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KinAlberta
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# Posted: 31 Dec 2024 11:59am
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Interesting article. (A friend of mine also repurposed used laptop batteries for his early model electric bike.)
Ingenious DIY setup powers home for 8 years with over 1,000 repurposed laptop batteries
https://www.techspot.com/news/106156-eight-years-success-diy-power-system-using-over. html
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gcrank1
Member
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# Posted: 31 Dec 2024 12:29pm
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Technologically interesting
I get the idea the builder has exercised his OCD in this project 
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ICC
Member
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# Posted: 31 Dec 2024 05:22pm
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I believe the guy is phenomenally lucky or is lying.
I appreciate the concern over the quantity of li-ion cells that get trashed rather than recycled. However, lithium ion cells are the more (most?) dangerous type of lithium cells. When connected in series strings there will eventually be an imbalance in voltages between cells unless there is a BMS. The photos don't seem to have enough wires for there to be a BMS. All it takes in one cell to go bad and run hot to start trouble you don't want. At least he put them in a shed and not the house.
It also appears he has soldered the wires to the cell ends. That carries a danger of overheating the cell. With practise one can do a good enough job, and it looks like he had lots of practise. A cell tab spot welder is safer and with 100's of cells a good investment IMO. I have one and feel better about packs I have made using nickel strips and spot welding.
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Curly
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# Posted: 31 Dec 2024 09:10pm
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I would guess that guy has not told his insurance company how he powers his home.
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paulz
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# Posted: 1 Jan 2025 09:25am - Edited by: paulz
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Ha, true Curly. And the local power company is wondering who sent them all those empty laptops 8 years ago. 
With that much time under his belt he must have it figured out.
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gcrank1
Member
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# Posted: 1 Jan 2025 11:03am
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Paul, maybe when you retire you can........
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paulz
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# Posted: 1 Jan 2025 11:50am
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I’m long retired (so is my only 56 yo wife after 20 years working the Costco door) which is why we can cabin live in the boonies so much.
I have another power plan though. I’m up to 4 now of these $99 on sale LFPs, worrying about Trumps tariff plan. That’s why I’ve been playing around starting engines with one. But if my old Lfp bank finally bites the dust I could parallel these up.
I did test powering the cabin with one for a day last week. No measurable numbers to report but it did about the same as the old Valences, which seem to be hanging in there just fine.
You can get Bluetooth 100ah ones now for 150. Tempting though I don’t really have the need. My hearing aids have Bluetooth, even that’s too much modern fooling around for me.
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Brettny
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# Posted: 3 Jan 2025 05:58am
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Geez useing 18650 cells is like useing AA batteries to try and power a house.
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gcrank1
Member
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# Posted: 3 Jan 2025 08:53am
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But if ya got a bunch of old laptops laying around.....lol
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Makallamt
Member
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# Posted: 20 Oct 2025 04:41am
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Thanks for information
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Makallamt
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# Posted: 27 Oct 2025 10:56am
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The “Ingenious DIY setup powers home for 8 years with over 1,000 repurposed laptop batteries” thread on the Small Cabin Forum highlights the creativity behind off-grid energy solutions. While some members raise concerns about battery safety without proper management, others admire the sustainable approach. This discussion underscores the value of careful planning in self-sufficient living. Likewise, tools like a fasting and hydration reminder or Wellness-App (https://wellness-app.com/) can help individuals maintain balanced health habits, promoting proper hydration and nutrition even in remote environments.
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Project Mayhem78
Member
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# Posted: 27 Oct 2025 11:50am
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what is up with the weird AI generated post above??
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travellerw
Member
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# Posted: 27 Oct 2025 01:26pm
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Quoting: paulz You can get Bluetooth 100ah ones now for 150. Tempting though I don’t really have the need. My hearing aids have Bluetooth, even that’s too much modern fooling around for me.
I've watched a couple of teardown videos of those exact batteries. They are actually made with fairly quality components and techniques. Not crap!
Unfortunately, up here in Canada we can only wish for $99. I think the cheapest I saw them was $213!
As to the original article. I agree 100% with ICC. Laptop cells with no BMS is insane.
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