Huge upgrade to our off grid homestead |POWERWIN batteries

[@AloneinRemoteAlaska]

Nice swap! That should make a huge difference for you guys! Thanks for sharing! 😊

[@AnAlaskaHomestead]

It’s made a huge difference. Wish I would have done this years ago.

[@jeremycerra4288]

32F-113F are PowerWins recommended charging temperatures. Lower temperature charging can damage the battery. Some BMS Battery Management Systems have a low temp cutoff so it won't even accept a charge, but not mentioned anywhere in PowerWins user guide or website. Depending on your temperature range you can insulate the batteries or even put a small mat heater under that batteries connected to a thermostat. Many options, but you need to look into that now vs when temperatures are dropping.

[@AnAlaskaHomestead]

Our goal is to finish the entryway and move everything in there.

[@warwizard2870]

@@AnAlaskaHomestead I have a larger system, 4X 19.1 KW/h Lithium batteries, and 13.6 KW of solar panels on sun tracking mounts. That is enough storage to charge an EV with 60 KW/h overnight and charge two more in the day (summer). Winter though, I might be able to charge one if I've had three sunny days in a row. I have my batteries installed in my R30 insulated, 40 ft long, high box connex, and during the winter, the heat from the batteries charging and discharging kept the connex above freezing, with only about 1 and 1/2 20# propane bottles used for auxillary heat with a Mr. Buddy indoor safe heater. I still have half my panels shaded in the winter solstice, cutting down more beetle killed spruce to resolve that for next winter. I've already run cables from the solar panels to the construction site for my log cabin with basement, once the construction is done enough to live there, I'll transfer my batteries and charge controller to the basement, and enjoy the free heat, though with 4800 sq ft of living space, I will need to supply a bit more supplemental heat. System went online Nov 2022, and I have used 6.61 MW so far, total production could have been closer to 20MW if I had more loads to supply in the summer. The system is sized to be able to supply enough winter power to be comfortable, and enough summer power to do an EV charging business.

[@BreakingFreeOffGrid]

That’s an awesome upgrade for your system! We finally upgraded to lithium as well and they have been a game changer. Woohoo!!!! Have a great weekend you two! 😊

[@AnAlaskaHomestead]

Thank you guys. Hope you guys are doing well.

[@BreakingFreeOffGrid]

@@AnAlaskaHomestead we’re doing good 😊

[@jaytowne8016]

I have similar batteries and a large solar system have had it for four years. Great stuff. This spring I got here in early April, and didn't start my generator for a month. I only need the generator if I want to run the electric clothes dryer or the electric side of the water heater. Or in November December , etc especially if using the wood fired boiler.( It has blower fans and a circulation pump both of which draw a continuous load that adds up)).So the gen gets used about 5 hours a week in winter. The lithium batteries really make this possible. Solar works pretty good except for December and January. Good choice!!!

[@AnAlaskaHomestead]

That’s awesome. So far we couldn’t be happier. We haven’t ran the generator since we installed them, except on the initial charge.

[@MarkfromArizona]

Congratulations on moving up to lithium. As you know , you can't charge when 32 and below and should not worry about discharging down to almost nothing which most people never do. Maybe after trial and error, you consider moving system closer to the house and moving batteries inside to keep from freezing weather. I know you know all this and when doing a video it's hard to remember . I wish you luck and success...Love your channel. Cheers

[@AnAlaskaHomestead]

Yeah moving them inside would be great.

[@south2alaska471]

You'll love the new batteries. I would adjust the cutoff up to 40v, there is very little power between 35 and 40v, but it will help with longer life. Double check your documentation, my LifePO4 batteries say to keep them above freezing when pulling power out of them. With what these things cost you don't want to mess them up the first winter!

[@AnAlaskaHomestead]

I agree

[@AlmostHomestead]

Beefy! Looks like a great addition to your setup.

[@AnAlaskaHomestead]

Yeah they are working great for us.

[@charlenegrady8781]

Hello Brian and Diana. Happy Sunday. That is a huge upgrade for you on the island. Good for you👍. Thanks for sharing. Take care✌️🇺🇸

[@AnAlaskaHomestead]

Thank you, you too👍

[@susanhighfield8284]

Sweet addition. I can't wait to see what you're able to do differently with all that power.

