LFP Rack Battery Buyer's Guide, Comparisons and Things to Consider

[@LithiumSolar]

Ruixu... www.ruixubattery.com/product-page/rx-lfp48v100-19-rack-mounted-3u-module-ul1973-certified/?ref=lithiumsolar SOK Basic... www.currentconnected.com/product/sok-sk48v100-ncbt-user-serviceable-rack-mountable-battery/?ref=lithiumsolar SOK Pro... www.currentconnected.com/product/sk48v100-48v-server-rack-battery/?ref=lithiumsolar EG4... signaturesolar.com/eg4-lifepower4-lithium-battery-48v-100ah/?ref=lithiumsolar SunGoldPower... shrsl.com/44ymw (affiliate links)

[@godblesshomelessvets8832]

I have 30kWH of ruixu. There customer service is GREAT! I will mention something you omitted, when you purchase the ruixu battery the cables are provided. These batteries have been amazing, lead time has been roughly 2 weeks. Thank you for all your hard work bringing us this information 🙏

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Dude.....I have watched a few of your videos and appreciate the hard work and effort put into them. BUT THIS ONE.....I am very grateful for. You Hit the top brands and top questions all in an extremely efficient manner......WOW....thank you for doing what you do.

[@marksanders5279]

I have 12 of the EG4 LiFepower4 batteries on my system now for about 1 year and the performance has been good with only 1 battery BMS going out. Signature Solar sent a new BMS a free replacement and I installed it and all is good. Based on performance of this battery bank overall I’m very pleased. I run a midnite classic 150 CC and a Magnum Energy MS4448PAE inverters. If I had to rate the LiFepower4’s on a 1 to 10 scale I’d give them a 9.5 Great video pal.

[@lindaferguson593]

I have 12 of these batteries with 2 eg4 6500es inverters and 27 465w/575w blue sun panels. Off grid. Used about 15kw daily on grid without hvac use. I have a battery that arched on us when getting things started up. It blew out my host inverter. Signature solar did nothing for me. Told me they wouldn't warranty the battery or host inverter.

[@armedmindset6778]

@@lindaferguson593 more details on how the battery "Arched" on you? Please

[@lindaferguson593]

@armedmindset6778 I was not present when it occurred.

[@Joshie2256]

@@lindaferguson593 What inverter is your "host" inverter? Did the person starting the system pre-charge the inverter's capacitors or did they close a battery breaker on a de-energized bus?

[@puntorem529]

One must be very careful before the purchase. I had really lost alot of money when i made my purchase without checking these videos. I bought one full pallet of rack types from a company called Taico power all have defective cells and yhey sent mepouch cells instead of prismatic. Thank you for the great job.

[@LithiumSolar]

Wow! I've never even heard of that brand. I hope you got your money back! If you haven't, your credit card company or bank might be able to help you dispute the transaction.

[@JR-xw5dk]

Thank you for pointing out the 15 cell server rack batteries. I was looking at the VATRER POWER 48V 100AH, it has Bluetooth, a breaker, display, etc for $1100 right now. Some of the other ones I assumed were using higher voltage chemistry cells before I saw your video. Again thank you

[@retrozmachine1189]

Nice. I never would have imagined they were selling 15 cell LiFePO4 batteries as 48V and wouldn't have even checked. It'd be like buying a car and checking that it has 4 wheels. Thanks for pointing it out.

[@qapla]

Nice comparison video. One thing I would like to see changed in many battery designs is move the breaker, switches, displays or any other obstruction so that it is not in line with the positive and/or negative lugs so that, if you want to, you could create a bus bar running vertically down the stack of batteries. Such a bar could be insulated. This would allow them to be installed in a homemade rack without needing room on both sides for a bus bar - allowing for a more narrow rack.

[@Mr1DANBOY]

I have been seeing a lot of companies with their names on rack batteries lately didn’t know about the 15s thing till you pointed it out.

