Battery Bank Sizing: How to Ensure Your Batteries Survive Your Inverter

I have read several posts in the last week or so, where people have unfortunately and inadvertently destroyed batteries after installing an inverter.

It is important that your battery bank is sized to the loads you are going to run.

As a simple analogy, not many people would try and tow a big caravan with a mini, and if you did the mini would not last long, it’s the same thing here.

I often smile when i ask someone about their loads and they say, we don’t want to run much, maybe a kettle and a toaster.

So lets list a few decent loads to help with perspective below can all be considered big loads.

Then we have the likes of e-bike batteries which are very popular, now relatively low wattage, BUT they take a few hours to charge, so adds to a big load, in fact if you are charging 2 e-bike batteries that can be around 75 to 80Ah that has come out of your house batteries, into the bike batteries.

With the right setup, if you are careful with when you charge, it can be done with almost no draw from the batteries.

Charge when you’re driving if you have alternator charging, or with the right solar set up, they can be charged directly from the solar.

Laptops, another low load, so depends how often you charge.

Is it okay to charge multiple devices like phones, iPads, and MacBooks, or should I worry about overloading my batteries?

Charging phones, iPads, and MacBooks usually doesn’t put too much strain on your battery bank. However, it’s essential to keep an eye on your overall energy consumption, especially when charging power-hungry devices like a Canon camera.

Is it harmful to use mains power for long periods when my motorhome is parked at home?

If the vehicle is parked outside, the solar will adequately maintain the batteries for extended periods. It’s better to rely on solar. Lithium batteries don’t need to be kept full all the time like lead-acid batteries, so there’s no need to have them on mains power 24/7.

Should I get another fixed solar panel, or can I connect the two 12V 100Ah batteries to the existing solar panel on the roof?

To determine the most efficient setup, it’s crucial to consider your energy consumption, battery bank capacity, and solar panel output. A consultation with a solar expert can help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs.

Can I use my inverter to charge e-bike batteries while driving without causing damage?

Charging e-bike batteries using the alternator while driving is a great idea, as it doesn’t impact your house batteries. However, this will reduce the amount of charge going to your house batteries, so it’s essential to find the right balance.