1. What is Battery Capacity Calculation?

The battery capacity calculation determines the size of battery bank needed for a solar energy system based on daily energy needs, desired days of autonomy, and system efficiency factors.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the battery capacity formula:

Where:

• Daily Energy Consumption — Total watt-hours used per day
• Days of Autonomy — Number of days system should run without sun
• 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)
• Efficiency — System efficiency factor (typically 0.85-0.95)

3. Importance of Battery Sizing

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

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 0.9).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is depth of discharge?
A: The percentage of battery capacity that can be safely used. Deeper discharges reduce battery lifespan.

Q2: How many days of autonomy should I choose?
A: Typically 2-5 days depending on location and reliability needs. More days require larger batteries.

Q3: What's typical system efficiency?
A: 85-95% for modern systems accounting for inverter and wiring losses.

Q4: Should I round up the battery size?
A: Yes, always round up to the nearest standard battery size for safety margins.

Q5: Does temperature affect capacity?
A: Yes, battery capacity decreases in cold temperatures - consider this in sizing.