1. What is Battery Capacity Calculation?

The battery capacity calculation determines the required battery bank size (in amp-hours) for a 5kW solar system based on your daily energy usage, desired days of autonomy, battery specifications, and system efficiency.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following equation:

Where:

• 5 kW — System power rating
• Daily Usage — Hours of full power usage per day
• Days of Autonomy — Days of backup power needed
• Battery Voltage — System voltage (typically 12V, 24V, or 48V)
• Depth of Discharge — Fraction of battery capacity that can be used (typically 0.5-0.8)
• System Efficiency — Overall system efficiency (typically 0.8-0.95)

3. Importance of Proper Battery Sizing

Details: Correct battery sizing ensures your solar system can meet your energy needs during periods of low sunlight while maximizing battery life by avoiding excessive discharge.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your daily energy usage in hours, desired days of autonomy, battery bank voltage, depth of discharge (typically 50-80%), and system efficiency (typically 85-95%).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is depth of discharge?
A: The percentage of battery capacity that can be safely used (e.g., 0.5 means only 50% of capacity should be used to prolong battery life).

Q2: What's a typical system efficiency?
A: Most systems have 85-95% efficiency accounting for inverter, wiring, and other losses.

Q3: How many days of autonomy should I choose?
A: Typically 1-3 days for most home systems, more for critical applications or areas with frequent cloudy days.

Q4: What battery voltage should I use?
A: Common voltages are 12V (small systems), 24V (medium), or 48V (larger systems). Higher voltages reduce current and wiring costs.

Q5: Can I use this for larger systems?
A: This calculator is specifically for 5kW systems. For other sizes, adjust the 5kW factor accordingly.