Battery Capacity Formula:
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The battery capacity calculation formula determines the required amp-hour (Ah) capacity for a solar battery system based on energy load, system voltage, depth of discharge, and efficiency factors.
The calculator uses the battery capacity formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula converts energy load from kWh to watt-hours, then divides by the product of voltage, depth of discharge, and efficiency to determine the required battery capacity in amp-hours.
Details: Proper battery sizing is crucial for solar energy systems to ensure reliable power supply, prevent over-discharge, extend battery life, and optimize system performance.
Tips: Enter daily energy consumption in kWh, system voltage in volts, depth of discharge as decimal (0-1), and system efficiency as decimal (0-1). All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: Why is depth of discharge important?
A: DoD affects battery lifespan. Deeper discharges reduce battery life, so proper DoD selection balances capacity needs with longevity.
Q2: What is typical system efficiency?
A: Typical solar system efficiency ranges from 0.8-0.9 (80-90%), accounting for inverter losses, wiring losses, and battery charging/discharging efficiency.
Q3: How do I determine my energy load?
A: Calculate daily energy consumption by summing the watt-hours of all appliances used throughout the day.
Q4: What battery voltages are common?
A: Common system voltages include 12V, 24V, and 48V for residential solar systems, with higher voltages preferred for larger systems.
Q5: Should I add a safety margin?
A: Yes, it's recommended to add 10-20% safety margin to the calculated capacity to account for unexpected load increases and battery aging.