The eco-friendly solar battery is the most viable alternative to diesel-guzzling generators. They make zero noise, have no toxic fumes, and are relatively safer to operate. Also, they offer a range of benefits such as energy storage and time shifting, energy independence, increased savings, grid support, load management, and increased self-consumption.
If you would also like to switch to a more sustainable backup option; Jackery Portable Power Stations come with state-of-the-art solar batteries that are a notch above the competition and offer more bang for the buck. But since everyone has different power requirements, a few of you are left wondering, “What size battery do I need?” before you decide to invest in solar batteries. Well, there’s no simple answer since it depends on multiple factors, such as the number of appliances, an area that needs to be covered, the backup time required, etc.
Key Takeaways
- A solar battery is a device that stores the excess energy generated by the solar panels.
- Battery capacity measures how much power a solar battery can store.
- When choosing a solar battery, consider its capacity, chemistry, energy requirements, home size, days of autonomy, and the number of appliances you plan to use.
- The size of the solar panel directly influences the number of batteries.
Solar Battery Sizing Basics
Before we delve into the sizing basics and the size of battery you would need, we first need to understand what a solar battery is. To put it simply, a solar battery is a device that stores the excess energy generated by solar panels. This is later used to provide backup power during power cuts or in an outdoor setup where regular grid-based power isn’t available.
Here’s how it works:
- Solar energy generation:The solar panels convert sunlight into (DC) direct current.
- Charging:The solar battery is charged via the inverter, which converts direct current (DC to AC) to alternating current.
- Storing Energy:The battery stores all the excess energy not used in real time by your household appliances.
- Releasing Stored Energy: The battery releases stored energy to power your home at night or when solar panels don't produce the required amount of energy, such as during cloudy weather conditions.
Now let’s talk about battery capacity. Battery capacity is the measurement of how much power a solar battery can store and is measured either in watt-hours for bigger batteries such as the ones used in a solar backup unit and milliamp-hours for smaller batteries that are used in smartphones or laptops but can be used for larger ones in conjunction with voltage. The higher the battery capacity, the more power it can store and release when required. However, battery capacity can be affected due to certain factors such as battery chemistry, temperature, age and usage, discharge rate, etc.
Apart from watt-hours and milliamp hours, there are also some other common terms used for sizing solar batteries:
- Kilowatt-hours (kWh):This is used for larger units equal to 1000 watt-hours and is commonly used for larger solar energy units such as in industrial setups.
- Depth of Discharge (DOD): This denotes the amount of usable energy in a battery, i.e., the battery's total capacity to safely discharge power without causing any damage.
- Round Trip Efficiency: It denotes the percentage of energy stored in a battery that can be retrieved later.
- Cycle-Life:The number of charge and discharge cycles a battery undergoes during its service life.
- C-rate: It measures the rate at which a battery is charged or discharged.
- Voltage: It is the electrical potential difference between two points.
What Size Solar Battery Do I Need?
Solar batteries offer a range of environmental, economic, and practical benefits compared to fossil fuel-based energy systems, such as a reduced carbon footprint, a sustainable source of energy, cost savings, and increased energy independence, along with financial incentives. However, how much you will benefit from using a solar battery depends largely on whether you are looking at a partial or whole-home backup system.
Let’s look at both systems in brief detail!
|
Feature |
Partial Home Backup |
Whole Home Backup |
|
What it powers |
Only essential circuits/appliances designated by the homeowner (e.g., refrigerator, lights, some outlets). |
All circuits and appliances in the home, including high-demand appliances like air conditioners, electric water heaters, and stoves. |
|
Battery capacity |
Smaller battery capacity is required, as it only needs to power essential loads. |
A larger battery capacity is needed to power the entire home's electrical load. |
|
Cost |
Lower initial cost due to smaller battery bank and less complex installation. |
Higher initial cost due to larger battery bank and potentially more complex installation. |
|
Backup duration |
Typically provides backup for a limited number of hours, depending on battery size and load. |
Depending on battery size, solar generation, and energy consumption, it can provide backup for extended periods, potentially days. |
|
Suitable for |
Short-term power outages, homes with lower energy consumption, or those prioritizing essential loads only. |
Long-term power outages, homes with high energy consumption, off-grid living, and those desiring complete energy independence. |
|
Installation complexity |
Simpler installation as it requires identifying and connecting only essential circuits to the backup system. |
More complex installation as it requires connecting the entire home's electrical system to the backup system. |
|
Load management |
May require manual load management during an outage to prioritize essential appliances and avoid overloading the system. |
Automatic load management systems can prioritize essential loads and shed non-essential loads to maximize backup duration. |
|
Flexibility |
Less flexible in terms of which appliances can be powered during an outage, but can be expanded later with additional batteries. |
It is more flexible, allowing you to use any appliance during an outage, but it may require a larger initial investment. |
Whatever option you go for, you will have to first figure out the basics before you can estimate the battery size. So coming back to the question, “What size battery do I need?” Here’s how to find the right battery size:
Calculate Your Daily Energy Consumption
First off, find out how much energy you consume daily in kilowatt-hours by either looking at your energy bill or by using a monitoring device. This will help you understand the total energy consumed by each appliance in a day. Now add up each of the appliance’s power consumption patterns to get a figure you can work with.
