What Size Battery Bank Do I Need for a 2000w Inverter?

Question:

I was told for a 3000w inverter, a lead acid battery bank should have at least 800Ah, whereas a lithium battery bank would only require 300Ah. Is the correct? If so, would that be scalable for a 2000w inverter so that only 200Ah would be required for a lithium battery bank?

asked by: Jon K

Expert Reply:

The answers to both of your questions depends on how long you want to run the batteries for and at what output. The formula is hours needed to run x watts / battery voltage = battery inverter size. The Go Power Industrial Pure Sine Wave Inverter item # 34278156 will require a 200ah battery to run at full load for 20-25 minutes. To operate anything for an extended period requiring this size inverter, I suggest a battery bank of at least 400 AH minimum.

You would need four of the Power Sonic RV Lithium Battery - LiFePO4 100 Amp Hour item # PS94FR. Or two of the Power Sonic RV Lithium Battery - LiFePO4 200 Amp Hour item # PS64FR. A lithium battery bank would require half as many amp hours to run as a lead acid battery set up.

expert reply by: Jerred H