Unless you live in an apartment complex that has a centralized power backup, you need an inverter just as badly as you need a refrigerator. Having a power inverter with battery backup ensures that your home gets continuous power supply even if there’s a power cut. There are many different types of inverters available today and choosing the right one is crucial. When it comes to electrical appliances, brand names and pricing is a major deciding factor. However, basing your decision solely on the inverter battery price could be a bad idea. Here are the other things you should think about as well.
The VA Rating
Every inverter has a VA rating or Volt Ampere rating. This refers to the current and voltage supplied by the inverter. If the inverter were to function at 100% efficiency, the power supplied by the inverter and the power requirements of your appliances would be the same. However, this is impossible in reality. Most inverters function at an efficiency of between 60% and 80%. This may also be referred to as the inverter’s power factor.
The inverter’s VA rating can be calculated as the power requirement in watts divided by the inverter’s power efficiency.
Battery Capacity Required
Every inverter needs to be connected to a battery. The battery is where the power will be stored and distributed from by the inverter. When you buy an inverter battery, you need to consider how long you need to generate power for. This is known as the battery capacity. Battery capacity is expressed in Ampere Hours or Ah. Most batteries available in the market have a capacity ranging from 100Ah to 180Ah.
To understand the battery capacity you need you must have an idea of the length of time you will need power backup for and the power requirement.
Battery capacity ca then be calculated as the power requirement in watts multiplied by the number of hours backup is required and divided by the battery voltage. Generally as the battery capacity increases so does the inverter battery price.
Maintenance vs Costs
Inverter batteries can be classified as lead acid batteries and tubular batteries. Lead acid batteries are relatively cheaper but require frequent maintenance. These batteries may also release harmful gases while they are being charged and discharged.
On the other hand tubular batteries are a little more expensive but are safer for home use. These batteries require lesser maintenance and have a longer life span. They should last anywhere between 8 to 10 years while the lead acid batteries only last for 4 to 6 years.