Here’s a table showing the estimated power consumption of a few household appliances:
|
Appliance |
Wattage (Watts) |
Estimated Daily Use (Hours) |
Daily Energy Consumption (Wh) |
|
Refrigerator |
150-400 |
24 |
3600-9600 |
|
Air Conditioner (Window) |
800-1500 |
8 |
6400-12000 |
|
Washing Machine |
500 |
1 |
500 |
|
Clothes Dryer |
1800-5000 |
1 |
1800-5000 |
|
Dishwasher |
1200-2400 |
1 |
1200-2400 |
|
Electric Oven |
2000-5000 |
1 |
2000-5000 |
|
Microwave Oven |
700-1200 |
0.5 |
350-600 |
|
Television |
50-150 |
4 |
200-600 |
|
Computer |
150-300 |
5 |
750-1500 |
|
Lighting (LED) |
5-20 |
5 |
25-100 |
*These are estimated figures as wattage varies across appliances
Consider your Backup Requirement
Once you know your total energy consumption, you need to figure out how much backup you need depending on the frequency of power cuts in your area and days of autonomy. The days you don’t want to power your home using the grid and would be solely reliant on the energy stored in the battery.
Calculating the Battery Size
High-quality solar batteries have between 80 and 90 percent DOD. So, factor in the DOD when sizing a solar battery. Here’s a simple formula to calculate the battery size: Battery size (Wh) = Daily energy consumption (Wh) * Days of autonomy / DoD
Considering the table above, suppose you have a 3 BHK with multiple appliances and your average power consumption is 27,862.5Wh, you want 2 days of autonomy in a week, and the DOD of the solar battery is 90% then your estimated ideal battery size would be:
Battery size (Wh) = 27,862.5Wh * 2 days / 0.9 = 61,916.67Wh
Factoring The Size of Your Home
The number of bedrooms and appliances you have also play a crucial role in deciding the size of the battery. The power requirements of a 1 BHK are definitely going to be lower compared to a 3 BHK home. So, factor that in as well. Here’s a simple breakdown of the estimated battery size:
|
Home Size |
Battery Size (kWh) |
|
1 Bedroom |
31 |
|
2 Bedroom |
46 |
|
3 Bedroom |
62 |
|
4 Bedroom |
77 |
*These are estimated figures as battery size may vary depending on power consumption, appliance usage, etc.
Calculating Self-Consumption
Now that the battery size has been calculated, Let’s calculate how much self-consumption different types of solar systems offer as per their capacity. For example, if the energy consumption is about 5-10kW daily, then as for the 2kW solar, the self-consumption ratio is 30%, 3kW solar is 25%, 5kW is 17%, and the 10kW is 9%
|
Self-Consumption Ratio |
Energy Consumption |
||
|
5-10kW |
15-20kW |
20-25kW |
|
|
2kW Solar System |
30% |
25% |
20% |
|
3kW Solar System |
25% |
20% |
17% |
|
5kW Solar System |
17% |
14% |
12% |
|
10kW Solar System |
9% |
7% |
6% |
*These are estimates and results may vary as per energy requirements
If you would rather avoid the hassle of having to go through just an extensive checklist all by yourself, Jackery Solar Generators and Jackery Portable Power Stations offer a mobile solution for people who want to stay connected on the move. No matter what your power requirements may be there’s a Jackery that’s just right for you!
Factors Affecting Solar Battery Sizing
Several factors decide the number of solar batteries you are going to need.
Size of Home and Energy Consumption
As discussed earlier, the size of your home and energy patterns play a huge role in how much power you would need to run all of your appliances, and that directly transcends the number of batteries you would require to meet that demand.
The Size of the Solar Panel
The size of the solar panel directly influences the number of batteries. A large solar panel generates more energy than a smaller one, requiring more batteries to store that excess energy.
Battery Capacity and Depth of Discharge
Larger batteries can store more energy and provide longer backup times, while the depth of discharge decides how much of that stored energy can be used safely without damaging the battery. So, if your battery's capacity and the DOD are lower than your actual demand, you may need to add additional batteries.
Common Solar Battery System Sizes
There are a variety of solar battery systems available in the market. Let’s look at them to understand which one works best and for whom!
|
Solar System Size (kW) |
Suitable Home Size (Bedrooms) |
Recommended Battery Size (kWh) |
Benefits |
|
4 kW |
Smaller homes (1-2) |
10-13.5 |
Reduces bills, partial home backup |
|
5 kW |
Average homes (2-3) |
13.5-20.25 |
Greater energy independence, whole-home backup for a limited time |
|
6 kW |
Larger homes (3-4) or high energy consumption |
20.25-27 |
Substantial energy savings, a longer backup duration, power the entire home |
|
8 kW |
Larger homes, multiple EVs, or maximum energy independence |
27-34 |
Maximizes solar use, extensive backup supports multiple EVs |
|
10 kW |
Very large homes, commercial buildings, or exceptionally high-demand |
34+ |
Highest energy independence, maximum energy savings, supports very high energy demands |
As you can see all of the systems listed above are more or less designed exclusively for homes, but what about portable solutions? Jackery Solar Generators and Portable Power Stations offer a mobile solution for people who want to stay connected on the move. So, wherever you go camping, hiking, cycling, or whatever you enjoy in the great outdoors, we have you covered.