[@RGP_WA]

Nice rundown of these 4 batteries!

[@clarencewiles963]

Details but we do need the information. So I’m happy to have you go through it. Thanks 😊

[@tonysmith9061]

One of your best videos! Thank you! Also, I'm I very happy SOK user.

[@Joshie2256]

Thank you for identifying the cells, where you could. Have you been able to ID the BMS in these units?

[@offgridwanabe]

Always good to know what you are getting before it arrives.

[@Phelper99]

Really liked the video you did on the battery/inverter hand truck. Would like to make one some day.

[@DavidPozEnergy]

Great comparison. Thanks.

[@junkerzn7312]

Yah, I think the 15s stuff is poor marketing or cost cutting by companies My recommendation is to avoid 15s "48v" batteries and stick with the 16s batteries (marketed as both "48V" and "51.2V"). The voltage range, assuming a ~5% SOC cut-off, is roughly at 3.00V/cell empty and 3.55V/cell charge target: 15s: 45.0V - 53.2V (48.0V nominal) 16s: 48.0V - 56.8V (51.2V nominal) So as we can see, 15s "48V" batteries drop well below 48V on their way to empty, which can cause devices to drop-out. Particularly when loads pull the voltage down even further. There are plenty of other reasons to stick to 16s as well: * A 16s battery can supply power for POE+ routers directly (with proper fusing, obviously). Aka networked security cameras and other POE+ devices. A 15s battery drops too low. * Higher compatibility with 12V (4s) and 24V (8s) batteries strung in series. * Nearly all professional batteries are 16s and components (charge controllers, inverters, etc) default assumptions are pretty much universally for 16s. * Many 48V inverters drop-out (turn off) at 46.5V, which leaves capacity on the table with a 15s battery. And its even worse under load because the load pulls the battery voltage down further. 16s is pretty much mandatory if you want reliable operation of the inverter. -- The only downside to 16s is that care must be taken to ensure that the target voltage for charging (typically 56.8V, up to 58.4V) is within spec for all devices connected to the battery. Most 48V devices can handle up to 60V. For example, POE+ is specified up to 57.0V so a 16s charge target of 56.8V is close to perfect. However, if the loading on the system is very low, charge controllers can sometimes temporarily push the voltage higher than the charge target due to their slow reaction times to battery charging disconnects. For that and other reasons I don't go higher than 3.55V/cell (56.8V) for charging. So keep that in mind too. -Matt

[@ledzeppelin1212]

Great info. Thanks!

[@terrahillfarm]

Fantastic review!! I believe that the EG4 Lifepower 4 is now UL 9540A. The fact they added fire suppression is a big +. Agree the terminals are a - on EG4, but with a busbar cab it’s a wash. I love the Ruxiu aesthetics, their cabinet, size and terminals. Only - is the overseas support but that may change. I think the SOK is very well built but it’s form factor is not as flexible. Batteries are a huge, long term investment but I don’t think you’d go wrong with any of these three. Thanks for the 15s warning.. that is down right dangerous marketing! 🔥⚡️☀️👍💰🔋🤠

[@rhcppunk]

Thank you! Is there a DIY 5kWh battery box similar to these? I think sepplos and eel only have bigger options. Optimally it should be “water” protected because I want to use it in my sailboat, I have thrown out my diesel and going electric.

[@LithiumSolar]

EG4 has a water-proof battery that might sound like exactly what you're looking for here signaturesolar.com/eg4-wp-lithium-battery-48v-100ah/?ref=lithiumsolar I am not aware of any DIY version though. The only DIY kits I'm aware of in this size are the rack options you noted, and a few others, none of which are water-proof.

[@rhcppunk]

@@LithiumSolar Thanks, I have mailed them 30min ago about shipping to Sweden. I’m a little worried thou, it’s not clear if it’s a 1c rate on them? I’m going to use a 5-10kW motor and want to know how much it can discharge. I’m going to ask them if they get back to me.

