1. What is the Solar Alarm Battery Calculator?

This calculator determines the required battery capacity (in ampere-hours) for a solar-powered intruder alarm system based on the alarm's power consumption, desired days of autonomy, and system voltage.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following equation:

Where:

• \( Alarm\ Power \) — Power consumption of the alarm system in watts
• \( Autonomy\ Days \) — Number of days the system should run without solar charging
• \( Solar\ Voltage \) — Operating voltage of the solar system (typically 12V or 24V)

Explanation: The equation calculates the total energy needed (watt-hours) and divides by system voltage to get amp-hours.

3. Importance of Proper Battery Sizing

Details: Correct battery sizing ensures your alarm system will function during periods of low sunlight. Undersized batteries may lead to system failure, while oversized batteries increase cost unnecessarily.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

• Measure actual alarm power consumption if possible
• Consider adding 20-30% to the calculated capacity for battery aging and efficiency losses
• Typical autonomy days range from 3-7 days depending on location and reliability needs

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical power consumption for intruder alarms?
A: Most modern alarms consume between 5-20 watts, but check your specific model's specifications.

Q2: How many days of autonomy should I plan for?
A: 3-5 days is typical, but more may be needed in areas with frequent cloudy weather.

Q3: What voltage should I use?
A: Most small systems use 12V, while larger systems may use 24V or 48V.

Q4: Should I add extra capacity?
A: Yes, add 20-30% to account for battery aging, temperature effects, and conversion losses.

Q5: What battery type is best for solar alarms?
A: Deep cycle batteries (AGM or Gel) are recommended for their durability and deep discharge capability.