Rechargeable batteries and portable solar

[Drinkthekoolaid]

I'm looking into getting some rechargeable batteries that can be charged via solar.

I'm a total noob at this stuff.

I'm considering getting a kit something like this;

https://www.amazon.com/BigBlue-Charger-Foldable-Waterproof-Compatible/dp/B07ZQXPP17

https://www.amazon.com/EBL-Battery-Charger-Rechargeable-Batteries/dp/B00FQ6K7TC

I'm looking for a way to be able to recharge batteries off the grid. Do any of you guys have anything similar? Any advice?

 

[Drinkthekoolaid]

I'm also now interested in and trying to learn about solar generators

 

[Jackalope]

I have a couple of portable systems. One is an all-in-one package, a Renogy Phoenix. It's a briefcase style system, with a lithium battery, charge controller, solar panel and inverter in one complete package. An additional solar panel can be added. It's compact, and it has proven useful in portable amateur radio applications.

I also have some fold-up Bienno solar panels with a charge controller and Bienno lithium batteries. The lithium batteries are more expensive, but they'll last much longer than conventional batteries, and they can be discharged down to 5-10% without damage, and they maintain their rated voltage output until they're almost completely discharged.

 

[SonOfSun]

I have a couple of portable systems. One is an all-in-one package, a Renogy Phoenix. It's a briefcase style system, with a lithium battery, charge controller, solar panel and inverter in one complete package. An additional solar panel can be added. It's compact, and it has proven useful in portable amateur radio applications.

I also have some fold-up Bienno solar panels with a charge controller and Bienno lithium batteries. The lithium batteries are more expensive, but they'll last much longer than conventional batteries, and they can be discharged down to 5-10% without damage, and they maintain their rated voltage output until they're almost completely discharged.

Actually non-primary (rechargeable) lithium batteries don't maintain a near flat voltage until dead. A typical rechargeable lithium cell will vary between 3.0 - 4.2 volts over it's charge range. Your device may have a boost/buck converter to provide a regulated voltage output, but the batteries themselves will vary quite a bit on the voltage side. Most lithium ion batteries you use daily are actually Lithium Cobalt Oxide cells. There are other types such as Lithium Iron Phosphate, Lithium Manganese Oxide, etc. that are less common.

BU-303: Confusion with Voltages

BU meta description needed...

batteryuniversity.com

 

[Jackalope]

Actually non-primary (rechargeable) lithium batteries don't maintain a near flat voltage until dead. A typical rechargeable lithium cell will vary between 3.0 - 4.2 volts over it's charge range. Your device may have a boost/buck converter to provide a regulated voltage output, but the batteries themselves will vary quite a bit on the voltage side. Most lithium ion batteries you use daily are actually Lithium Cobalt Oxide cells. There are other types such as Lithium Iron Phosphate, Lithium Manganese Oxide, etc. that are less common.

BU-303: Confusion with Voltages

BU meta description needed...

batteryuniversity.com

Actually, I'm using lithium iron phosphate batteries, which do indeed maintain their voltage until they're almost depleted. I guess I should have specified the type of lithium battery chemistry that I use. I'm not familiar with lithium cobalt oxide batteries, I'm guessing they must be like the Energizer lithium batteries. In any case, from the Bioenno website:

"General: How much power do I have left in my battery, how can I tell?
A Bioenno Power Lithium Iron Phosphate battery is not like traditional batteries. With a traditional battery such as an SLA/AGM/GEL the voltage drop is linear and proportional to discharge. Our batteries will not show voltage drop until the end of the battery's rated capacity upon which the battery will automatically shut off. With our battery you will need a device called an "In-Line Watt Meter" which is attached between your battery and your load."

The quote is from the Bioenno FAQ webpage: FAQ - LiFePO4 Batteries

I've been using Bioeeno and Renogy lithium iron phosphate batteries in a number of applications, and from my real world experience, the voltage does stay close to their rated voltages. Both Bioenno and Renogy produce and sell lithium iron phosphate batteries, which are commonly used by amateur radio operators and hikers due to their relatively light weight when compared to traditional lead acid batteries. In one application at our homestead, we're using lithium iron phosphate batteries as a back-up 12 volt power source, providing DC electricity for LED lighting and ham radio equipment. The lithium batteries are charged by four 100 watt solar panels. It should be noted that lithium batteries do require a charge controller that specifically charges lithium batteries. I've got multiple smaller lithium battery set-ups for an off grid cabin and a camping trailer, and another system with folding panels that are used for portable ham radio operations, plus the Renogy Phoenix system. Lithium iron phosphate batteries have an expected lifetime of decades, so for me, the extra expense is justified.

 

[MothMan]

Looking to put a 100AH LiFePo4 battery on my new RV. Will need to upgrade converter.

New batteries are coming out all the time. Around here low temp charge protection on the BMS is big.

 

[SonOfSun]

Actually, I'm using lithium iron phosphate batteries, which do indeed maintain their voltage until they're almost depleted. I guess I should have specified the type of lithium battery chemistry that I use. I'm not familiar with lithium cobalt oxide batteries, I'm guessing they must be like the Energizer lithium batteries. In any case, from the Bioenno website:

"General: How much power do I have left in my battery, how can I tell?
A Bioenno Power Lithium Iron Phosphate battery is not like traditional batteries. With a traditional battery such as an SLA/AGM/GEL the voltage drop is linear and proportional to discharge. Our batteries will not show voltage drop until the end of the battery's rated capacity upon which the battery will automatically shut off. With our battery you will need a device called an "In-Line Watt Meter" which is attached between your battery and your load."

The quote is from the Bioenno FAQ webpage: FAQ - LiFePO4 Batteries

I've been using Bioeeno and Renogy lithium iron phosphate batteries in a number of applications, and from my real world experience, the voltage does stay close to their rated voltages. Both Bioenno and Renogy produce and sell lithium iron phosphate batteries, which are commonly used by amateur radio operators and hikers due to their relatively light weight when compared to traditional lead acid batteries. In one application at our homestead, we're using lithium iron phosphate batteries as a back-up 12 volt power source, providing DC electricity for LED lighting and ham radio equipment. The lithium batteries are charged by four 100 watt solar panels. It should be noted that lithium batteries do require a charge controller that specifically charges lithium batteries. I've got multiple smaller lithium battery set-ups for an off grid cabin and a camping trailer, and another system with folding panels that are used for portable ham radio operations, plus the Renogy Phoenix system. Lithium iron phosphate batteries have an expected lifetime of decades, so for me, the extra expense is justified.

LiCos are common in most things people think of as using a lithium ion battery (cell phones, wireless earphones, 18650 cells, etc.).

Yeah LiFePo4 cells have a much more stable voltage profile. They just aren't nearly as common as Cobalt based cells as they don't have the same energy density (I listed them as a less common chemistry in the post you quoted).