1. What is Battery Capacity Calculation?

The battery capacity calculation determines the required storage capacity (in ampere-hours) for a solar power system based on your daily energy needs, desired days of autonomy, and battery specifications.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formula:

Where:

• Daily Energy Consumption — Your average daily power usage in watt-hours
• Days of Autonomy — Number of days you want the system to run without sun
• Battery Voltage — Nominal voltage of your battery bank (typically 12V, 24V, or 48V)
• Depth of Discharge — Maximum safe discharge level (typically 0.5 for lead-acid)
• Efficiency — System efficiency factor (typically 0.85 for lead-acid batteries)

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 and system reliability.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your daily energy consumption in watt-hours, desired days of autonomy, battery bank voltage, depth of discharge (typically 0.5 for lead-acid), and system efficiency (typically 0.85).

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 total capacity should be used).

Q2: How do I determine my daily energy consumption?
A: Sum the watt-hours of all devices you'll power, multiplied by hours used per day.

Q3: What's a typical days of autonomy value?
A: 2-5 days is common, depending on your location and reliability needs.

Q4: Why include efficiency in the calculation?
A: It accounts for energy losses in the system (inverter, wiring, battery charge/discharge).

Q5: Can I use this for lithium batteries?
A: Yes, but adjust depth of discharge (typically 0.8 for lithium) and efficiency values accordingly.