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Solar Battery Backup Capacity Calculator

Calculate recommended lead-acid or lithium battery storage requirements (Ah) based on emergency load wattage.

Live 2026 Data
Battery Chemistry LiFePO4 / Lead-Acid
Backup Duration 2 - 12+ Hours
Depth of Discharge 50% - 90% DoD
System Voltages 12V / 24V / 48V DC

1. Enter Configuration Parameters

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Depth of Discharge (DoD) in batteries?

DoD represents the percentage of battery capacity that can be safely used without causing cell damage. Lead-acid batteries should not exceed 50% DoD, while lithium-ion batteries can safely run up to 80-90% DoD.

What is the cash subsidy for rooftop solar under PM Surya Ghar Yojana?

The central government provides a direct subsidy of Rs. 30,000 per kW for the first 2 kW of solar capacity, and Rs. 18,000 for the 3rd kW. The maximum subsidy is capped at Rs. 78,000 for any residential installation of 3 kW or higher.

How much roof space is required to install a 3 kW solar system?

A 3 kW residential solar system requires approximately 250 to 300 square feet of shadow-free rooftop space. Each solar panel is roughly 20 square feet, and a 3 kW setup typically uses 6 to 8 high-efficiency monocrystalline panels.

How many units of electricity does a 1 kW solar panel generate daily?

In India, a 1 kW solar plant generates an average of 4 to 4.5 kWh (units) of electricity per day in standard sunny conditions. This translates to roughly 120 to 135 units per month, or 1,500 units annually per kW of installed capacity.

What is solar net-metering, and how does it work?

Net-metering uses a bidirectional meter to record both the power you import from the grid and the excess solar power you export to the grid. At the end of the billing cycle, your DISCOM bills you only for the net units consumed (Import minus Export).

What is the typical ROI payback period for residential solar in India?

With the PM Surya Ghar subsidy, the net out-of-pocket cost for a 3 kW solar system is roughly Rs. 70,000 to Rs. 90,000. Generating Rs. 30,000 worth of free power annually, the system pays for itself in 2.5 to 3 years, followed by 22+ years of free power.

Does a grid-tied solar system work during power outages?

No. Standard grid-tied solar systems automatically shut down during a power cut for safety reasons (anti-islanding) to protect utility workers repairing the lines. To run appliances during power outages, you need a hybrid solar system with battery backup.

About This Calculator

Target Audience: Property owners exploring solar ROI, panel sizing & government subsidy benefits

What Does This Calculator Do?

This tool calculates the required battery capacity (Ah) and backup hours for home UPS/inverter systems based on your load requirements.

How to Use It

  1. Emergency Load: Enter appliances to run during power cuts (e.g. 3 fans, 4 lights, 1 TV).
  2. Required Backup Hours: Enter desired runtime (e.g. 4 hours).
  3. System Voltage: Choose 12V (single battery) or 24V (double battery).

The Logic Explained Simply

  • The Concept: Battery capacity is measured in Ampere-hours (Ah). Lead-acid batteries should not be discharged past 50% for optimal lifespan (depth of discharge).
  • The Formula:
  • Total Load (Watts) = Sum of (Appliance Watts × Quantity)
  • Required Capacity (Ah) = (Total Load × Backup Hours) / (System Voltage × Depth of Discharge × Inverter Efficiency)

Real-World Calculation Breakdown

To run a load of 300 Watts (2 fans, 3 LED bulbs, 1 TV) for 4 hours on a 12V system:

  1. Energy required: 300W × 4 hours = 1,200 Watt-hours.
  2. Adjusting for 80% efficiency & 50% Depth of Discharge:
  • Capacity (Ah) = 1,200 / (12V × 0.80 × 0.50) = 250 Ah.
  1. Recommendation: One 150 Ah battery will provide ~2.4 hours. For 4 hours, a 200 Ah or 250 Ah battery is recommended.

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