1. What is the Battery Size Calculation?

The battery size calculation determines the required battery capacity (in amp-hours) to power a 1500W inverter for a specified duration, considering the system voltage and inverter efficiency.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following equation:

Where:

• 1500 — Wattage of the inverter
• Hours — Desired runtime in hours
• Voltage — System voltage (typically 12V, 24V, or 48V)
• Inverter Efficiency — Typically 0.85-0.95 (85%-95% efficient)

Explanation: The equation converts watt-hours to amp-hours while accounting for inverter efficiency losses.

3. Importance of Proper Battery Sizing

Details: Proper battery sizing ensures your system can handle the load for the desired duration without over-discharging batteries, which can reduce their lifespan.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter desired runtime in hours, system voltage in volts, and inverter efficiency as a decimal (e.g., 0.85 for 85%). All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical inverter efficiency value?
A: Most quality inverters are 85-95% efficient. 0.85 is a conservative estimate if you're unsure.

Q2: Should I add a safety margin to the calculated value?
A: Yes, it's recommended to add 20-30% to account for battery aging, temperature effects, and unexpected loads.

Q3: What voltage should I use?
A: Common system voltages are 12V (small systems), 24V (medium), or 48V (large). Match your inverter's input voltage.

Q4: Can I use this for different wattage inverters?
A: This calculator is specifically for 1500W inverters. For other sizes, adjust the 1500 value accordingly.

Q5: How does depth of discharge affect battery life?
A: Regularly discharging below 50% capacity can significantly reduce battery lifespan. Consider this when sizing your system.