What is an inverter battery?

Inverter battery is a rechargeable battery specifically designed to provide backup power for inverters, which convert DC electricity into AC electricity. These batteries store energy from various sources, such as solar panels or the grid, and provide energy in the event of power outages or grid unavailability.

Inverter batteries are crucial for providing reliable and uninterrupted power, making them a key component in residential and commercial energy systems.

Inverter batteries have several important functions:

Energy storage: Storing electrical energy for future use, providing backup power in case of grid failure or power outage.

Power conversion: The battery provides direct current, which is converted into alternating current through an inverter to operate household appliances and equipment.

Voltage regulation: It helps maintain a stable voltage level, ensuring that connected devices receive stable power and preventing damage caused by voltage fluctuations.

Support for renewable energy systems: In solar power plants, inverter batteries store excess energy generated during the day for use at night or on cloudy days.

Load management: It allows users to more effectively manage energy loads, provide electricity during peak hours, and reduce dependence on the power grid.
What are the different types of inverter batteries?

There are several types of inverter batteries, each with unique characteristics suitable for different applications. This table summarizes the essential differences and helps you choose the appropriate inverter battery according to your needs.
Type Description Maintenance Life Cost Performance
Rich liquid lead-acid batteries. Traditional batteries use liquid electrolytes and require regular water quality checks for 3-5 years. Low discharge cycles are suitable for high discharge cycles, but gas is generated during the charging process
AGM lead-acid batteries are sealed, maintenance free, and use glass fiber pads without maintenance for 5-7 years. They have better performance than liquid filled batteries and faster charging speed
Lead acid colloid battery gel electrolyte seal requires no maintenance for 5-7 years Medium safety, not easy to overflow, strong deep circulation capability
Lithium iron phosphate batteries (LiFePO4) are lightweight, have high energy density, and do not require maintenance for more than 10 years. They have excellent lifespan and efficiency, and can be charged quickly
How to analyze your solar system requirements and determine inverter battery specifications?

1. Evaluate your energy needs

Calculate daily usage: Determine the total watt hours (Wh) of energy consumed per day by all appliances you plan to power.
Peak load: Determine the maximum load (in watts) that your system needs to support at any given time.

2. Determine battery capacity

Capacity calculation: Battery capacity (Ah)=Daily total Wh/Battery voltage
Consider how many days of autonomy you want (how long you can run on batteries without solar input).

3. Choose the correct battery type

Deep cycle and standards: Choose deep cycle batteries for solar applications as they can handle conventional discharges.
Battery Chemistry: Choose lead-acid batteries (cost-effective but shorter lifespan) and lithium-ion batteries (more efficient and longer lifespan).

4. Consider voltage compatibility

Ensure that the battery voltage matches the voltage of the inverter (common options are 12V, 24V, or 48V).

5. Evaluate service life and warranty

Study the expected lifespan of the battery type you are considering and review the warranty terms to increase safety.

6. Evaluate the budget

Determine your budget, keeping in mind that the upfront cost of lithium batteries is high, but in the long run, due to their long lifespan and high efficiency, they may save expenses.

7. Consider future expansion

Consider your future energy needs. Choosing batteries with additional capacity can achieve later system expansion.

8. Consulting experts

If unsure, please consult a solar energy expert or installer to ensure that the size and configuration of the system are appropriate.

By following these steps, you can make informed decisions about the specifications of the inverter battery to effectively support your solar system.
Off grid application of inverter batteries

These applications demonstrate the versatility of inverter batteries in providing reliable off grid energy solutions.

1. Solar power generation system

Energy storage: The battery stores excess energy generated by solar panels for use at night or on cloudy days.
Remote areas: very suitable for residences and cabins far from the power grid.

2. Backup power supply

Emergency power supply: provides backup power for important electrical appliances such as refrigerators, lights, and medical equipment during power outages.
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS): Ensure continuous power supply for sensitive electronic devices.

3. Telecommunications system

Remote communication station: supplying power to equipment in remote areas without grid power.

4. Rural electrification

Community solar energy project: providing electricity to rural communities with limited or no access to the power grid, improving their quality of life.

5. Agricultural applications

Irrigation system: providing power for pumps and irrigation systems in remote agricultural areas.
Livestock facilities: provide electricity for lighting, heating, and feeding systems.

6. Leisure vehicles (RVs) and ships

Off grid living: powering electrical and electronic devices while camping or boating.

7. Remote monitoring system

Sensors and cameras: provide power for remote environmental monitoring or security systems.

8. Electric fence

Livestock management: Provide power to the electric fences of remote pastures that cannot be connected to the power grid.

9. Construction sites

Temporary power supply: providing power to tools and equipment in remote or temporary work sites.

10. Disaster relief

Portable energy solution: used in disaster stricken areas to provide instant electricity for shelters and medical facilities.