[@AnAlaskaHomestead]

You and me both👍

[@ernesthallett8003]

Awesome glad your all setup and ready for bear😂 all good Great video and information sure this will help everyone who is looking for this information. I’d only add the price in the video… Stay safe and a full belly ALL THE BEST….

[@michaelmasters219]

Looking good thank you for the video Mike

[@AnAlaskaHomestead]

Thanks Mike.

[@ksvet06-07]

Awesome upgrade for the cabin and y'all. Did it remind you of changing the old 5 ton or duce and half batteries carrying those new ones?

[@AnAlaskaHomestead]

Ha now it does.

[@UKCG_2]

My memory is that Lithum-Ion batteries have many advantages over their lead-acid counterparts, but don’t handle cold weather as well as the gel mat alternatives. Have you thought about adding some rigid insulation to your solar shed to help keep the temperatures up (I.e., effectively placing them inside a insulated box)?

[@AnAlaskaHomestead]

Our goal is to finish the entryway and move everything in there.

[@McMovesdotcom]

Hope your memorial weekend is great, Thank you for your service, and God bless any friends that gave their life for our country.

[@AnAlaskaHomestead]

Thank you

[@maryalice8507]

Great addition to your power supply. I used to think you were a little terrified to set up your solar when you first got it. Now it’s like you’ve been doing it your whole life. Have a Great week and Thanks for sharing !!

[@AnAlaskaHomestead]

Ha I still don’t like messing with electricity 😂

[@JeremyHanks]

Awesome upgrade! Looked at that battery model quick; can't tell if the BMS has temp sensors to protect against too low temps. I think they might NOT have that. LiFEPo4 are amazing. ONLY real weakness (IMHO) is you can't charge if temp

[@jeremycerra4288]

PowerWin manuals don't have much detail but I would guess their BMS doesn't have a low temp cutoff as it's not mentioned. So they will go ahead and try to charge and cause damage to the batteries if temp is below 32F. I did find on the battery product page one spot that references recommended charge temp 32F to 113F

[@AnAlaskaHomestead]

Yes it does have a temp sensor in the batteries. We’ve been talking finishing the entryway and moving the set up in there. That would solve the problem.

[@butchbinion1560]

Thanks, that should help a lot good on you. ✌🏻👊🏼

[@davidlodge4305]

Love watching your Chanel all the way from UK England

[@gailbrault9251]

Congrats! Upgrade for the better

[@jewels7832]

Nice on the batteries! Happy memorial day to you two.

[@AnAlaskaHomestead]

Thank you Jewels

[@shirleywilliams7027]

So happy that you got those that's going to change a lot of things have a good day and thank you for your service

[@AnAlaskaHomestead]

Thank you

[@r.drapeau6219]

Great addition. Glad for you. Electricity here cost a lots now, every thing goes up, every month also. Thank you for your videos, just whiching a few minutes more each time. I really do enjoy washing, your living off grit on the island. A dream. Have a good week.

[@AnAlaskaHomestead]

Hope you have a great week too.

[@patrickmccarthy4089]

Congrats on the upgrade! Sure you will have time to verify this but my SimpliPhi 48 volt lithium ion batteries need to be above 32°F when charging. Check the range limits in your inverter/charger controller. And yes, there is an optimal voltage range for maximum cycles. Live life large...

[@AnAlaskaHomestead]

Our goal is to finish the entryway and move everything in there.

[@martna1]

Have a good Sunday.

[@AnAlaskaHomestead]

Thanks Martna

[@puddlejumper06]

Brian, you are right about those batteries. They will be a game changer for you. And holy cow they are a great price! I paid almost twice for similar capacity, but mine fit in a fancy server rack. For that kind of savings I could care less about a server rack. Check the manufacturer specs, if you have already, about minimum battery temps for charging. Great video, take care.

[@AnAlaskaHomestead]

Our goal is to finish the entryway and move everything in there.