[@rhcppunk]

They didn’t ship to Sweden

[@AndreAngelantoni]

What was Sungold thinking with that terminal design?

[@LithiumSolar]

Clearly they weren't... lol

[@SG-sg9st]

Please double check on the Sungold UL 1973 listing. The Sungold has a UL cert MH66714 from Nov 2023. I'm not clear on why the UL listing sticker isn't on the units however. Maybe someone can explain that. I have one of their units and am very happy with it thus far.

[@ernestoditerribile]

Can you wire them in series, my inverter needs 140VDC input voltage.

[@LithiumSolar]

No. None of the batteries shown here can be wired in series.

[@ernestoditerribile]

@@LithiumSolar Thanks for the quick reply

[@CurrentConnected]

Good sir, you have the wrong price for that NCBT model of battery. They have been on sale for $1299 for a few months now. That's pretty drastic from what you have in the video at 8:35

[@LithiumSolar]

I mentioned in the video that the price was reflective of product and shipping to get it to my door. The battery is $1299 and the cart calculates $330 shipping, which comes out to $1629.

[@szki272]

It would be nice if shipping costs were factored in. I wanted an EG4 till I saw the shipping was over $300 for a single battery. Bought another brand with free shipping. After getting the other one I got an ad from a company with free shipping on EG4s but they are out of stock for a month.

[@LithiumSolar]

Shipping cost WAS factored in at the time of this video. Prices are changing constantly unfortunately.

[@larrymiller7128]

Hello, can u help me with my rack battery? My arm red light is on, and none of the green light is on..

[@ronwatkins5775]

Does the SOK have communications daisychain to the inverter/charger?

[@LithiumSolar]

The SOK 48V Pro supports communications to other batteries and your inverter. The basic SOK 48V that is shown in this video does not have any communications support.

[@ChrisHufnagel_Polymath]

Do any of these batteries have heating options? Winters can be under 20F in my area.

[@LithiumSolar]

No, none of these batteries have heating pads. Winters can hit 0F in my area and routinely hang in the teens for a week or more at a time. My battery shed is insulated with 2" thick foam board and the heat generated from the inverters keeps it above 32F without any problem. I would look into insulation before considering heated batteries quite honestly.

[@kyanumarmahimon2258]

Is it good or bad idea to keep battery,charge controller,inverter in a separate air conditions room to maintain cool temperature?? Most of the time heat reaches 36,37C here.

[@afraidknot9473]

In your cost sheet should you have built in the lower Wh efficiency in the Sungold to show it’s not a cheaper battery?

[@LithiumSolar]

I have no idea what you're talking about. These batteries all store the same energy, 5120Wh.

[@Sylvan_dB]

I really like the smaller RUiXU, but the terminals are a non-starter for me. I don't care if they include the cables. I expect the battery to last 10 to 20 years, and I don't want to be dealing with a rare connector when a bolt on simple lug works perfectly for my needs.

[@Joshie2256]

Amphenol is a huge company and I expect to see a lot more use of that connector due to the ease of use and inherently safe design.

[@alanwheelock1460]

new sub. Learning about 48 volt batts. Plan to buy next yr for a rv set up.

[@WiSeNhEiMeR-1369]

Thanks for the REVIEW / COMPARISON COOP the WiSeNhEiMeR from Richmond, INDIANA ...

[@johnlegere478]

I have 11 eg4 batteries 56,000 watts. They have been good. The communication set up wont work with my Mpp lv6548 inverter.😢

[@pusico6555]

Can this batteries wired in series to make a high voltage battery?

[@LithiumSolar]

No. None of the batteries shown here can be wired in series. In series configurations, the BMS needs to be rated for the maximum string voltage.

[@Someoneswave]

Is it possible to mix these batteries, EG4 LifePower4 and Ruixu?

