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Solar power station DIY projects? (palaver.p3x.de)

submitted 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) by hendrik@palaver.p3x.de to c/askelectronics@discuss.tchncs.de

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I just found out I can buy a decent 400W solar panel in the local hardware store for around 90€ these days.

Are there people around with experience in off-grid solar? There is quite some supply in cheap MPTT charge controllers on the internet. And I can't afford a 700€ power station. But I would be able to buy a few power tool batteries or one of the lead-acid batteries people put in their caravan. Are there projects building a power station myself? Is this even worth it?

Maybe someone alredy wrote a blog post with recommendations or findings and failures along the way. Or has something similar running at home?

(Thanks to the mods for steering me towards the correct community.)

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[–] Vimana@feddit.uk 1 points 1 day ago

I would also add to make sure there's a good battery management system (BMS).

Apparently very easy to build your own lifepo4 battery bank using (prismatic) cells connected in series and extremely cheap to diy- huge power for much much cheaper than trying to afford a higher power battery. This is my next upgrade.

Works extremely well if using LEDs etc Victron energy has all the info. My project was to upgrade power on my old (fixer upper) boat so I only needed 12v info Delighted with result.

Plenty of info around once usecase gets more specific... I focused on sailing specific forums etc I mean... Envision LiFePO4 315Ah Prismatic Cell (Grade B) for less than £50

https://www.fogstar.co.uk/products/envision-lifepo4-315ah-prismatic-cell-grade-b?variant=53483558732153&country=GB&currency=GBP&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17176519818