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   Steve's Place (steter@mastodon.stevesworld.co)'s status on Tuesday, 17-Feb-2026 05:58:42 JST Steve's Place

   I wondered if I was overdoing it with the hours I'm using the big DIY UPS battery pack, so I went to solar sites to see what they think best practices are for LiFePo4 batteries.

   According to everything I read, these are designed for 7500 cycles, but those cycles are deep cycles. I'm only using 20%-25% daily, before recharging. Taking into account holidays and weekends, when I won't be using it, the pack should be good for roughly 60 years. My heirs can enjoy some savings, lol.

   If we ever get off-grid solar approved so I can hang panels on my deck, woo-hoo! In the meantime, I'm saving a bit during PGE's daytime and expensive early-evening rates on their TOD plan.

   #DIY #DIY_electronics

   • Embed this notice
     Steve's Place (steter@mastodon.stevesworld.co)'s status on Tuesday, 17-Feb-2026 08:12:38 JST Steve's Place

     in reply to

     • George Dinwiddie

     @gdinwiddie From a website I visited:

     "Data-Driven Insights on Cycle Life

     The difference in cycle life at various DoD levels is not minor. While LiFePO4 batteries are robust enough to handle deep discharges, the impact on longevity is clear. The U.S. Department of Energy actively supports research into extending battery lifespan as a key factor in making renewable energy more viable.

     Depth of Discharge (DoD) Estimated Cycle Life
     100% 2,000 - 3,500 cycles
     80% 4,000 - 6,000 cycles
     50% 8,000 - 10,000+ cycles
     20-30% 15,000+ cycles

     Note: These are typical industry estimates. Actual performance can vary based on manufacturer, temperature, and other factors."

   • Embed this notice
     George Dinwiddie (gdinwiddie@mastodon.social)'s status on Tuesday, 17-Feb-2026 08:12:39 JST George Dinwiddie

     in reply to

     @steter How do LiFePo4 batteries do with shallow cycles? Some batteries lose capacity when not deeply discharged before recharging, but it's been a long time since I studied that topic.