[@LithiumSolar]

You shouldn't have any issues running them together as long as you understand the cutoff points (full charge, empty, etc). The most important part is the issue of making sure all batteries being wired together are the same voltage as mentioned in the "voltage" chapter.

[@heart4Pahoa]

Appreciate the insight and lesser known details.

[@Sanwizard1]

Perhaps next time include one of the DIY kits from EEL or Seplos as a comparison on price. Support would obviously be a non issue for DIY. I believe in the US having a UL listing or certification would be a major factor whem considering home insurance if the batteries will be in the home. God forbid a fire happened and they blamed your battery setup. You want to make sure your covered by your carrier.

[@LithiumSolar]

I was going to grab one of the EEL 230Ah kits because I already have the cells, but it looks like they don't make the 230Ah version anymore :/ The listing on their website says 230Ah but the only option in it is 280Ah.

[@andys5203]

Thank you, sir . Another informative video straight to the point. 😊

[@loucinci3922]

Great review. Which one has the JK BMS? Thanks for sharing

[@LithiumSolar]

None of these are using JK BMS. I've never used a JK BMS in any of my projects.

[@mikejohnson7768]

Please review the Trophy battery

[@georgesackinger2002]

Great review as always.

[@simon359]

Great breakdown! The only thing I’m not sure about is the C rating for each server rack battery?

[@Joshie2256]

The EG4 comes in at 1C, as do most LiFePO4 server-rack-batteries. Unless you are putting in very little storage compared to the inverter and load, the discharge rate usually isn't a system constraint. You can pull right about 5 kW from most 48V rack batteries, but for only 1 hour. Most systems have, or should have, enough storage for 2 average days of consumption. If that's 10 kWh/day you'd have 20 kWh of storage in four 100 ah server rack batteries. You would be able to draw 400 amps/20 kW from that battery system.

[@simon359]

@@Joshie2256 Thanks! 🖖

[@tsp2jxd]

Waiting for the $999 Black Friday Special. 😎

[@LithiumSolar]

It could happen! The prices keep dropping and we're close to the point where we could see a $999 BF sale haha.

[@mmbodnar]

@@LithiumSolar AOLithium below $1000 and Ruixu down to $1199

[@LithiumSolar]

Holy cow, AoLithium's rack battery is $999 with free shipping. You called it! aolithium.com/products/51-2v-100ah-server-rack-lithium-lifepo4-battery/?ref=lithiumsolar I have not personally reviewed that one but have heard good things of them.

[@tsp2jxd]

​@@LithiumSolarThink WP said it wasn't worth it because others for a couple hundred more are so much better. I'm a solar only low amp type so it may work for me. Thanks!

[@tsp2jxd]

​​@@LithiumSolar will the AOLithium communicate with an EG4 3000EHV? Just read that it has soft start to protect your inverter. Just add a breaker externally? Anything else to be safe or is it good to go?

[@newstart4jim]

Thank you, this clears up a lot.

[@myhificloud]

Very good information here. Thank you for this.

[@StratRider]

Excellent - I love comparison videos

[@mmbodnar]

is there a place we can donate so that you can get a AOLithium server rack battery and give the community a tear-down and judgement? they are sub-$1000 for BF

[@LithiumSolar]

I don't accept donations at this time, thanks though. I'll reach out to them and see if they're willing to sponsor one :)

[@LithiumSolar]

Actually, it looks like they've asked me 3 times and I haven't responded. Ooops...

[@mmbodnar]

@@LithiumSolar lol,.. life gets busy some times.

[@DougKremer]

I just bought two and they are great so far. The case is SOLID. My only wish is that they had a breaker.

[@mmbodnar]

@@DougKremer I wonder if they still have the T-class fuse inside the case.

[@americannumber2]

GFB cell？what's the full name?

[@LithiumSolar]

Ganfeng

[@r.b.l.5841]

@@LithiumSolar Gafeng Battery = GFB

[@r.b.l.5841]

It would be cool to see some of the new Sodium batteries - see if they work with current inverters, and if the low temps they claim really work.

