LiFePO4
- Nameplate capacity
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- Battery configuration
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- Usable depth
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- Modeled cycle life
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- Battery cost
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- Total system cost
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- Local model conversion
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Enter Your Requirements
▾Battery Bank Required
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Capacity: —
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| Battery Config | — |
| Battery Type | — |
| Inverter Size | — |
| Depth of Discharge | — |
| Expected Cycle Life | — |
| Est. Battery Cost | — |
| Total System Cost | — |
Inverter & Battery Sizing for Africa — A Guide
The most common solar installation mistake in Africa is undersized batteries. This calculator ensures you have enough storage for overnight use and a cloudy day buffer, accounting for depth of discharge limits on both lithium and lead-acid chemistries.
Disclaimer: Cost estimates are indicative. Prices vary by brand and region. Get quotes from certified solar installers.
Chemistry decision
Compare LiFePO4 and lead-acid on the same backup target
One calculation now runs both chemistries against the exact same load, runtime, voltage, country, inverter headroom, and protected formula.
- Capacity: see how 85% versus 50% usable depth of discharge changes the required nameplate bank.
- Ownership context: compare modeled cycle life and upfront battery/system cost without treating either as a warranty.
- Installer check: confirm BMS current, startup surge, temperature, cable loss, ventilation, protection, and replacement terms.
Planning model only. The comparison uses registered legacy constants, not live brand prices or an installer quote. Nothing is stored automatically.
Same-load chemistry comparison
Calculate above to compare both banks. The selected chemistry still controls the main result panel.
Enter load and backup hours, then calculate to build the comparison.
Lead-acid AGM/Gel
- Nameplate capacity
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- Battery configuration
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- Usable depth
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- Modeled cycle life
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- Battery cost
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- Total system cost
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- Local model conversion
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The decision note will explain capacity, cycle, and upfront-cost differences.
No comparison has been copied or stored.
Battery & Inverter Sizing FAQ
Why does LiFePO4 need less nameplate capacity than lead-acid?
This planning model uses 85% usable depth of discharge for LiFePO4 and 50% for lead-acid. The same backup energy therefore requires a larger lead-acid nameplate bank.
Why is the inverter recommendation the same for both battery chemistries?
The inverter is sized from peak load, not battery chemistry. The model adds 30% load headroom and rounds upward to the next 0.5 kVA; an installer must still verify exact motor and compressor surge.
What is excluded from the battery chemistry comparison?
It does not model a specific brand, BMS current limit, temperature derating, battery aging, cable loss, warranty terms, replacement labour, financing, or an exact installer quote.
Backup storage check
Validate battery capacity and inverter headroom
Estimate battery Ah/kWh, usable capacity, inverter size, and cost before buying backup-power equipment.
Reviewed 2026
Local-first estimate. No live quote or official approval is performed.
What to check
- Methodology: combine load watts, backup hours, battery chemistry, depth of discharge, voltage, and country cost assumptions.
- Verify real appliance draw, surge loads, battery age/temperature, cycle life, inverter efficiency, cable size, ventilation, and installer advice.
- Copy the brief before comparing LiFePO4, AGM, inverter, and installation quotes.
Limitations
- Disclaimer: planning estimate only, not an electrical certificate, warranty, installer quote, or safety sign-off.
- Runtime can drop with heat, battery age, wiring loss, inverter loss, and loads that cycle or surge.
- Source/reference note: verify against battery and inverter datasheets, local prices, installer guidance, and safety rules.
Review result panel
Privacy note: the calculator runs in your browser. Do not paste account numbers, installer contracts, or private customer data into notes you plan to share.