Which one do you like most?? Let me know below! Also, the sok has bluetooth. Affiliate links for this video: SOK Budget 48V: www.currentconnected.com/product/sok-sk48v100-ncbt-user-serviceable-rack-mountable-battery/?ref=wp EG4 Budget 48V: signaturesolar.com/shop-all/batteries/eg4-lifepower4/?ref=cPwLcVc0SW-BjN Other 48V battery options: www.mobile-solarpower.com/server-rack-lifepo4.html

@TheBkoy

Жыл бұрын

Quick question: Are all these server rack systems limited to 1C/100A output for the whole rack? We are looking for a hybrid system in EU (3 phase/8.2kw panels) but every option for 15kwh battery (3x5kwh 48v) seems to have a ~5kw limit (not including short surges). Need at least 10kw to accommodate induction, EV charging, etc. Even that is cutting it close. Do I have this right? Thanks as always for the invaluable education Will 🙏

@WillProwse

Жыл бұрын

@@TheBkoy each battery does 4000W watts. I couldn't imagine someone not using three minimum for that system. So yes, for a stack you would have more than double what you need.

@WillProwse

Жыл бұрын

@@TheBkoy the whole tower does 480A. So 24,000W. Your system is very low draw

@edwardbyrd7667

Жыл бұрын

Does the SOK have UL certs? EG4 battery has pre-charge resister if I recall not that that’s a deal breaker. Competition is good no doubt

@mikebalentine

Жыл бұрын

Is there a technical reason they do not use the larger 280+ Ah cells? Would dramatically drop the cost per kWh.

Thanks for the video. I went standard SOK last year after watching all your vids. Had this been available, I might have gone the discount route.

Look forward to your build and as usual putting them thru the paces, thanks for your update on these cheaper battery solutions.

Love the price point and the high current BMS. Thanks for the review!

Thanks for opening it up and showing us all that room inside. I like the idea of being able to pull and replace bad cells, or even being able to replace the BMS.....YES. Also, it may not come with a pre-charge resistor, but I think there is something that can be done with a small modification. However, you have also added the other option in your video, just buy one of SOKs more expensive batteries to lead off from, and then a bunch of these. I like that idea better. I was thinking of building my own batteries, but thinking of a rack and all the batteries in cases would look a lot cleaner. Thanks for the review. Will an SOK battery fit in a EG4 rack?

After several failures trying to buy renogy while on sale, I came to your vids to find something else. I REALLY wanted to self heating option, but oh well. Bought the budget sok with your affiliate link instead. Thanks for being THE voice of solar components.

You can always add a Pre-charge Resistor to your Main Battery Cutoff Switch. I used a 10-ohm 25-watt power resistor across the Main Battery Cutoff Switch through a momentary push button (6A) with a LED and 10k resistor across the power resistor to show when the Caps are charged. Edit: Or across one of the main breakers.

@Ontariolabz

Жыл бұрын

would love to see a video of how you do it!

@amgspd85

Жыл бұрын

Really simple but great idea! 👍👍

@user-hh6ex9md4w

5 ай бұрын

Hey there! Thanks for sharing your suggestion about adding a pre-charge resistor to the main battery cutoff switch, sounds like a handy modification for battery systems. By the way, have you checked out the Segway Portable PowerStation Cube Series? It's a versatile and reliable power station with a massive capacity, fast charging, and a waterproof design. Perfect for outdoor adventures and backup power needs. Just thought it might be something you'd be interested in. Happy camping!

G,day Will from Sydney Australia. I like the idea of taking the lid off and running a bead of silicone sealant. Also around the breaker to reduce corrosion. 🌌💫

That has to be the cleanest looking interior of the battery I’ve ever seen.

That is so cool. I was just looking at it on their website. I know a lot of DIY people that run their system in “open loop” that are going to love this. The lack of UL listing may concern some. But the price will be right for a lot of people.

@RonEvers

11 ай бұрын

7 year warranty vs. UL certification and 5 year warranty.

@GavinStoneDIY

11 ай бұрын

@@RonEvers right. So an extra 2 years warranty. And UL listed if that is applicable to your install.

Great video. I’ve already ordered a 6kw EG4 inverter, now I just ordered 2 EG4 48v batteries. Gonna have a kickass 10kw system!

