Battery Capacity Formula:
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This calculator determines the battery capacity needed to run a 1000 watt inverter for a specified duration at a given voltage. It helps in sizing batteries for solar power systems, UPS systems, and other applications.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula converts watt-hours to amp-hours by dividing by the system voltage.
Details: Proper battery sizing ensures your system can provide enough power for the required duration without over-discharging the batteries, which can extend battery life and improve system reliability.
Tips: Enter the desired runtime in hours and the system voltage. Common voltages are 12V (cars/RVs), 24V (solar systems), or 48V (larger systems). All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: Why is 1000 watts used in the formula?
A: This calculator is specifically designed for 1000 watt inverters. For other sizes, the formula would need to be adjusted.
Q2: Does this account for inverter efficiency?
A: No, this is a basic calculation. For more accuracy, you should account for about 10-15% inverter efficiency loss.
Q3: What's a typical battery capacity for home use?
A: For a 1000W inverter at 12V running for 5 hours, you'd need about 416Ah (though practical systems often use multiple batteries).
Q4: Can I use this for lithium batteries?
A: Yes, the calculation works for any battery chemistry, but lithium batteries can typically be discharged more deeply than lead-acid.
Q5: How does temperature affect battery capacity?
A: Cold temperatures reduce battery capacity significantly. In cold climates, you may need to increase calculated capacity by 20-30%.