12V LiFePO4 Battery Series Configuration 101

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[WillProwse]

Your 12V lifepo4 battery needs to be rated for series connection to 48V. Only a few batteries on the market are not able to do this, such as the renogy "smart" 12V battery.

Every battery review video I have, we cover this or I take the BMS apart and check the voltage rating of the FETs. If a batteries manual and advertising literature do not say you can, don't do it.




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Affiliate information and disclaimers:
Every video includes some form of paid promotion or sponsorship. Links in description are affiliate links. My videos are for educational purpose only. Information is subject to change/update at anytime. Electricity is DANGEROUS and can kill. Be smart and use common sense :)

DIY Solar Power with Will Prowse is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program,
An affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
FTC Disclosure Statement:
Some links on this youtube channel may be affiliate links. We may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these.

[jasper]

I think I just realized the reason Will’s videos are so great has to do with the editing that strings together coherent thoughts back to back without any junk or confusing filler talk. Well done sir. This level of editing has *got* to be super time consuming.

[P_RO_]

I'm liking seeing some new 'beginner' level bids mixed in with the 'advanced' ones. All your stuff is good, but your newer vids are more polished reflecting your gained experience making them. I may never have a decent solar system with my tiny income, but I follow the 'state of the art' on this channel and never cease to learn something on each vid. This channel rocks!

[LithiumSolar]

Somehow your explanations are always much more clear than mine lol. I still think there is value to putting them in parallel with the charger on for a day or two before connecting in series. I don't trust that the cells inside each battery are completely balanced from the factory, especially on the cheap batteries. Also, I love those AIMS chargers! It's become one of my favorite piece of equipment.

[jimhanty]

Remember, everyday NEW people are entering the market… all they know is what you say today… what was said 3 years ago, while valid, is not as relevant as newer info on newer equipment…. Plus, your better at the teaching thing than when you lived in that van and didn’t have the resources you do now… great job young man… in a world of so many slacker kids, you are to be commended …….👍

[jedics]

This kind of basic solar video reminds me of the days when Will was poor living in his Rv and I was thinking I could do the same, and I did, don't think I will be making the same leap to a huge house and a Tesla but thats fine, Im very comfortable and independent which is partly due to what I learnt from this channel :)

[SaintAnger]

It's good that you're retouching on beginner stuff even though you've already have done it. I think this is a good route for future videos

[alanasmutt]

Honestly....I have no clue about this topic, but you make things so understandable. I would honestly pay for a full course from absolutely beginner for someone who has no knowledge but wants to learn. Like this is a battery and this is an inverter, and go through how to set up an system from start to finish with a materials list etc. You are so clear and concise with how you deliver your knowledge! Thank you!!!

[theusconstitution]

This kid is incredible. He knows more about the systems than the manufacturers or their engineers.😍😍😍😍😍🇺🇸

[gefginn]

Great post Will. You are a natural teacher/ instructor. You are clear and concise.

[centerrightproudamerican]

Another great video Will!!.

Folks: Not all batteries are rated for putting 4 in series. Be sure to check how many in series your particular brand & model can support.

[john_in_phoenix]

That's actually a very nice charger with PFC (power factor correction). PFC means it is more energy efficient. It also means it works well with a true sign wave generator, don't use it with a modified sine wave cheap generator. Good video that covers the important parts for entry level series batteries.

[cuteone]

Thanks for thinking of those of us who are solar challenged. ☀️

[rickharold]

Always love hearing battery talk! Even if I know it, there is some new piece of info I learn or re-remember. Thx !

[BigBirdNest]

I’ve purchased 4 x 12V 100AH lithium batteries for my 48V golf cart. I’ve also purchased a 48V lithium charger. When all 4 batteries are connected in series, how do I charge all 4 at once? Do I connect the positive to the first battery and negative to the last battery? Any and all help would be appreciated. Thank you!

[jeffchin]

Can you use the same 12V charger to charge them in series after you put them in the same SOC?

[SuperVstech]

Well done, once again Will.
Very clear and detailed for your viewers!

[RicoCantrell]

That comment on state of charge vs voltage is a good point brother.

[jimj]

Thank you for another excellent video. Voltage and state of charge are not intuitive concepts. You did a nice job explaining them. Thanks again

[smalluniverse]

always love the way you explain all the basics again, especially to new comers..