As power shortages interrupt household, commercial, and manufacturing activities in Nigeria, demand for a consistent electric supply continues to prevail. Inverters have long been the answer to power supply shortages, and long-lasting batteries help power up these inverters. However, these inverter batteries need adequate electric recharge to function over a considerable period.
When there is no steady electric supply, how can inverter batteries function even with long-lasting storage?
Solar Power emerges as a viable solution. With the increasing popularity of renewable energy sources, solar energy has become a top choice. Unlike traditional electricity, solar charges can provide off-grid power and support extended charging, making them ideal solutions for power shortages.
Before you install solar panels, you need to understand the number of plates that can charge an inverter battery. The correct number of plates can power up your inverter battery for a longer time.
This blog provides a comprehensive idea of the number of solar panels that would be best for charging an inverter battery.
What is An Inverter Charger?
Before we proceed with the specifics of solar panels, it’s essential to discuss what inverter chargers are. Inverter chargers are devices that combine the functionalities of an inverter and a battery charger. They can convert DC power to AC and supply the power to run different appliances and devices.
Solar Panels with off-grid charges can power inverter charges to ensure a long-lasting power supply. However, the number of solar plates will determine the efficiency of the system.
Your first step will be to calculate the charging time of your inverter battery.
Calculate the Charging time of Inverter Batteries
First, you need to understand how long it takes to charge an inverter battery fully. The unit of energy required to charge an inverter battery is Watt-Hours (WH), and the unit for measuring a battery capacity is Ampere-Hours (AH). Voltage (V) determines the amount of current flow from an inverter battery.
For example:
If your inverter battery supplies current at 12V and has a capacity of 220ah, the charging time will be calculated as follows.
WH = Voltage (V) x Capacity (AH)
WH= 12V x 220ah
WH = 2,640 WH
So, your charging time for a standard 12v 220ah inverter battery will be 2,640 WH.
The second step will be to consider the charging efficiency of solar panels.
How to Calculate Charging Efficiency?
Solar panels do not convert all the available energy into sunlight. Let’s assume the efficiency of your solar panels is 60% (0.60). Now, determine the total wattage required for solar panels. You need to divide total watt-hours by charging time and efficiency:
For Example:
Total Wattage = WH / (Charging time x efficiency)
Total Wattage = 2,640 WH / (6 hours x 0.6)
Total Wattage = 734 W
The third step is to determine the total solar panel output to understand the average peak sun hours for a specific location.
What is the Total Solar Panel Output?
You need to divide total energy consumption by peak sun hours. If peak sun hours at your location is 5, the required solar panel output will be:
Panel Output = 2640 WH / 6 Hours
Panel Output = 440 watts
After calculating the total solar panel output, the fourth and final step is to calculate the number of solar panels required.
Number of Solar Panels Required
Choose a solar panel with a wattage rating that will help you understand the charging capacity. To calculate the charging capacity, divide the total wattage by the solar panel wattage.
For example:
Number of solar panels = Total Wattage / Solar Panel Wattage
Number of solar panels = 734 W / 440 Watts
Number of solar panels = 1.67 or 2 solar panels
In most cases, round-up figures of 1.67 can be obtained. It is wise to round up to the nearest high number, like 2. Two solar panels will be sufficient to charge a 220ah inverter battery installed for home appliances.
As you choose the number of solar panels, you need to consider the following factors before installation.
5 Factors Determining the Number of Solar Panels
Efficiency
The power supply efficiency of solar panels determines the number needed. Solar panels with high efficiency can produce more electricity per square foot and reduce the number of panels, which can save you the cost of installing more solar panels.
Energy Consumption
Electronic devices powered by inverter batteries consume different amounts of energy. You need to calculate the total energy consumed regularly to determine the number of solar panels required. Your total energy consumption amount will be included in your monthly electricity bills.
Battery Efficiency
The storing and discharging efficiency of your inverter batteries will determine the number of solar panels. If your inverter battery has a high storage capacity, frequent charging needs will be reduced. This will decrease the number of solar panels to be installed and the overall electricity costs.
Seasonal Variations
Your peak sun hours can change throughout the year and won’t remain the same in summer and winter. However, make sure that your solar panels can supply electricity both in peak and off seasons.
It is wise to choose the number of solar panels according to peak seasonal requirements. This will help ensure long-lasting charges for your inverter battery.
Location
Your geographical location will also affect sunlight exposure to your solar panels. For instance, the sun peak hours in Lagos are 5.4 hours, while in Ogun, they are 5.6 hours. The number of solar panels might differ from 2 to 3 in Lagos, and the number for Ogun maybe 3 to 4 solar panels.
Wrapping Up
Inverter batteries differ in size and energy capacity. Remember, the energy capacity and nature of your inverter batteries will determine the number of solar panels. Apart from the calculations mentioned above, your solar panel numbers depend on various technical factors.
You can confidently embrace solar energy and rely upon it for off-grid electricity supply. Before purchasing solar panels, make sure to rely on reputable sellers. We can deliver high-storage inverter batteries. Whether your solar panel is sustainable or not, our high-storage inverter batteries will definitely save your energy costs.