[@herbertvonsauerkrautunterh2513]

I like jakiper.. I have four and will buy four or six more soon

[@quartamile]

Great review, thank you!

[@jonathonpierson2086]

You forgot the Pytes Battery. They are amazing and easy to install.

[@Joshie2256]

How are they amazing? What makes them easier to install than an EG4 or Ruixu battery?

[@HippocratesGarden]

I got a full rack of the EG4 LL, with the rack. I'll be sticking with them at least for now, and at least up to 16 batteries, just to keep the communications consistent. Nothing against the others, just at the time of purchase, the EG4's with really nice rack was the best bang for the buck, and keeping with U.S. company. Ultimate system will be a 20kw, dual Victron Quattro (kit from Current Connected, all but the batteries).

[@user-dr2pg8fk2i]

"U.S. company"

[@pastorjohnculbertson661]

The ruixu is self heating. So, no issues in cold areas.

[@LithiumSolar]

No, the Ruixu battery shown here is not self-heating.

[@benlyons7752]

I need this shirt !

[@benoitgamache3845]

the ruixu has a canada warehouse and they ship from canada to canadian customer the others do not and that add a adventAge to ruixu

[@FillTaylor]

Interesting. Thanks.

[@bobolones6834]

Great video!!!

[@johnguilbert1349]

I prefer the Duracell 9V model

[@olegvihodets8680]

Thank you sir

[@KESHEEBATTERY168]

good price

[@r.b.l.5841]

15-s pack = lower price, and 3 rows of 5 cells fit in a smaller case. Don't get duped people! I saw a "too-good-to-be-true" server rack battery price but when I got into the details - before making a purchase - 15-cells!

[@kevin.campbell]

Hey guys. I miss the actual builds instead nonstop product reviews.

[@LithiumSolar]

Me too. What would you like to see me build? I'm always looking for ideas. The thing about LFP is once I set up my batteries, they pretty much just work... It doesn't require significant tearing apart, rebuilding, testing cells, etc like the old 18650 days.

[@kevin.campbell]

@@LithiumSolar how about a DIY wall mount with 48 volts 280 amp hour . with a high capacity BMS for PV charging or discharging at more than 100 amps. sleek clean proud

[@ohlosha]

amazing! didn't know these existed haha SOOO would it be smart to use one or 2 or 4 of these batteries for a mobile home? with solar ect ect and is 100amp hours at 48v the same as 400 amp hours of 12v?

[@fwaynedavis]

Exactly. with 48 you have a higher efficiency to your inverter and you can use smaller wire diameters, and longer runs. you also get better charging efficient provided your charging/solar system is setup for 48V battery bank.

[@johnstark4723]

I would suggest 4 to 6 batteries minimum. I have a 35' camper and I have 4 batteries and that's a minimum for it. Maybe more if you are in an area with lots of cloudy days.

[@522Shelby]

This was a great video and very useful for my 48v build. I wish I could get Current Connected to return a single call. I want to build at least a (4) 4 48v server rack battery system w Victron components and the last call I was told a more experienced rep needed to help me and would call back. Not a cheap order to get I'd think. I've tried at least 3 times- including asking to have one of the owners to call back but no luck. With your recommendation of Current Connected along with Will Prowse also saying good things I'm really disappointed with them. Guess I should try someone else.

[@Nat_Sarim]

Wow that's reeeally weird to me..those guys returned my emails rapidly a handful of times long before I'd even bought anything from them.. Sorry you're having to go thru that, but I can only assume they're experiencing the ills of their recent growing pains, but what do I know.🤷‍♂Good luck with your project.👍

[@522Shelby]

@@Nat_Sarim Thank you for the feedback. I know, very confusing because I am a even a returning customer. It now looks like a 6 battery order and I want to try again but I'm not sure they really want the business.