1. What is the Battery Size Calculation?

The battery size calculation determines the required battery capacity (in amp-hours) based on your solar panel's daily energy production and system voltage. This helps ensure you have adequate energy storage for your needs.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the battery size formula:

Where:

• \( Ah \) — Battery size in amp-hours
• \( \text{Panels Wh / Day} \) — Daily energy production in watt-hours
• \( V \) — System voltage in volts

Explanation: The formula converts watt-hours (energy) to amp-hours (charge) by dividing by the system voltage.

3. Importance of Battery Sizing

Details: Proper battery sizing is crucial for solar energy systems to ensure reliable power availability, prevent over-discharge, and maximize battery lifespan.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your solar panels' daily watt-hour production and your system voltage. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I determine my panels' Wh/day?
A: Multiply your panels' wattage by peak sun hours in your location, then by system efficiency (typically 0.7-0.9).

Q2: What voltage should I use?
A: Use your battery bank's nominal voltage (12V, 24V, or 48V for most home systems).

Q3: Should I add a safety margin?
A: Yes, multiply the result by 1.2-1.5 to account for inefficiencies and depth of discharge limits.

Q4: Does temperature affect battery size?
A: Yes, cold temperatures reduce battery capacity. In cold climates, you may need 20-30% more capacity.

Q5: How does this relate to days of autonomy?
A: For multiple days of backup, multiply the result by your desired days of autonomy.