[@offpherj7884]

Nice setup Brother...

[@AnAlaskaHomestead]

Thanks 👍

[@juliepeeks4184]

Great upgrade, let us know how it goes! Have a wonderful Memorial Day, thank you for your service. We never forget the reason we celebrate Memorial Day!

[@AnAlaskaHomestead]

Thank you! Will do!

[@cynthialeonard8424]

I want to see how yall’s garden is doing, hopefully you will show it soon.😂❤

[@AnAlaskaHomestead]

You got it.

[@Theoppositeofchaos]

Thanks for sharing

[@AnAlaskaHomestead]

My pleasure

[@sarahschlosser1203]

Diana you are looking great! Brian thank you for your service to our country! Do you have to worry about freezing with them being outside?

[@AnAlaskaHomestead]

Our goal is to finish the entryway and move everything in there.

[@beebop9808]

Congrats bro! Think I would limit the charge voltage to 56.8. There's really no advantage in capacity by maxing out the voltage on the cells. It'll help extend the life of your cells. And do watch out for freezing weather. LFP cells are definitely not friendly with cold temps below freezing and will damage the cells trying to charge them. The battery pack BMS should prevent charging below 32F but better safe than sorry.

[@nanukbigwithe]

beautiful nature, good people, great boat. Greetings from Europe!

[@AnAlaskaHomestead]

Thank you very much!

[@remoteandrestless]

Gonna be great!

[@AnAlaskaHomestead]

You betcha

[@cedricgates9976]

congrats on the batteries wish i understood that stuff would love to take advantage of the southern exposure here on my farm and set up something like that

[@AnAlaskaHomestead]

I bet. It can get a little confusing.

[@theschuhshop]

Looks great! Congrats. you may want to double check the main power wires you want all power coming in or out of bank to run through the whole bank so put all in and out positive onto battery 1 positive and all in and out negative to battery 4. Hope that helps

[@AnAlaskaHomestead]

Yes I had to go to town and get some connections to get everything wired up correctly.

[@karlschreiber7231]

Hi Steve, LiFePO4 Battery Operation Temperature Range Charge: 0℃ to 50℃ / 32℉ to 122℉ Discharge: -20℃ to 60℃ / -4℉ to 140℉ Might want to move them into your house for best life. Shouldn't charge below 32 degrees F. Karl

[@AnAlaskaHomestead]

Our goal is to finish the entryway and move everything in there.

[@Julie-g3u]

P.S. what about winter time when it's so 🥶 cold, do they have to be in an insulated room?? Cheers you 2😊

[@AnAlaskaHomestead]

Our plan is to move everything into the entryway.

[@Julie-g3u]

Oh WOW this is so great to hear. I am so rapt for you two. You won't know what to do with yourself lets us know how you are going with them. Have a great Memorial wkend. We celebrate our past & present on ANZAC DAY ONLY ( SERVICE MEN/WOMAN) we have a Dawn Parade first.

[@AnAlaskaHomestead]

Thanks, will do.

[@MountainMariner]

You will like those batteries. Any time you look at a lead acid battery in the future you will frown. (Be careful with 48volt DC. Very careful) 👍🏻 🇺🇸

[@AnAlaskaHomestead]

Will do⚡️

[@jaytowne8016]

Good choice!!

[@AnAlaskaHomestead]

I think so too!

[@russellwatters5891]

Huge upgrade for ya'll! It must've been an attention grabber for you, no "Live Free" or "Have a great Memorial Day"... 😂 That's alright though, I still love ya'll ❤️

[@AnAlaskaHomestead]

Ha always live free.

[@redwood9741]

Just found out that electro shockers dont work in salt water...I thought salt water would work better..guess I am back to dupont spinner...mining does have its perks. .... The stuggle is real. Happy holidays from the rock..

[@AnAlaskaHomestead]

😂😂😂 Be safe down there

[@garylcampbell9964]

i like it.

