Choosing the right number of batteries for a 5kVA inverter may seem confusing at first, especially if you’re a homeowner trying to set up a reliable backup system—or a business owner planning capacity for your shop, office, or commercial space. I’ve been working in this industry for years as a solar products manufacturer and exporter and supplier, and as someone who directly deals with everything from tubular batteries to solar inverters, lithium-ion batteries, online UPS, EV chargers, and more, I’ve seen this question come up almost every day.

So today, I want to explain this topic in the most simple, practical, and conversational manner—just like I would guide my own customers.

Understanding What a 5kVA Inverter Actually Means

Before talking about batteries, we need to understand the inverter itself. Many people confuse kW and kVA. A 5kVA inverter doesn't mean it gives 5kW output.

A simple formula helps:

kW = kVA × Power Factor
Most home inverters have a power factor of around 0.8.

So,
5kVA × 0.8 = 4kW usable power

This means your 5kVA inverter can actually run approximately 4000 watts of load—fans, lights, computers, TVs, and even some small appliances depending on the setup.

But none of this is possible without the right battery bank behind it.

Why the Battery Combination Matters So Much

Your inverter only converts DC to AC; the real "powerhouse" is the battery bank. And the voltage requirement of the inverter determines how many batteries you need.

Almost all 5kVA inverters come in one of these voltage options:

• 48V system

• 96V system

• 120V system

And since each battery is 12V, the math becomes simple.

Let’s break it down clearly.

How Many Batteries Are Required for a 5kVA Inverter?

Most Common Answer: 4 Batteries (48V System)

A huge majority of 5kVA inverters are 48V models, which means you need:

4 batteries × 12V each = 48V

This is the standard setup for:

• Homes

• Shops

• Offices

• Small commercial units

A 48V system is cost-efficient, power-efficient, easy to maintain, and works extremely well with tubular batteries. As a solar products manufacturer and exporter and supplier, we ship thousands of 48V 5kVA systems every year because that’s what 90% of customers prefer.

Other Possible Combinations

While 48V is the most common, some models require higher voltages:

1. 96V System → 8 Batteries

Some high-end or long-duration off-grid 5kVA inverters operate at 96V.

8 batteries × 12V = 96V

This setup offers:

• Better efficiency

• Lower heating

• More stable backup

But the upfront cost is higher.

2. 120V System → 10 Batteries

This is mostly seen in:

• Industrial-grade inverters

• Online UPS units

• 24×7 mission-critical systems

Because our company also works as a manufacturer of online UPS, EV chargers, and industrial-grade backup solutions, we see 120V setups often in:

• Hospitals

• Data rooms

• Telecom applications

• Commercial installations

So Which Voltage System Should You Choose?

Let me share my straightforward recommendation based on practical experience.

 Homes & Shops → 48V (4 Batteries)

Affordable, efficient, reliable.

 Small Businesses & Offices → 48V or 96V

Depends on usage duration & load.

 Industrial Users → 96V or 120V

Better performance for heavy, sensitive load.

For most people reading this, 4 batteries are all you need.

What Battery Capacity Should You Choose? (AH Rating Explained)

Knowing the number of batteries isn’t enough—you must also choose the right Ah capacity. The most common options are:

• 100Ah

• 150Ah

• 180Ah

• 200Ah

• 220Ah

As a tubular battery manufacturer, we produce all sizes, but 150Ah and 200Ah remain the most popular for 5kVA systems.

Here’s a simple rule I always tell my customers:

 If you want 3–5 hours backup → 150Ah batteries

 If you want 6–8 hours backup → 200Ah or 220Ah batteries

 If you want 10+ hours backup → lithium-ion battery (5kWh or 10kWh)

This brings us to the next important point.

Backup Time Calculation (Explained in the Easiest Way)

Let’s assume a 5kVA inverter with a 48V system and 200Ah tubular batteries.

Backup time formula:

Backup (in hours) = Total Battery Wh / Load in Watts

Total battery Wh =
12V × 4 batteries × 200Ah = 9600Wh

If your load is 800W:

Backup = 9600 ÷ 800 = 12 hours

If your load is 2000W:

Backup = 9600 ÷ 2000 = 4.8 hours

This is why battery size matters.

Tubular Battery vs Lithium-Ion Battery — Which Is Better for a 5kVA Inverter?

As a tubular battery and lithium-ion battery manufacturer, I get this question all the time. Let’s make it simple.

Tubular Battery (Lead-Acid)

Best for:

• Homes

• Shops

• Economic setups

• Long power cuts

• Heavy load handling

Lithium-Ion Battery

Best for:

• Premium homes

• Solar users

• Offices

• Low-maintenance requirements

• Fast charging

• Long life (10+ years)

If you are building a solar-powered home or want the latest technology, lithium-ion is unbeatable.

If you want affordability + strong backup, tubular is the king.

Recommended Battery Setup for a 5kVA Inverter (My Expert Suggestion)

After years of manufacturing, testing, installing, and exporting batteries and inverters, here’s the most balanced setup:

Best for Homes:

• 5kVA 48V inverter

• 4 × 150Ah or 200Ah tubular batteries

Best for Small Businesses:

• 5kVA 48V or 96V inverter

• 4–8 tubular batteries depending on backup needs

Best for Solar Users:

• 5kVA hybrid solar inverter

• 5kWh or 10kWh lithium-ion battery

Best for Offices & IT Setups:

• 5kVA online UPS

• 96V or 120V lithium battery bank

We manufacture all categories—tubular battery, inverter, online UPS, and lithium-ion battery—so the recommendation is based on real-world experience.

A Quick Table for Clarity

5kVA Inverter Type	System Voltage	No. of Batteries	Best Battery Type
Home / Shop Inverter	48V	4 batteries	150–200Ah tubular
High Backup Home System	96V	8 batteries	180–220Ah tubular
Industrial / Online UPS	120V	10 batteries	Lithium-ion
Solar Hybrid System	48V	1 lithium (5–10kWh)	LiFePO4 lithium battery

Why Choosing the Right Manufacturer Matters

Not all batteries are created equal. As a solar products manufacturer and exporter and supplier, we build our batteries to sustain:

• Long backup

• High heat conditions

• Deep discharge cycles

• Solar charging

• Heavy inverter load

Whether it is a tubular battery, lithium-ion battery, online UPS, or solar inverter—quality directly affects performance and lifespan.

Always choose a trusted manufacturer who controls testing, quality, and manufacturing from end to end.

Conclusion

A 5kVA inverter generally needs 4 batteries (48V system), but depending on the inverter model, you might need 8 or 10 batteries. Your battery choice—150Ah, 200Ah, tubular, or lithium—decides how long your backup will last and how efficient your system will be.

As a long-time solar products manufacturer and exporter and supplier, and as a company producing tubular batteries, inverters, online UPS, lithium-ion batteries, EV chargers, and more, I always tell customers:
Choose a battery based on your load, backup need, and long-term budget—not just upfront cost.

If you want help selecting the perfect setup, I'm always here.

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