How to build an enclosure for solar batteries?

[clie]

What is a simple, cost-effective way to enclose the solar batteries (h155cm x w70cm)?  I've thought of on-wall steel shed, DIY wooden cabinet or just a shade cloth. The batteries are IP rated, so water is not an issue. The summer sun might affect the battery performance. The batteries are bolted to the brick wall with no wires on the back.

I've searched and have not come across any metal shed or cabinets that suit the size. 

If DIY, what materials are suitable (e.g.2x4 treated pine for frame, fibre cement sheet to clad)?  

Any advice is appreciated.

[JacobZ]

Hi @clie,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, and thank you for your question.

With any electrical systems in your home, safety is the single most important consideration. For this reason, I would suggest consulting the battery manufacturer as well as a licensed electrician for their recommendations to ensure any kind of enclosure is up to the relevant standards.

I do not have the knowledge to recommend how an enclosure could be built.

I imagine if it is possible, the materials would have to be weather resistant, non-combustible and allow for ventilation.

If UV exposure is the main concern, then a shade cloth sounds like the way to go, but you would need to confirm whether there are setback requirements for any combustible materials.

Allow me to tag @R4addZ, @CSParnell and @Dave-1, who might have more knowledge they could impart.

Sorry, I can't be more help.

Jacob

[Dave-1]

Good Afternoon @clie 

I dont think I would be building an enclosure around the batteries either. I would strongly recommend that you contact the manufacture of the batteries and ask what their recomendations are for such an instance. Non flamabale is the first thing that comes to mind and it being such a new section of industry, I would really be following the manufactures rules plus also the Aus or NZ electrical wiring rules. 

If its an eyesore and you want to cover the look, maybe an external self supporting privacy style screen that satisfys requirements of the distance from the batteries without covering the actual units may be an option?

Because its a self enclosed unit I would say that the plastic is rated to be ok in an exposed position so it does not need a shed. The install paaperwork may have the details amongst its pages of what is allowed.

Dave

[clie]

The installer did say it was IP rated and does not need any enclosure. I'm a bit worried about the Aussie summer which can reach 40C+ at times. I've seen a few projects where people covered their heat pump with a DIY wood panel/lattice. Maybe that's the way to go. If so, will 2x4 treated pine be strong enough for the post concreted into the ground, with merbau privacy panels nailed to it?. 

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/t5/Featured-Projects/Screen-to-hide-a-hot-water-system/ta-p/725... 

[R4addZ]

Hi @clie 

The biggest issue with batteries is the danger of a short circuit rapidly discharging the cells which can cause a fire. Because of this, I would not recommend anything imflamable such as wood paneling, I would probably go for something like this.....

https://www.bunnings.com.au/protectoral-2000-x-1766mm-black-aluminium-slat-screen-kit_p0446835

As an added protection for your house, you may also want to get a piece of Aluminium (or steel) bent for you to fix to the wall that slopes upwards and out beyond the eaves to deflect any heat/flames in the rare event it does have a mishap and it would be worth fixing some flame/heat resistant material to the underside.

Note that this is really erring on the side of safety and may be overkill but better safe than sorry. At least the slat screen will allow a fairly free flow of ventilation to the battery

[CSParnell]

@clie 

They will be tested, certified and rated for Australian conditions internal and external. 

Being lithium I certainly would not build any enclosure over them without consulting the installers/manufacturers/supplies this is for several reasons, you might cause overheating and expensive damage to the cells or thermal runaway, you might void your manufacturer warranty. 

I certainly hear your concerns but correct ventilation will be very important here along with correct clearance and also materials used.

I am not up to speed on the domestic battery regs but they do exist and for very good reason so please consult the right people before carrying out any works. I am sure they will be happy to advise you just need to ask

[Xcalbar]

My preference is for CCA pine (fence rails are suitable as it is not weight bearing) say 70 x 38 to create a frame or you could use two 88x24 Modwood or 68x17 Modwood glued and screwed together (use painted, galvanised or stainless steel screws) to create a frame.  I am looking into using Modwood as 68x17mm in 5400 (5.4 metre lengths) for making panels as well.  Cut to length preferably as verticals then either join with clear silastic or builders' adhesive or both.  As Modwood and kind are plastic the excess joing material wipes off with turps or meth if caught early enough for a clean finish.  Screw these onto your frame using compression clamping.  You can pull one screw out to act as a clamp pivot to advance across the face of the work once your clamp reach is exceeded.

For a superior look I use a cheap biscuit joiner (e.g. Ozito) and Titebond III (exterior waterproof glue) to join the planks together to make my own heavy panelling. You can use siliastic as well to caulk the joins.   I have dug Modwood out of sodden trenches after four years of immersion without any visible sign of rotting, warping or ageing.  Same for Ekodeck I suspect.  I note Ekodeck now has castellated panels - I have never seen these before so I am about to research same.

[EricL]

Hello @Xcalbar 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's wonderful to have you join us.

Just a friendly reminder to all our members, it's important to check with your battery manufacturer all the relevant safety precautions and building rules and regulations when creating an enclosure for your batteries. 

Thank you for sharing your ideas with the community. Let me tag @clie to make them aware of your suggestions. 

Were keen to hear more about all your projects and plans around the house and garden. Please feel free to reach out whenever you need assistance or would like to share a project with the community.

Eric