@WillProwse

Жыл бұрын

Very nice!!!

Thanks for your review Will.

Warranty plus Blutooth SOK for sure.Thanks Will!

Communication has benefits but as I see this as a low cost DIY option, I'd say be fine running in voltage mode for a lower price and longer warranty. I like the idea about water-proofing the battery. My basement could get some water in it with a plumbing leak or major flood - it would be pretty easy to install them in a floor mount tub that provides ~15" of flood protection.

I had a bms on one of my SOK batteries burn up. It popped some cells. Dexter sent me new parts. Ultimately I was sent a new battery. Their customer service is top notch. I vote current connected.

@WillProwse

Жыл бұрын

Holy cow that's not good. What model?

Hey Will, one thing I also noticed - these SOK batteries are NOT UL listed, while the budget EG4 batteries are. That alone might be worth the extra $50 if one is in the market for these right now.

@WillProwse

Жыл бұрын

Yes good point!

@jar407

Жыл бұрын

use this on in your van or rv since ul not needed in vehicles or possibly off grid

@jonathansailer1473

Жыл бұрын

Yeah! SOK is designed for RV use/abuse and offers that 7 year warranty. For this specific scenario, SOK seems like a best value battery.

@rockys7726

Жыл бұрын

Maybe they are in the process of getting it certified.

@MBergyman

Жыл бұрын

@@rockys7726 SOK website states they have no plans to UL certify this battery.

I've already gone with Jakiper batteries and will be buying a few more of them. Good enough

Batteries seem quite expensive in the US, here in South Africa we can get 5kWh 1C LFP batteries for $1290, with a 10 year warranty on the cells. It's got a Pace BMS in it with a 5 year warranty.

@pierrekinbrand

Жыл бұрын

This is partially due to our local prices lagging the exchange rate I think. If you check back here, do you mind dropping the model you're describing?

@Raees_

Жыл бұрын

@@pierrekinbrand The battery I was referring to is a Volta Stage 1, there's a company in Cape Town which started the brand, I've seen very similar looking batteries under the name Green Deer so I assume they're sourcing from the same manufacturer in China.

@faustinpippin9208

11 ай бұрын

In my country where people make like 500$ per month, we have to pay for standalone cells like 400$ per 1kwh, if you take into account the salaries in the US they have super cheap stuff

@johnwolf1475

10 ай бұрын

@@faustinpippin9208 really ? i get 1900 a month- car insurance food rent.. screwed by the govt-- there aint much left over-- unless u making bank which is less than 5%

Excellent video as always. I want to build a battery for my 13KWh solar system, but NOT for back up. I want to power shift so I import almost ZERO power from the electric company. Suggestions????

@WillProwse First, thank you for excellent videos! At 6:45 you mention buying a bunch of cheap ones and a higher end in parallel for comms... could you do a video on that? Benefits and disadvantages, etc.? Thanks in advance!

Nice battery but I got the EG4 6 months ago to match their 6500ex -48 Inverter, also the colors are cool

EG4 worked for me with the free server rack and shipping. That deal isn't always available though.

I saw SOK and some comments and knew it was a solid product.

Not there in my battery journey yet, but your suggestion of pairing one of the higher cost SOK with 5 of these new lower cost units seems like a great way to go! 😊

@Alfonso_111

Жыл бұрын

They are not compatible. Just checked the details on current connected..

@Ontariolabz

Жыл бұрын

@HighTechLab says: We do not recommend connecting this battery in parallel with the advanced version SK48v100 as it may lead to system instability.

@anthonyrichardson7543

Жыл бұрын

@@Alfonso_111 - great to know. Thanks for checking it out!

@tomclausing9316

Жыл бұрын

Not to second guess Mr. Lab but I've heard the same answer to that question with another pack that's bms compatible at least as far as the monitoring software goes -- I tested it. It sounds like a canned CYA response, i.e. no specifics given on why exactly it's incompatible.

@HighTechLab

Жыл бұрын

@@tomclausing9316 because if one battery is communicating it will tell the inverter max charge current 95A. I will make a video on the Current Connected KZread channel this weekend. There are also current sharing issues and the BMSs operate very differently

Would really love to see you do a video comparison between Victron and EG4. My plan now is to use Sok with victron, but the all in one capability of EG4 is VERY tempting.

