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How Long Does a 100Ah Battery Last with an Inverter?

A 100Ah battery paired with an inverter typically lasts 5–10 hours, depending on the load and efficiency factors. For example, a 500W load draws ~50A from a 12V system, depleting the battery in ~2 hours at full discharge. However, real-world factors like inverter efficiency (85–95%), depth of discharge (50% for lead-acid), and temperature impact runtime.

Deespaek 12V LiFePO4 Battery 100Ah

How to Calculate 100Ah Battery Runtime with an Inverter?

Runtime = (Battery Capacity × Voltage × Inverter Efficiency × Depth of Discharge) ÷ Load Wattage. For a 100Ah 12V battery running a 300W load at 90% efficiency: (100Ah × 12V × 0.9 × 0.5) ÷ 300W = 1.8 hours. Always derate calculations by 20% to account for voltage drop and aging components.

To optimize calculations, consider creating a load profile spreadsheet. Track peak vs. average consumption – a refrigerator might draw 800W during compressor activation but only 150W in standby. For mixed AC/DC systems, calculate inverter and direct DC loads separately. Below is a sample runtime table for common loads:

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Load (Watts) Runtime (Hours) Usable Cycles
200 5.4 600
500 2.2 300
1000 1.1 150

Which Battery Chemistry Lasts Longest with Inverters?

Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries provide 3,000–5,000 cycles at 80% DoD versus 300–500 cycles for lead-acid. Though 2–3× pricier upfront, lithium offers 5–7× longer lifespan and maintains stable voltage output during discharge, improving inverter efficiency by 8–12% compared to lead-acid’s voltage sag.

When evaluating total cost of ownership, lithium becomes economical after 1,200 cycles. Their 95% charge efficiency outperforms lead-acid’s 75-85%, reducing solar recharge time. Key maintenance differences include:

Feature LiFePO4 Lead-Acid
Weight 55 lbs 68 lbs
Temp Range -4°F to 140°F 32°F to 104°F
Self-Discharge 3% monthly 5% weekly

“Modern lithium batteries revolutionize inverter runtime—our tests show LiFePO4 delivers 92% usable capacity versus 50% in lead-acid. Pair them with hybrid inverters for 98% grid-tie efficiency. Always monitor battery temperature; a 10°C rise doubles chemical degradation rates.” – Power Systems Engineer, Renewables Industry

FAQs

How many appliances can a 100Ah battery run?
Simultaneously runs: 50W LED TV (10h), 150W laptop (3h), and 80W router (6h) = 280W total (4.6h runtime). Prioritize DC appliances to avoid 10–15% inverter losses.
Does cold weather affect inverter runtime?
Yes—at 32°F, lead-acid batteries lose 30–40% capacity. Lithium fares better with 15–20% loss. Use insulated battery boxes and maintain 50–86°F operating temps.
Can I connect multiple 100Ah batteries?
Yes—parallel connection doubles capacity (200Ah). Ensure batteries are same age/chemistry. Mismatched batteries can reduce total capacity 40% due to imbalance.