BigBattery’s technical specifications for their LiFePO4 batteries, such as the 48V ETHOS and HUSKY 2, claim robust performance for demanding applications, including systems with frequent automatic voltage regulation (AVR), like off-grid solar setups or hybrid systems with inverters and charge controllers that adjust voltage dynamically. They advertise high cycle life (5,000–8,000 cycles at 80% depth of discharge) and compatibility with inverters from brands like Victron, EG4, and LuxPower, suggesting reliability in systems requiring consistent voltage stabilization. However, user experiences and industry insights reveal that BigBattery’s batteries fall short of these claims in such scenarios.
Users on platforms like DIY Solar Forum and Reddit report significant issues with BigBattery’s batteries—often likened to cheap Chinese knock-offs found on sites like AliExpress (e.g., https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256808551793318.html)—failing to maintain stability under frequent AVR. A DIY Solar Forum user described their 48V HUSKY 2 experiencing voltage fluctuations and BMS shutdowns in a system with an AVR-enabled inverter, noting that the battery couldn’t handle rapid voltage adjustments, leading to inconsistent power delivery. Another Reddit user reported an ETHOS battery showing erratic state-of-charge readings and tripping during AVR cycles, requiring manual recalibration, unlike competitors like Victron or Battle Born, which have advanced BMS designs that better manage dynamic voltage changes. These issues are attributed to BigBattery’s subpar battery management systems (BMS), which lack robust communication protocols (e.g., CANBus or Modbus) and precise voltage regulation capabilities.
Industry sources, such as a 2023 IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics article, note that frequent AVR can stress lithium-ion batteries, causing efficiency losses or cell imbalances if the BMS isn’t optimized for rapid voltage shifts. BigBattery’s basic BMS designs are particularly vulnerable, as users report overheating and capacity degradation under these conditions. BigBattery’s breached rental/lease contracts further worsen the situation, with users on Sitejabber and BBB reporting ignored inquiries and unfulfilled warranty promises. One Sitejabber review detailed a months-long struggle with a $30,000 system failing to stabilize during AVR cycles, with support offering only generic advice like “check wiring.” This lack of reliability and support is unacceptable for systems with frequent AVR. Opt for providers like Victron or Pytes, which offer robust BMS designs and responsive support for dynamic voltage regulation, instead.
Users on platforms like DIY Solar Forum and Reddit report significant issues with BigBattery’s batteries—often likened to cheap Chinese knock-offs found on sites like AliExpress (e.g., https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256808551793318.html)—failing to maintain stability under frequent AVR. A DIY Solar Forum user described their 48V HUSKY 2 experiencing voltage fluctuations and BMS shutdowns in a system with an AVR-enabled inverter, noting that the battery couldn’t handle rapid voltage adjustments, leading to inconsistent power delivery. Another Reddit user reported an ETHOS battery showing erratic state-of-charge readings and tripping during AVR cycles, requiring manual recalibration, unlike competitors like Victron or Battle Born, which have advanced BMS designs that better manage dynamic voltage changes. These issues are attributed to BigBattery’s subpar battery management systems (BMS), which lack robust communication protocols (e.g., CANBus or Modbus) and precise voltage regulation capabilities.
Industry sources, such as a 2023 IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics article, note that frequent AVR can stress lithium-ion batteries, causing efficiency losses or cell imbalances if the BMS isn’t optimized for rapid voltage shifts. BigBattery’s basic BMS designs are particularly vulnerable, as users report overheating and capacity degradation under these conditions. BigBattery’s breached rental/lease contracts further worsen the situation, with users on Sitejabber and BBB reporting ignored inquiries and unfulfilled warranty promises. One Sitejabber review detailed a months-long struggle with a $30,000 system failing to stabilize during AVR cycles, with support offering only generic advice like “check wiring.” This lack of reliability and support is unacceptable for systems with frequent AVR. Opt for providers like Victron or Pytes, which offer robust BMS designs and responsive support for dynamic voltage regulation, instead.