The difference between hybrid inverters and energy storage battery inverters
What is a hybrid inverter?

Hybrid inverters provide greater flexibility and functionality for managing multiple energy sources, while battery inverters primarily focus on optimizing battery usage. For homeowners and businesses looking to improve energy resilience and efficiency, hybrid inverters are an excellent choice.
Feature Hybrid Inverter Battery Inverter
Combining solar energy, batteries, and grid inputs; Manage multiple energy sources. Mainly focused on managing battery energy storage and discharge.
Energy management can optimize the energy use of solar energy, batteries, and the power grid simultaneously. Usually only manages battery charging and discharging.
The power grid connection can operate in grid connected or off grid mode; You can switch between them. Usually designed for grid connected systems, but as long as the settings are correct, it can also work off grid.
Flexibility provides more functionality for future expansion, allowing for the integration of renewable energy. Limited flexibility; Mainly targeting battery management.
Costs are usually higher due to increased functionality and complexity. Usually cheaper and focused solely on battery operation.
Due to multiple energy sources, installation requires more complex procedures. The simpler installation focuses on the battery system.
Monitoring typically includes advanced monitoring of solar energy production and battery status. Basic monitoring of battery status and performance.
Why are lithium batteries most suitable for inverters?

For many applications, especially in residential and commercial environments that prioritize efficiency, lifespan, and low maintenance, lithium batteries are an excellent choice for inverters. Their advantages can achieve long-term savings and reliable energy management.

The service life of lithium batteries usually exceeds 10 years, much longer than lead-acid batteries (which typically have a service life of 3 to 7 years). This lifespan makes lithium batteries a more cost-effective choice in the long run.

They store more energy in smaller and lighter packages, making them an ideal choice for applications with limited space.

Lithium batteries charge faster than lead-acid batteries, allowing for more efficient use of energy, especially in systems that rely on renewable energy.

They can usually discharge to lower levels (up to 80-90%) without causing damage, and can provide more available energy compared to lead-acid batteries, which should ideally have a discharge level of no less than 50%.

Lithium batteries usually do not require maintenance, regular water level checks, or balanced charging.

Compared to lead-acid batteries, they perform well over a wider temperature range and are less affected by extreme temperatures.

Lithium batteries have higher round-trip efficiency (up to 95%), which means less energy is wasted during charging and discharging processes.

Many lithium batteries are equipped with built-in Battery Management Systems (BMS) that can monitor and prevent overcharging, overheating, and deep discharge.
The difference between UPS and inverter batteries

UPS (uninterruptible power supply) and inverter batteries are both used to provide backup power, but their working principles and design purposes are different. Which one to choose depends on your specific backup power needs.

UPS: Provides fast backup for sensitive electronic devices with short duration.
Inverter battery: It has a longer backup time and slower switching speed for household appliances.

UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)

UPS (uninterruptible power supply) includes batteries, inverters, and usually built-in chargers. When the main power supply fails, provide immediate backup power to the connected devices to ensure uninterrupted operation.

It is almost completed instantly, usually within a few milliseconds. Very suitable for sensitive electronic devices such as computers and servers that require quick switching to backup power to prevent data loss or damage. Usually provides a shorter backup time (from a few minutes to several hours), depending on the load and battery capacity.
Inverter battery

Inverter batteries typically consist of a battery pack and an inverter, but may not have a built-in charger. When the main power source is unavailable, convert the DC power from the battery to AC power for household appliances.

Suitable for running multiple household appliances, especially in areas with frequent power outages. Compared to UPS, the startup time may be longer, usually a few seconds. Depending on the battery size and load, it can provide longer backup time (several hours).
How to maintain the health of inverter batteries?

Regularly charge and keep the battery level between 20% and 80% to avoid deep discharge and overcharging. Use the correct charger and always use a charger specifically designed for lithium batteries to ensure the correct charging parameters.

Avoid extreme temperatures and store and operate batteries in a cool and dry place. The ideal temperature is usually between 20 ° C and 25 ° C (68 ° F to 77 ° F). Avoid high temperatures and avoid exposing the battery to direct sunlight or heat sources, as high temperatures can reduce performance.

Check the voltage level and regularly monitor the charging status and voltage of the battery to detect any issues as early as possible. Balance the battery, if your battery has multiple cells, make sure they are balanced. Some battery management systems (BMS) will automatically perform this operation.

Limit the usage rate to below 20% and try not to discharge the battery below 20% to extend its lifespan. Exercise the battery. If the inverter is not frequently used, please run it regularly to keep the battery active.

Check the connections to ensure that all connections are secure and free of corrosion to prevent energy loss and overheating.

Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for charging, discharging, and maintenance. Ensure that the connected devices do not exceed the rated capacity of the battery.