[@smurfman6377]

What about charging below 32 degrees' or are they self heating? I had to wait for it to warm up above freezing to charge mine. You going total electric lol

[@xzibit8614]

You HAVE to wire the negative to the opposite end of your string. If BOTH your negative and positive are on the same battery, they’ll drain that one down first and the furthest battery the least, leading to imbalance. Pull positive from one end of the string, and pull negative from the other end. This will keep it in balance. If these batteries are not self heating, you’ll damage them if you charge them below 32F. LiFePo4 can be discharged down to 0F. it CANNOT be charged below 32F. Also wrong, the lowest they should be discharged down to is 48volts, which is 3.0 volts per cell. Top voltage should be 56volts, which is 3.5 volts per cell. Charging them to 58.4volts, which is 3.65 volts per cell will STRESS them, but doable. You’ll shorten their life. It’s advocated for 3.5 volts per cell, which is 56. Since your power shed isn’t heated, you’ll have to move these inside your house. You will completely nerf them if you discharge to 35 volts, which is 2.1 volts per cell. Going below 2.5volts per cell (there’s 16 per battery) will permanently damage them.

[@AnAlaskaHomestead]

Yes we had to go to town to get some connections and get it wired correctly.

[@RichardB-wj5sg]

As @xzibit8614 said, YOU HAVE YOUR WIRING WRONG! It will work but your batteries will quickly become unbalanced and continue to get worse and worse resulting in a decrease in your power storage. You are directing all of your charging power into the far right battery and pulling all of your load off the far left battery. You can fix this by moving your positive wire on your far left battery that is going to your inverter to the positive terminal on the far right battery and then moving your negative wire on the far right battery going to your solar control charger to the negative terminal on the far left battery. Please verify with your Powerwin dealer.

[@AnAlaskaHomestead]

Had to go to town and get some stuff to fix the issue.

[@xzibit8614]

Are they self heating? If not, they can’t be charged below 32F

[@AnAlaskaHomestead]

Our goal is to finish the entryway and move everything in there.

[@paulslocomb6805]

Are you going to insulate your battery house to help the batterys charge and keep warm

[@AnAlaskaHomestead]

Yes

[@zubovschura]

✌😊👌

[@marianfrances4959]

👍🇨🇦😎🌊✌

[@PoorMansHomesteadCanadaBC1961]

Is there no way you can use those acid batteries for backup too would be nice With those new batteries don't you have to keep those batteries warm all the time you have to heat heat the building that they're in that's what I understood😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁

[@AnAlaskaHomestead]

We are going to keep them and see if we can find another use for them.

[@warwizard2870]

@@AnAlaskaHomestead Please look at how many watts your Sol-Arc uses. I set up a 4 battery lead acid bank with a 750 W 12VDC to AC converter to run my 30W light strip and my 50W CPAP machine at night and I shut down my Sol-Src 15k once the sun went down saving it's 90W to 120W for the 20 hour long night, so 1.8+ KW saved per day.

[@PoorMansHomesteadCanadaBC1961]

Okay what's going on I didn't get to see a video On Sunday it is now Monday I'm unhappy what's up😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪😪

[@nanscott3362]

I think he has lots interest has other income doesn't need youtube

[@AnAlaskaHomestead]

Took a small vacation from filming.

[@PoorMansHomesteadCanadaBC1961]

Yeah you got to watch those acid batteries we used to charge them at Courtney Carr Center for the RV's and my boss was so cheap he wouldn't put a fan even to blow across the batteries and I had one blow up in my face luckily II closed my eyes really blink my eyes really fast but I still was walking around couldn't find the bathroom in one of the mechanics the car mechanics came up and walked me to the bathroom so I could wash off my eyes and wash the battery acid off my face and I wasn't the only one that that happened to I couldn't believe how cheap he was I mean we would put like 25 batteries on the one the one big charger just positive negative positive negative positive negative and come back positive negative positive negative at two rows of batteries and no fan was just on a bench in a shop now if you had to put a fan on one end and blow it across the batteries he wouldn't have had that problem what happens when you're cheap why you went out of business because you got too cheap in the RV department customers were gotten sick and tired of his being cheap the RV business was paying for the mechanic shop because his was sports cars and stuff and then you never made any money RVS paid for it

[@AnAlaskaHomestead]

Wow that sucks.