1. What is Solar Battery Size Calculation?

The battery size calculation determines the required battery capacity in ampere-hours (Ah) based on your solar energy production in watt-hours and system voltage. Proper sizing ensures your battery bank can store sufficient energy for your needs.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple equation:

Where:

• \( Solar\ Wh \) — Total solar energy production in watt-hours
• \( V \) — System voltage (typically 12V, 24V, or 48V for solar systems)

Explanation: This converts energy (Wh) to charge capacity (Ah) by accounting for system voltage.

3. Importance of Proper Battery Sizing

Details: Correct battery sizing prevents over-discharge (which shortens battery life) and ensures adequate energy storage for periods without solar production (nighttime or cloudy days).

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your total daily solar production in watt-hours and your system voltage. For accurate results, measure actual solar production rather than using panel ratings.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Should I add a safety factor to the calculation?
A: Yes, it's recommended to multiply the result by 1.2-1.5 to account for inefficiencies and provide buffer capacity.

Q2: What's the difference between Wh and Ah?
A: Watt-hours measure energy, ampere-hours measure charge capacity. Voltage connects these two units (Wh = Ah × V).

Q3: How do I determine my solar Wh production?
A: Multiply your solar system's average daily output in watts by the number of peak sun hours in your location.

Q4: What voltage should I use for my system?
A: Small systems typically use 12V, medium systems 24V, and large systems 48V. Match the voltage your solar charge controller uses.

Q5: Does this account for battery depth of discharge?
A: No, for lead-acid batteries you should divide the result by your maximum DoD (typically 0.5 for deep-cycle batteries).