@HighTechLab

Жыл бұрын

SOK and Victron are totally compatible

I have 3 of the more expensive SOk server rack batteries. I like the idea of adding these to add capacity for a lower price.

THANKS WILL! As a newby the whole "you have to attach a resistor when first charging to ameliorate the inrush current" thing is kind of daunting. Paying a bit more when you have a lower confidence level can be appealing but GOLLY these are priced to move.

@WillProwse

Жыл бұрын

I've never had issues and I have 5 of them. What are you connecting it to Chris

@WillProwse

Жыл бұрын

@@CS30123 that was V2 BMS and there were only a couple bad ones. They are at V8 now and haven't had any issues

@Dave_D.

Жыл бұрын

EXACTLY what I was thinking!! I'm looking to get a pair of 48v 100ah batts, and was up in the air over EG4, EG4 v2, SOK w/ the screen, and now this one. Right now, I'm leaning towards the 'better' SOK.

Nice brother. We hope we can come see you while we are in town.

Eg4 just because of the communication ❤

pls test the renogy 100ah with built in battery next !!! love your vids❤

If I start buying these, I'll have to build a data center to camp in. The last time I worked with 48vdc was in a telco CO.

Love these updates!

I have the EG4 3000 EHV so I would probably go with the EG4 but hate them for customer service.

Will how about UL9540 listed?? Important to say whether these batteries are listed in your videos

I’m tempted to put one of these in mid size sailboat with a large dry ventilated engine room. Seems a lot more convenient and economical than building a system.

Amazon currently has the ExpertPower 48V 100Ah 5KWh LiFePO4 for $1,399. It has a display but doesn't seem to have communication. They claim a warranty of 10 years.

Thank you for your great reports

This IMO is an even better battery for the portable generator build

Competition is always a good thing as long as it's an honest one because it always brings out the best in everyone, (lower prices). God Bless...

Will, what do you think about adding this battery to the Renogy Lycan to expand it's storage?

You said that you have another one of those SOK batteries for you system. It would be interesting to see if that second one also has electrical tape inside.

State of battery readout is only convenient if you are in front of the battery. I would rather have BT, then you can be in another room (ymmv) and still get that info.

this guy has the fastest outros on youtube ever. Even the 'bye' is ultra quick.

Will, you used to order and test cells straight from China. I'd like to see you do the same with server rack batteries. I've seen them recently for $1,000 ish.

@WillProwse

Жыл бұрын

I've already done that multiple times lol those videos don't get many views. If you share those videos and pump up their numbers then I'll make more of them

I like the price but they don’t allow for local pick up so shipping alone is $300 to me in Los Angeles

Hi, thanks for the information One qustion can i use my off grid inverter to charge my new battery up to high level then use 10A power supply to top balance them in 16s format?

Looks like the SOK is on sale now through your link for $1099. Seems alike a good deal.

The electrical tape is to hold the quick-connector together, so it never gets unplugged on accident.

@AdamDeLay07

Жыл бұрын

Instead of using electrical tape, what about some of the same adhesive used to keep the various connectors locked into the PCB? Either that or maybe a locking connector?

Not to mention eg4 now has a communication hub for lifepower4 batteries

I'm curious about your opinion on sodium ion batteries, na-ion. BYD made a car called Seagull and used sodium ion batteries using their blade technology. Would you ever consider those type of batteries?

Thank you for another informative video six stars

Thanks for the videos. Australia and New Zealand have a new BMS regulation requirement stating the temps of each cell in a module need to be monitored. Do you know of any battery that is doing that yet? This goes a step beyond module temperate monitoring.

Being a build by cell person I would try SOK for sure.

@proz71ful19

Жыл бұрын

Where do you buy the bare cells?

From what I've experienced with EG4, SOK is the way to go.

@boomermatic6035

Жыл бұрын

same

@CryptoNut82

Жыл бұрын

Never had a problem with all my 24v EG4 batteries but I’m sure the SOKs are great

@jsauerii

Жыл бұрын

Care to expand on Why?

when you add shipping costs the EG4 is cheaper, at least to where I live in Central Florida.

