What size inverter can I run off a 100Ah lithium battery?

A 100Ah lithium battery can typically support an inverter up to 1,200W for 1 hour, assuming a 12V system. Actual runtime depends on load wattage and battery voltage. For example, a 600W load would run ~2 hours at 12V, factoring in 90% inverter efficiency. Always check your battery’s voltage (12V/24V/48V) and discharge rate (e.g., 0.5C for 50A max) to avoid overloading.

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What determines inverter size for a 100Ah battery?

Inverter sizing hinges on battery voltage and load requirements. A 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 battery stores 1.2kWh (12V × 100Ah), but usable energy is ~1.08kWh after 90% inverter efficiency. Pro Tip: Multiply battery voltage by Ah rating and 0.85 (safety buffer) to estimate max inverter wattage.

For a 12V system: 12V × 100Ah × 0.85 = 1,020W max continuous load. However, lithium batteries like LiFePO4 often handle 1C discharge (100A), allowing short bursts up to 1,200W. But what if you need longer runtime? Reduce load to 500W for ~2 hours. Real-world example: A 1,000W microwave running 10 minutes consumes ~167Wh, drawing 14A from the battery. Always prioritize inverters with low idle consumption (＜10W) to preserve capacity.

How does battery voltage affect inverter sizing?

Higher voltage systems (24V/48V) reduce current draw, enabling larger inverters. A 24V 100Ah battery can power a 2,400W inverter briefly (24V × 100A), doubling 12V’s capacity. But why does this matter? Lower current means thinner cables and less heat loss.

For instance, a 48V 100Ah battery running a 3,000W air conditioner would last ~1.3 hours (4,896Wh capacity × 0.85 efficiency ÷ 3,000W). Transitioning to higher voltages? Ensure your inverter’s input range matches the battery—mismatches cause faults or shutdowns.

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