is any issues. Thanks for watching!

[@joeyjennings9548]

@@bigskyoffgrid i must have missed stuff watching i multitast watch while work. lithium work batteries i had 2 let go. one was just sitting on the table when we was watchng tv it blew like a firecracker.. now all my lithium batteries are in a can by the door so if some more go i open door and kick out. its like 4000°f runaway temp. i had forgot to disconnect the solar incoming first i did the battery.. almost fried the charge controller.. it let me know i screwed up. ya get old & you rush forget stuff lol i leave myself post it notes now 😂

[@user-ei3ml8jo1s]

These commercials for cheap Chinese batteries and inverters make people concerned for your safety. It doesn’t appear you have an appreciation of what the hazards are given that you are not even wearing safety glasses. I would suggest you look at companies like Victron and Battleborn if you rely on off grid power.

[@bigskyoffgrid]

Most lithium batteries for solar application run about $0.25 USD per watt hour. If you'd like to spend $0.77 USD per watt hour because you are under the impression those brands provide a 3x better battery, then go ahead. I wouldn't take that financial risk. More solar panels and more batteries at a cheaper unit cost allows for spares and replacement if any issues arise. You would have to replace these batteries 3 times for the same ROI on a the brands you mention. We have operated for years on these types of batteries, and we're happy to be able to expand our capacity. If you have actually done the research and live this life, feel free to make those comments.

[@user-ei3ml8jo1s]

@@bigskyoffgrid what $ amount do you place on your personal safety? Sleep well wondering about those BMS’s. As an Electrical Engineer who has lived off Solar and Batteries for years I feel very free highlighting dangers where others might not see. But of course, you do you…

[@bigskyoffgrid]

About $40, that is what I paid for 2 smoke detectors. Another $50 and you can have a fire extinguisher. A BMS is a pretty simple device, I have built very similar devices as a computer engineer. Overheating and thermal run away is a risk with any lithium battery, like the one in your phone or computer. Not everyone can afford an expensive system with expensive components. If building a small solar setup is what someone can afford to avoid running a generator constantly, then they should. Burning fuel creates a much larger risk to our property or house than any battery we use.

[@Handygrannies]

I found this episode very informative and helpful as I’m looking into solar options👍

[@bigskyoffgrid]

Thanks for watching, glad we could help!