Any reviews on LiFe4POWER batteries?

[shifttymike]

So preorders for these batteries close at the end of tomorrow. They’re being sold by a reputable Carb member and the pricing is very competitive, although I haven’t seen any reviews on them.
Can anyone comment on build quality, performance, compatibility, features etc.?
I’m keen to get one (48/100 gold) but with so little information available it’s really hard to do my due diligence. Would love to hear some real world experience from customers.

 

[Confucius]

@KURT_COCAIN @Qui_Illustrati

 

[NI∀ƆOƆ‾⊥ᴚ∩ʞ]

Think @Qui_Illustrati has a 48v, not sure which one though.

I cannot comment, mine will only arrive in April. I'm selling them as I couldn't wait.

https://carbonite.co.za/index.php?threads/2-x-lifepower-48v-100ah-5120wh-s48-100r.470312/

 

[yourang]

Mine works 100% I got 24v100, ordered one thats coming in April.

 

[mav3rick]

Not an expert - have a 48v 100ah Silver battery

Summary: Works well. Seen it discharge at 50A for 10mins+. Has stopped load shedding in my home for the last 3 weeks

What doesn't work: 4th SOC Led doesn't work - not too important as the first 3 do work. Couldn't get battery comms to work with Solar Assistant - could be battery, could be cable, could be Solar assistant - haven't had time to dig further

Would buy another if I had the money ....

 

[Qui_Illustrati]

@KURT_COCAIN @Qui_Illustrati

I have the S48-200R (200ah 48v). I've put it through it's paces. They are actually pretty impressive. Capacity, charge, discharge all exactly as described. Extremely difficult to find the same value for money elsewhere, especially if you got in on the ground level on that first order. My intention was to purchase another 200ah as @ScottulusMaximus was benevolent enough to offer first order purchasers the opportunity to get another at the initial price. I couldn't get the funds together in time for the deadline.

Hard NOT to recommend these batteries considering the performance and accompanying warranty etc.Massive bang for your buck. In context to other offerings. I'm extremely happy with the purchase and has assisted me getting 95% off grid.

All this praise I have for it should entitle me to get another battery at the original price I paid despite me missing the deadline - no? @ScottulusMaximus 😃

 

[NI∀ƆOƆ‾⊥ᴚ∩ʞ]

I have the S48-200 (200ah 48v). I've put it through it's paces. They are actually pretty impressive. Capacity, charge, discharge all exactly as described. Extremely difficult to find the same value for money elsewhere, especially if yo got in on the ground level on that first order. My intention was to purchase another 200ah as @ScottulusMaximus was benevolent enough to offer first order purchasers the opportunity to get another at the initial price. I couldn't get the funds together in time for the deadline.

Hard NOT to recommend these batteries considering the performance and accompanying warranty etc. I'm extremely happy with the purchase and has assisted me getting 95% off grid.

All this praise I have for it should entitle me to get another battery at the original price I paid despite me missing the deadline - no? @ScottulusMaximus 😃

Just by mine same same...

 

[Qui_Illustrati]

Not an expert - have a 48v 100ah Silver battery

Summary: Works well. Seen it discharge at 50A for 10mins+. Has stopped load shedding in my home for the last 3 weeks

What doesn't work: 4th SOC Led doesn't work - not too important as the first 3 do work. Couldn't get battery comms to work with Solar Assistant - could be battery, could be cable, could be Solar assistant - haven't had time to dig further

Would buy another if I had the money ....

Have you ever seen the 4th LED light up? Out the box I'm sure you would've seen it lit?
If you're not seeing it light up now, are you sure you're charging it fully between load shedding cycles? Solar charging?
What inverter?

 

[Qui_Illustrati]

Just by mine same same...

