A 16kWh DIY Solar Battery Project: EVE Grade A 314Ah Cells from Canada
Four boxes left our Windsor, Ontario location for a customer in British Columbia.
They did not contain a finished battery. Inside were sixteen Grade A EVE 3.2V 314Ah LiFePO4 cells—the foundation of a future 51.2V 314Ah solar battery capable of storing approximately 16.1kWh of nominal energy.
Before shipping, we removed every cell from its packaging, examined the exterior and measured its voltage and internal resistance. The cells were then returned to their protective packaging with the included busbars and terminal hardware.
How Sixteen Cells Become a 16kWh Solar Battery
A single 314Ah cell has a nominal voltage of 3.2V. Connecting sixteen cells in series creates a 16S battery:
3.2V × 16 = 51.2V
At 314Ah, the completed battery would provide approximately 16.1kWh of nominal energy.
This configuration is commonly described as a 48V solar battery, even though its actual nominal voltage is 51.2V. “48V” is the familiar solar-system category; 51.2V is the nominal voltage produced by sixteen LiFePO4 cells.
It is a popular format for DIY solar energy storage, home backup power and off-grid battery projects.
Why DIY Builders Choose Individual Cells
Building from individual cells gives the owner control over the BMS, enclosure, wiring and final layout. It also makes the internal components accessible for future inspection or replacement.
At the time of this order, the Grade A 314Ah cells were CAD $159 each. Sixteen cells cost CAD $2,544. A suitable 16S 200A solar BMS is available separately for approximately CAD $200, bringing the cells and optional BMS to about CAD $2,744—approximately CAD $171 per nominal kWh.
The customer in this video purchased the cells and connection hardware only; a BMS was not included in this shipment. An enclosure, compression, cables, fuse and other assembly materials are also required for a finished battery.
Grade A Cells with Canadian Support
These are Grade A EVE 314Ah LiFePO4 cells supplied with connection hardware and a two-year quality warranty.
Panda Batteries is a Canadian supplier of Grade A LiFePO4 cells, DIY solar battery kits, smart BMS units and lithium battery pack assembly components. We supply 12V, 24V and 48V battery projects and serve customers throughout Canada and the United States.
For customers planning a 48V or 51.2V DIY solar battery, Panda Batteries can supply the cells, connection hardware and optional BMS needed to begin the project.