Battery Capacity Formula:
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The battery capacity calculation helps determine the appropriate battery size (in Amp-hours) needed to power your home inverter system for a specific duration. It ensures your battery bank can meet your power requirements.
The calculator uses the following formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula converts watt-hours to amp-hours by dividing by the system voltage, giving you the required battery capacity.
Details: Correct battery sizing prevents over-discharge (which shortens battery life) and ensures you have enough power for your needs. Undersized batteries may not last as needed, while oversized systems are unnecessarily expensive.
Tips: Enter your inverter's continuous power rating in watts, the number of hours you need backup power, and your battery bank voltage (typically 12V for small systems, 24V or 48V for larger systems).
Q1: Should I add a safety margin to the calculated capacity?
A: Yes, it's recommended to add 20-30% to account for inefficiencies and battery aging.
Q2: What's the difference between Ah and Wh?
A: Amp-hours (Ah) measure charge capacity, while watt-hours (Wh) measure energy capacity. Wh = Ah × V.
Q3: How does battery type affect capacity?
A: Lead-acid batteries should only be discharged to 50% for long life, while lithium can often go to 80-90% discharge.
Q4: What if my appliances have surge power requirements?
A: The calculation is for continuous power. Add extra capacity if your inverter needs to handle high startup surges.
Q5: How do I account for multiple batteries?
A: For parallel connections, Ah capacities add up. For series connections, voltage adds up while Ah stays the same.