Not the same same sadly. Also not the same same price I got my 200ah at

 

[NI∀ƆOƆ‾⊥ᴚ∩ʞ]

Not the same same sadly. Also not the same same price I got my 200ah at

But together they make 200ah 😝

 

[mav3rick]

@Qui_Illustrati

Nope, haven't seen it light up at all. It should at least flash past 75% to show its charging.
Looking at solar assistant data, I can tell when it gets to 57.6V,(full charge) and then floats at 54.4V (yes, cheap inverter I know these shouldn't float)

LOL, using it on the Proline I bought from you Axpert type inverter for everyone else.

 

[madness_inc]

If you can figure out the correct cable pinout then getting BMS Comms should be easy. It's usually just two specific pins that get swapped around on the battery side. I would *think* these should be similar to Pylontechs

 

[mav3rick]

If you can figure out the correct cable pinout then getting BMS Comms should be easy. It's usually just two specific pins that get swapped around on the battery side. I would *think* these should be similar to Pylontechs

I purchased the self crimp RS485 from Solar assist: SolarAssistant

I tried using pins 1,2,3 on the RJ45 side, and all the options for batteries inside solar assist - no joy
Then I tried using pins 6,7,8 on the RJ45 side, and same result.

So like I said, either the battery bms comms isn't working or I'm crimping the cable wrong or solar assistant can't talk to this BMS yet.

But this isn't a complaint on the battery at all - this thing is a beast.

 

[madness_inc]

I purchased the self crimp RS485 from Solar assist: SolarAssistant

I tried using pins 1,2,3 on the RJ45 side, and all the options for batteries inside solar assist - no joy
Then I tried using pins 6,7,8 on the RJ45 side, and same result.

So like I said, either the battery bms comms isn't working or I'm crimping the cable wrong or solar assistant can't talk to this BMS yet.

But this isn't a complaint on the battery at all - this thing is a beast.

Powerforum is full of people struggling to find the right pinouts for Vario different batteries. Typically should be shared by the battery manufacturer but usually buried in some obscure location or only shared with "approved" installers.

 

[Phoenix Energy]

But together they make 200ah 😝

Quick Math

 

[NI∀ƆOƆ‾⊥ᴚ∩ʞ]

Quick Math

Quick! but not accurate.

 

[Confucius]

Just BUY mine same same...

Ftfy

 

[NI∀ƆOƆ‾⊥ᴚ∩ʞ]

Ftfy

Its Monday ok.

 

[Qui_Illustrati]

@Qui_Illustrati

Nope, haven't seen it light up at all. It should at least flash past 75% to show its charging.
Looking at solar assistant data, I can tell when it gets to 57.6V,(full charge) and then floats at 54.4V (yes, cheap inverter I know these shouldn't float)

LOL, using it on the Proline I bought from you Axpert type inverter for everyone else.

Ah. Yes, of course. We had a phone conversation the other day about the inverter. Told you, I have an absolutely horrible memory 😁

Weird about that 4th LED. Your numbers look good on charge voltage, so I'm thinking probably a dodgy led globe. Maybe one day when you have some time perhaps do a capacity check just to make sure all is indeed well.

Did you get the document detailing cable pinout/ construction?

 

[ScottulusMaximus]

Summary: Works well. Seen it discharge at 50A for 10mins+. Has stopped load shedding in my home for the last 3 weeks

They are actually pretty impressive. Capacity, charge, discharge all exactly as described.

The advantage of using the full 16 cell setup unlike 15 cell competitors!

Couldn't get battery comms to work with Solar Assistant - could be battery, could be cable, could be Solar assistant - haven't had time to dig further

I purchased the self crimp RS485 from Solar assist: SolarAssistant

Is there an instruction manual for this? It says both RS232 and RS485 on that page, they're different and RS232 isn't going to be available.

Also what is the pin assignment?

Nope, haven't seen it light up at all. It should at least flash past 75% to show its charging.

That's odd, if it's an issue please can you email through a vid, but does sound like a dead globe rather than anything serious.