I love these battery review videos and how you use them in your various setups. What I'd really like to see (even just as a whiteboard exercise as I wouldn't expect you to actually build it) is how I can set up a three phase system with batteries. I have 10kw of panels with a 3ph grid tied inverter (SMA). I am looking to add a large battery system as I would like to charge my EV if there is not enough surplus solar, off the batteries. I don't mind installing a LOT of battery capacity if that will allow the peak load to accommodate EV charging. I can time the charging too so that the peak load on the whole property is no higher than 10kw for example. What would be the best way to do this? Should I scrap the grid tied inverter and get a new 10-15kw 3 phase inverter that can do all the diversions, or use the existing one and charge via AC etc... Use a bank of batteries per phase with bank balancing or a single block of batteries with another 3ph inverter? What would you suggest for efficiency?

@Berkeloid0

Жыл бұрын

If you have a bank per phase the balancing is going to be critical otherwise as soon as one phase drops out the charging will likely stop. It's unfortunate in some ways because the first thing an EV will do is convert the single or three phase input into DC, so in some ways it would be better to just charge via DC in most cases, except that it's more complex. (With DC charging YOU have to listen to what the car says and adjust the voltage and current limits, with AC charging you tell the car how many amps to draw and it limits the current for you.) Either way, timing the charge start/stop would be less critical in your case, as you can just tell the car to soak up the excess, even if that excess is zero at certain times of the day. If your charger speaks OCPP then you can send it commands to adjust the load limit in amps, which for AC charging it then passes onto the car to be applied, usually within one second or so (but it can be longer as some vehicles gradually ramp up or down to avoid causing a surge). Whether you want to use your existing inverter or a new 3ph one depends on whether you want to be able to charge your car in a blackout. If your current 3ph inverter shuts off if the grid loses power, then you might want to investigate a new 3ph inverter, but if it can run your house off batteries already when the grid is down then it's probably cheaper to keep using that. I am looking forward to the day when you can buy a DC EV charger that runs off a wide DC input range (like 12 to 1000 V DC), as that will allow you to charge a vehicle off batteries, solar, wind, the grid, etc. much more easily than AC charging, since the charger itself will have much finer grained control over how much power goes into the car so it can better cope with fluctuations, such as a momentary drop in power as a cloud goes over the solar panels. It would work like a conventional solar charge controller, but instead of connecting to a 12 V battery, it would connect to the car instead. With an AC charger there is enough latency there that you will probably need some reserved battery capacity to top up the shortfall to avoid drawing too much power and tripping the inverter, if you were trying to hit the maximum power your system can deliver.

@tonykuiper9127

Жыл бұрын

​@@Berkeloid0 I think the solution will be to get a new inverter with a larger capacity and increase the PV output another 5kw-10kw. My existing system went up in 2011 so the panels are pretty low compared to todays stuff (190w). Or just replace everything and go micro inverter on the panel...

I’m going to stick to EG4 since I’m buying their inverters

Have 5 of the more expensive versions - I guess i'd stick with those so I can keep the communications when I add five more in the future.

3of these and my cabin is set!!

I like that one is white and one is black. maybe if you are looking for aesthetics, match up by your server room

Just an fyi the new version of the budget eg4 LL (yellow in color) does have blue tooth with their app.

Waterproof battery? I would DEFINITELY buy that!!

@davidstangeland4810

Жыл бұрын

Will it float😅

Nice. I am liking the price of batteries lately. I hope it lasts.

I need this to be 12v for Rv/van installs .

Will. I have faced a server rack battery suddenly shorting inside. No idea how to act when smoke started. Can you make a video about dangers and how to act against an scenario like that?

By the time my current leaf cells fail, you might be testing solid state battery packs or core tap technology!? 😮

I just bought a set of 2 EG4 server batteries along with the 6500W EG4 inverter. They were $100 off each battery, and they can communicate with the inverter, so I thought that was a pretty good deal. Do I need a pre-charge resistor for the EG4's?

I'd do the SOK tbh.. All these batteries are super long lived, and the SOK seems to be of better construction. Set n' forget.. Don't need all that communication stuff in reality. Dial your inverter/chargers etc to charge/discharge your battery bank once and you'll be fine for a good 10+ years.