Jackery Portable Power Stations Explained
Jackery as a brand has carved a niche for itself in the portable power backup industry and offers a range of portable power solutions to help travelers, explorers, and adventurers keep their devices powered even in the most challenging geographies.
The Jackery Portable Power Station is a battery-powered inverter generator that can be combined with the Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels allowing you to enjoy the great outdoors without compromising connectivity, mobility, and accessibility. It features an AC outlet, DC carport, and multiple USB charging ports to keep all your devices charged simultaneously. It’s a completely off-the-grid system built from the ground up for exceptional power backup.
Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro Portable Power Station
The Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro Portable Power Station supports APP control making it an ideal power supply for RVs, camping, and home emergencies. The system has 12 forms of battery protection and 30% improved heat dissipation efficiency. It also features a security chip to ensure the safest and most reliable off-grid charging imaginable.
Appliances Running Time:
- Drone (300W): 8.1H
- Electric bike (300W): 8.1H
- Smartphone (5W): 483.8H
- Electric grill (850W): 2.8H
Customer review
“We got the 3000 Pro with 4 200-watt panels. Since then, I've tried out my washing machine, gas dryer, my electric lawn mower and charged my phone. I've even charged the generator while powering devices with it. My idea of what solar and batteries can do has been greatly expanded. This unit delivers real power.” – P.V.
Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station
The Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station offers the next level of off-the-grid sustainable living with zero fumes and noise. It’s a cost-effective solution for anyone looking for a portable power station that packs a punch and offers the most value for the buck. If you are someone who doesn’t like compromising on the things that you want to carry on your next expedition, then this is the power backup you need.
Appliances Running Time:
- Drone (300W): 5.4H
- Electric bike (300W): 5.4H
- Smartphone (5W): 326.7H
- Electric grill (850W): 1.9H
Customer review
“Really impressed with the 2000 It’s a little heavy and awkward to move in and out of my RV” – Patrick
Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station
The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 v2 portable power station comes with a bifacial high-efficiency solar panel. Featuring the ChargeShield 2.0 technology with 62 forms of protection in-built; this portable power station is your go-to product if you are looking for exceptional power backup and simultaneous charging.
Appliances Running Time:
- Drone (300W): 3.3H
- Electric bike (300W): 3.3H
- Smartphone (5W): 182H
- Electric grill (850W): 1.07H
Customer review
“A great unit. The collapsible handle is really nice over the V1 making it easier to pack, store, and stack. Charging is faster than using a normal 120V AC input with no external DC power brick.” – Dave D.
How to Choose A Solar Battery?
When choosing a solar battery, pay attention to the battery’s capacity, its chemistry, your energy requirements, your home size, days of autonomy, and the number of appliances you plan to use. Depending on these factors, choose a battery that can store and deliver the required power safely and efficiently without compromising your safety.
Considerations for Off-Grid Solar Systems
When choosing an off-the-grid solar system it is always advisable to assess your energy requirement to determine the kind of system best suited for your needs. After this, you need to ensure that you invest in properly sized solar panels and batteries so that the system isn’t underpowered. The choice of the inverter, charge controller, and backup generator also plays a crucial role in how well the system will perform.
FAQs
How big of a portable power station do I need for my home?
The ideal size of your solar generator you would need to fulfill your requirements depends on the power usage of your electronic devices and appliances and how long you want to keep them running. Suppose you are on a road trip across the country and carrying a drone (300W), camera (10W), smartphone (5W), and your electric bike (300W). Let’s take the Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station, its working hours can be calculated as follows:
Working Hours = Battery Capacity in Wh * 0.85 / Operating Wattage of the Appliances = 2042.8Wh * 0.85 / 615W = 2.8H.
Note: The battery capacity has been multiplied by 0.85 assuming loss of power when charging appliances.
How do I know what size battery I need for my solar system?
Here is an image that will help you understand what size battery you need for the battery system.
Is a 10kW solar battery enough?
A 10kW solar battery may be able to offer partial home backup, but it’s not enough to provide a full home backup.
What size battery do I need to power my house?
The battery size depends on several factors, such as your power consumption, the size of your house, the days of autonomy, and the number of appliances.
How do you match a solar panel with a battery?
Consider the voltage, current, charge controller, and power to best match a solar panel with a battery to ensure efficient, safe, and reliable power backup.
Final Thoughts
We hope you now know the answer to the question, “What battery size do I need?” As you may have already figured out, the ideal battery size is a combination of several factors that come into play when choosing a battery for your solar system. But if you would rather avoid that hassle, then you can simply choose one of Jackery’s exceptional products based on your power requirements, and rest assured that you are going to get your money’s worth.
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