How often has your inverter and battery combo saved you from losing your important office work or allowed you to submit last-minute assignments? Countless times! An inverter works by converting the irregular DC supply into a stable AC supply for your appliances. But, for that to work, the inverter requires a power source such as batteries or solar panels. Finding the right battery for your inverter is half the battle. There are some key considerations that determine the compatibility of your battery.
Whether you are replacing your old battery or simply investing in a new battery for an inverter, smart planning is key. We have prepared a detailed guide to help you find the ideal battery for your home or office inverter.
Different Types of Inverter Batteries
Before we dive into the main features to look out for, let’s explore popular battery types. Inverter batteries are big and bulky as they offer a regular supply for a long period of time. Based on technology and design, there are three major types of batteries for inverters:
| Battery Type | Details | Lifespan | Maintenance |
| Flat Plate Batteries | One of the most commonly used batteries in India. They are made with traditional lead-acid technology. Affordable. | Up to 3 – 5 Years | Regular water top-ups and maintenance. |
| Tubular Batteries | Another popular battery type, tubular batteries, is an advanced version of classic lead-acid batteries. Ideal for extended power backups | Up to 5 – 8 years | Low Maintenance |
| Lithium-ion batteries | One of the most advanced battery solutions. Sealed and leak-proof. | Up to 6 – 8 years | Maintenance-free |
Buy The Ideal Battery For Inverter: Factors to Consider
From price to size, there are various factors that you must have a look at to find the most compatible battery for inverter.
Backup Duration
How long do you need the power backup for? The battery backup time depends on its technology and self-discharge rate.
- If you live in areas with frequent yet short power cuts, a low-capacity battery will do the job.
- If you live in areas with longer power cuts, you need batteries with higher capacity.
Your Power Requirements
The backup duration is directly related to your power consumption. How to find your total power consumption? List all the appliances you are planning to run on your inverter once the main power is cut off. Now, add the wattage of all the devices and you will get your total wattage or power requirement.
| Appliance | Average Wattage | Units | Total Wattage |
| Ceiling Fans | 50 W | 5 | 250 W |
| LED tube lights | 25 W | 10 | 250 W |
| TV | 110 W | 2 | 220 W |
| Laptops | 70 W | 2 | 140 W |
| Total Power Consumption | 860 W |
Depending on the type of appliances, you may have to go for higher or lower capacity batteries. For instance, a heavy-duty appliance such as an AC requires a higher power surge and a more powerful battery.
Battery Voltage
You can choose from different battery voltages such as 12 V and 48 V based on your needs and inverter compatibility. A higher voltage will ensure smoother and safer performance but may waste excess energy during transmission.
Read your inverter’s reader manual to find out the ideal battery voltage compatibility to find the perfect fit. This will not only save you money on buying a higher voltage battery but also ensure optimal performance. However, opting for a lower than compatible voltage battery can cause short circuits and application damage.
Size and Placement
The battery for inverter should be placed close to the inverter to avoid any energy wastage and safety concerns. This is why it is essential to refer to the product description of the battery to find its size and dimensions.
Every battery must be in an open space covered from the top to reduce environmental damage. Pick the ideal battery size that fits perfectly in your house.
Maintenance
Tubular and flat plate batteries require extra care and maintenance. You need to refill the battery terminals with distilled water once the water level drops. This ensures smooth chemical reaction and a powerful performance. On the other hand, lithium-ion batteries require no water top-ups or maintenance. However, lithium-ion batteries come at a higher investment and upfront cost.
Warranty and Post-Sale Service
Make sure to consider the battery warranty period offered by the brand. A longer warranty period of 36 to 48 months allows you to enjoy your purchase without any worry. This also reflects the brand’s quality and trust in the market.
Another key factor is to check for the seller or brand’s post-sale services. A widely connected network of service centres will resolve your query with minimal hassle.
Advanced Features
Beyond the capacity and power backup, there are some extra features that improve your battery life and performance.
- Deep Cycle Efficiency: A Battery designed with deeper and longer discharges will offer longer backup and lifespan.
- Extra Backup: Batteries designed with active materials and carbon can offer you up to 25% extra backup during longer power cuts.
- Water Level Indicators: LED or physical water level indicators help prevent your battery from getting completely dry.
Always Set a Budget
Setting a budget before you start your battery search is essential. This prevents you from overspending and allows you to narrow down your search by thousands. Plus, you get to compare all the key features to find the most value-for-money battery for the inverter. There is a wide range of batteries available for every budget.
If you want extra protection and clutter-free space, you can opt for a battery trolley. It helps to move your heavy battery with minimal effort and reduces the repair or water refilling time.
Conclusion
Every inverter is incomplete without a compatible and powerful battery. When searching for a battery for an inverter, make sure to set a budget and consider all the above-mentioned key factors. From battery types to their size, every factor determines the power output and battery life.