 

[TRINITRON]

The advantage of using the full 16 cell setup unlike 15 cell competitors!

lol subtle dig at Pylontech....

 

[shifttymike]

Thanks for all the input, and for chiming in @ScottulusMaximus
Think you’ve got yourself a new customer. The lead time will give me a chance to save for a SunSynk 😅

 

[ForestGump]

I have the 12V 100A, bronze

Exterior - no complaints, seems fine built but you really can't tell anything about the quality of a battery without opening it up to check the BMS, wiring, soldering etc.

Bluetooth imo is an almost standard feature on even entry level batteries now, really doesn't cost the manufacturer more than a $5 to add it to the BMS if they use an open protocol.

The amount of bullshitter-y that is done by Chinese battery suppliers is unbelievable, every scummy thing that can be done has been. But good suppliers do exist, and finding them is what makes a great deal. I think @ScottulusMaximus did put in a good amount of work evaluating suppliers but you would need to speak to him directly.

I would really appreciate a tear-down video because things like solder joints, wire thickness etc. matters to me and seperates a good battery from a chinese kak one, I'm happy to use them for myself but a bit hesitant to start selling them to friends/carbies without knowing whats going on inside it.

Its not uncommon to see very poorly joined cables, incorrect materials (BRONZE busbars!), undersized wires and poor BMS thermals on chinese batteries...Will Prowse does some really good tear-downs of Chinese batteries on his youtube channel if you guys want to check it out

EDIT: I should mention that my focus is more on low-cost portable solutions (like trolleys, vans etc.) not high voltage home setups
@shifttymike on paper the specs for the 48V, gold all look good and have the features you would want so, assuming everything is shap inside, you're getting a good deal for the price

 

[ScottulusMaximus]

lol subtle dig at Pylontech....

Lot's of brands only use 15 cells, not just pylon.

I would really appreciate a tear-down video because things like solder joints, wire thickness etc. matters to me and seperates a good battery from a chinese kak one, I'm happy to use them for myself but a bit hesitant to start selling them to friends/carbies without knowing whats going on inside it

You're welcome to pull yours apart! Not going to have excess stock availability to open a unit anytime soon. Also all these batteries are made in China

 

[ForestGump]

Lot's of brands only use 15 cells, not just pylon.



You're welcome to pull yours apart! Not going to have excess stock availability to open a unit anytime soon. Also all these batteries are made in China

If I can keep my warranty I'll do a full tear-down video for all the carbies 😅

Did the OEM give details on the internals?

 

[ScottulusMaximus]

If I can keep my warranty I'll do a full tear-down video for all the carbies

Lol no chance!

Did the OEM give details on the internals?

Wel yes, these are custom made for us, I decided on all the internals.

 

[NI∀ƆOƆ‾⊥ᴚ∩ʞ]

I decided on all the internals

Are they forged internals?

 

[ScottulusMaximus]

Are they forged internals?

Forged?

Don't know that term.

 

[mav3rick]

Is there an instruction manual for this? It says both RS232 and RS485 on that page, they're different and RS232 isn't going to be available.

Also what is the pin assignment?

Not much of one. It has 3 cables on the RJ45 side. GND - Black , RS485-A - Orange, RS485-B Yellow. Based on this I tried:
1 - Yellow
2 - Orange
3 - Black

and then I tried

6 - Black
7 - Orange
8 - Yellow

Didn't work unfortunately.

That's odd, if it's an issue please can you email through a vid, but does sound like a dead globe rather than anything serious.

I'm 100% sure it's just the led, based on voltages and how long this battery supports load. Thanks.

 

[ScottulusMaximus]

Not much of one. It has 3 cables on the RJ45 side. GND - Black , RS485-A - Orange, RS485-B Yellow. Based on this I tried:
1 - Yellow
2 - Orange
3 - Black

This is the physical cable you need but without an instruction manual for that cable I've no idea how to set up the software or what that cable is doing.