DIY Battery Pack with Sol-Ark Inverter, Whole Home Backup

DIY Battery Pack with Sol-Ark Inverter, Whole Home Backup

Project Details:

  • LFP prismatic cells (REPT 280Ah)
  • 16S2P configuration, 51.2V nominal, 560Ah (~28kWh Capacity)
  • Nuvation BMS and custom stack switchgear – view options
  • Compression end plates – view product
  • Custom bus bars – view options
  • Sol-Ark 12kW hybrid inverter – manufacturer site
  • 5kW AC-coupled solar (Enphase micro-inverters)
  • 3kW DC-Coupled solar (To Sol-Ark MPPT)
  • Application:
    • Time-of-Use optimization
    • Recharge with solar only
    • Zero grid draw 5pm–8pm
    • Whole-home backup

📺 Watch the Full DIY Build Series

This six-part video playlist documents the entire build from start to finish—designing, assembling, and commissioning the system in Joshua Tree. Follow along to see each step in detail.

📌 Subscribe to SolarJoeJoe on YouTube for future DIY builds and solar tips!

🧰 Step-by-Step Build

Design it First

Design mockup

Final Layout

Battery dimensions

Wall Planning

Wall layout

Cell Assembly: Compression Plates First

Compression plates

Progress Update

Mid-build battery photo

BMS Configuration

Nuvation BMS

Sol-Ark Programming

Sol-Ark inverter screen

Final Install Photos

Final wiring Wiring rack view

💡 Why This Matters

  • Lower utility bills by avoiding peak rates
  • Charge batteries with solar only or when utility rates are low
  • Whole home backup with Sol-Ark
  • Built using parts available on OGSolarStore.com

Sol-Ark installed

⚡ Want to Save Even More?

This follow-up video shows how we fine-tuned the Time-of-Use settings on the Sol-Ark inverter to slash energy bills even further. If you’ve already installed your system, this is a must-watch!

Sol-Ark TOU settings video

Inspired to build your own system? You can find all the same components—from REPT cells to bus bars and compression plates—right here on OGSolarStore.com. Let’s build something smart together. 🛠️

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1 comment

The link to purchase custom bus bars for the 16S2P configuration appears unavailable. Could you please provide the correct link so I can buy them?

kenny

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