Which has the higher max discharge current and Lowest Internal Resistance? Those are big indicators too.

Could you have a look and review the SyntechSolar?

This is that good content 💪💪

Which would you recommend for RV use?

Shipping price matters as well.

Will, if I understand what you said about adding a couple of the more expensive server rack batteries to a bunch of these batteries and put one on each end of the batteries that are paralleled, I will be able to read all the cells of the other batteries as well?

@WillProwse

Жыл бұрын

No

The EG4 can be connected into series to 96v which would work for my ev sailboat....if SOK could it would be a difficult choice...but if either company wants to send me two I'll gladly test them out in a real world environment lol.

LG4 only service USA and territories only. Same with SOK - Not available internationally. 😢

Will Prowse: Do you think Sodiu Ion batteries will take off?

I just bough 2x 5kwh 48v server rack batteries for 2000$. will be interesting to see how it fares.

Keep the prices dropping so more people can become more self reliant!

I wet with 2 SOK w/ screen in the end. Did hours research. Company in stable and good standards and I wanted some robust and safe Batteries. Doing my system solo, its been fun but how you electricians read that NEC code book....WOW.

What's a good inverter or hybrid inverter for this 48V voltage to power a home?

I like both EG4 and SOK, nice to see some pricing/product parody, now just pick what fits your use case and needs/wants.

@WillProwse, I'd like some advice I want to buy a vertical DIY house from Seplos. I don't have much space in the room.. I'm a little worried about the bottom cells by stacking 8 EVE 280aH in two columns. What do you think? Can the weight be a problem at the bottom?

Good video. Thanks.

I would like to know how to size an off grid system with a built in buffer of battery backup so you aren't running a generator very often. A lot of systems in the north where there is snow and the panels can be offline for a couple days at a time build in more capacity of panels and batteries but every system I have seen is highly dependent on propane generators. Many use hundreds of hours of generator time per year and that can be expensive and its another point of failure.

Hey Will! Is it possible to build a 4 MW battery with these batteries. If yes, what is the point of buying a Tesla mega pack ?

I saw another video about B2U Storage Solutions using old Nissan Leaf batteries. Are you aware of any home-grown battery packs made from old EV battery packs or any challenges from using them in a design?

Hello Will, is it posible to store solar power for home use on a used EV battery? I have seen a few good priced ones on eBay. Can it be done? Is is feasible? Or is it best to stick to the ones that you review on your videos. Thanks.

Is this SOK Battery the one to buy for the 3000W hand cart build?

This is exciting news!

i just wonder is the main positive and negative will get hot when pulling a constant 80A

I'm a little confused....Do you need an LED display on each battery pack? Or can the display on 1 unit provide information about the whole 'rack'/'stack' ?

With it being so basic, how would the price compare to a DIY pack (buying individual components) of the same size / performance?

Hey Will, who has the best dynamo set up these days?

I love what you do but where can we find a place to ask questions not on the topic of the video? What i mean is i have #4 Trojan T105's and want to know what is the best operating temp as i would like to put them in a van and dont want to cook or freeze them? Just looking for a page where questions can be asked about our problems or stuff we cant find. please and thank you have a great day.

@HighTechLab

Жыл бұрын

diysolarforum is a good place.

Will this work on your 48V portable set up?

I loe the SOK warranty gonna go with SOK Buying 20 save a lot of money...

Would be nice in his reviews of the grid tie inverters that he ACTUALLY connects to the grid and shows and tests them.

@tehpanda64

11 ай бұрын

Yeah... but that requires an electrician... and paperwork.... and an inspection... probably would take a whole month just to get everything lined up.

@mrstimpy100

11 ай бұрын

Yes...sadly. But, that is what he does! Tests and shows us how these work and different manufacturers. It may take a few months to do 2 or 3 of them. He could use the same panel set. I want to see how well they push excess on the grid while you are using it to power a load and how they interact with battery's! Why do you think we watch him? He doesn't just talk about the batteries, inverters, panels, or systems. He tests them. Rips them apart. Goes thru the frustrations of parameters, interfaces, poor performance and the good too.

It looks good!

Dakota Lithium review please. Or at least why it's not talked about other than being a direct competitor to Battle Born. Thanks