News JVTech “I started collecting them and I already have more than 650”: a user has been supplying his home with electricity since 2016 using laptop batteries
Published on 01/09/2025 at 08:50
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In a world where innovation and sustainability intersect, an energy self-sufficiency enthusiast has discovered an unexpected way to transform technological waste into an inexhaustible source of energy. Since 2016, he has powered his home with a growing collection of more than 650 laptop batteries, illustrating the unsuspected potential of forgotten resources.
In a context where the autonomy of technological devices has become a major concern, both for businesses and consumers, many innovations are emerging. Among the most promising advances are batteries that can run devices for decades without recharging.
It is in this context of innovation that this user undertook a daring project: creating an energy system for his home, by relying on more than 1,000 used laptop batteries, and thus becoming independent of the traditional electricity grid.
The project in detail: where does it all start?
His installation is based on a device housed in a hangar, located approximately fifty meters from his house. This shed is the heart of its system, where it combines old batteries with solar panels to generate sustainable, off-grid energy. Although an unconventional approach, this system operated without major incident for almost a decade. The user also claims to have encountered no problems with fire or swollen batteries, which testifies to the robustness of its design.
The project began in November 2016. At the time, the user was already producing part of its electricity using solar panels, an old forklift battery, as well as charge controllers and an inverter. He started with 650 batteries, building a shed to subsequently assemble battery packs of around 100 Ah each. To ensure efficient connections, he used copper cables, a wise choice that contributed to the durability of his installation.
Technical challenges and performance refinement
The early days of the project were marked by several technical challenges, including uneven discharge rates between the batteries. To overcome these obstacles, the user had to balance the batteries and add additional cells when necessary. Rather than using complete batteries, he decided to disassemble the individual cells and organize them in custom racks. This technical choice made it possible to maximize the efficiency and longevity of its system.
Over the years, the installation has evolved to include 24 solar panels of 440 W each, increasing the energy production capacity. Thanks to these improvements, the system has been operating without interruption since 2016. The user highlights that he did not need to replace any battery cells, a testament to the reliability and durability of his approach. This project also demonstrates the potential for reusing electronic waste, transforming obsolete components into valuable resources.
Implications and global perspectives of such an approach
Beyond his personal success, this initiative highlights the possibilities offered by energy autonomy. It encourages us to rethink our relationship with energy consumption and to consider sustainable and innovative solutions. As environmental and economic issues push more and more people to consider alternatives to traditional energy sources, this user’s project could inspire other similar initiatives.
In conclusion, this user’s experience illustrates the human capacities for innovation and adaptation in a world where energy is becoming a crucial issue. His system not only meets his personal energy needs, but also opens up interesting prospects for the reuse of existing technologies in a sustainable way. At a time when the energy transition is more relevant than ever, his project constitutes a source of inspiration for all those who wish to embark on the path to energy autonomy.
