Battery Need Formula:
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The Solar Battery Need calculation determines the required battery capacity (in ampere-hours) based on your solar system's energy consumption (watt-hours) and battery voltage. This helps properly size your battery bank for solar energy storage.
The calculator uses the following equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation converts watt-hours (energy) to amp-hours (capacity) by dividing by the system voltage.
Details: Proper battery sizing ensures your solar system can meet energy demands during periods without sunlight and prevents over-discharging which can damage batteries.
Tips: Enter your total daily energy consumption in watt-hours and your battery bank voltage. All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: How do I determine my solar load in watt-hours?
A: Multiply each appliance's wattage by its daily usage hours, then sum all appliances for total watt-hours.
Q2: What's the difference between Ah and Wh?
A: Amp-hours (Ah) measure capacity, watt-hours (Wh) measure energy. Wh = Ah × V.
Q3: Should I add a safety margin to the calculation?
A: Yes, it's recommended to multiply the result by 1.2-1.5 to account for inefficiencies and battery degradation.
Q4: What battery voltage should I use?
A: Common voltages are 12V (small systems), 24V (medium), or 48V (large). Match your inverter's input voltage.
Q5: Does this account for days of autonomy?
A: No, this gives daily needs. Multiply by desired backup days for total capacity needed.