As a solar products manufacturer and exporter, I often get one very common question:
“How many batteries do I need for my 10kW solar system?”

Whether you’re a homeowner, a shop owner, or a solar installer, understanding the right battery bank is crucial. Since we are also a battery, inverter, and online UPS manufacturer, along with lithium-ion packs, tubular batteries, EV chargers, and more, this is one topic I deal with every day.

That’s why in this guide, I’ll explain everything in a friendly and simple way—no complicated formulas—just clear, practical advice to help you choose the right battery bank.

What a 10kW Solar System Can Power

Before deciding the number of batteries, it helps to understand what a 10kW system usually supports.

A 10kW system is ideal for:

• Medium to large homes

• Small commercial establishments

• Shops, clinics, offices

• Homes with ACs and refrigerators

• Mixed day + night usage

During daytime, solar panels run most appliances directly. But at night or during power cuts, your battery bank becomes the heart of your solar system. That’s why sizing it correctly matters.

The 3 Main Factors That Decide Battery Quantity

Whenever someone asks me about battery sizing, I start by analyzing these three simple factors:

1. Backup Hours Needed

Do you need backup for:

• 2–3 hours?

• 4–6 hours?

• 8+ hours?

The more hours you need, the bigger the battery bank.

2. System Voltage of the Inverter

10kW inverters usually come in:

• 48V systems → 4 batteries in series

• 96V systems → 8 batteries in series

• 120V systems → 10 batteries in series

One “string” of batteries must match this voltage.

3. Battery Type

You can choose between:

• Tubular batteries (budget-friendly, long-lasting, most popular)

• Lithium-ion batteries (compact, long life, fast charging, modern solution)

We manufacture both, and I’ll explain both options in detail.

How Many Tubular Batteries Are Needed for a 10kW Solar System?

Tubular batteries remain the most widely used option in India, Africa, and Middle Eastern markets. They offer durability, low cost, and reliable performance.

Let’s break it down based on backup hours.

🔹 If You Need 4 Hours Backup

A 10kW system needs around 833Ah for 4 hours of backup.

Using 200Ah tubular batteries:

• 833 ÷ 200 = 4.16

• This means two strings of batteries

✅ Required: 8 Tubular Batteries (200Ah each)

🔹 If You Need 6 Hours Backup

Required capacity becomes approx 1250Ah.

1250 ÷ 200 = 6.25
This usually becomes 3 strings.

✅ Required: 12 Tubular Batteries (200Ah each)

🔹 If You Need 8 Hours Backup

Commercial places like clinics, retail stores, or offices need long backup.

Required = 1666Ah

1666 ÷ 200 = 8.3
This usually results in 3 or 4 strings depending on load.

✅ Required: 12–16 Tubular Batteries

How Many Lithium-Ion Batteries for a 10kW Solar System?

Lithium-ion batteries are becoming more popular due to their 10+ year lifespan, zero maintenance, and fast charging.
A single lithium pack replaces multiple tubular batteries.

Most homes and businesses choose:

🔹 10kWh Lithium Pack

• Backup: 2–3 hours

• Replaces: 8 tubular batteries

🔹 15kWh Lithium Pack

• Backup: 4–5 hours

• Best for homes with AC

🔹 20kWh Lithium Pack

• Backup: 6–8 hours

• Ideal for offices/shops

Lithium costs more but gives superior performance. As a solar products manufacturer and supplier, we supply both battery types depending on customer needs and export market demand.

Quick Comparison Table

Backup Needed	Tubular Batteries (200Ah)	Lithium Battery Bank
2–3 Hours	4–6 batteries	5–10 kWh
4 Hours	8 batteries	10 kWh
6 Hours	12 batteries	15 kWh
8 Hours	12–16 batteries	20 kWh

This summary helps you make a quick decision—but let’s go deeper so you don’t choose the wrong size.

Tubular vs Lithium-Ion: Which Is Better for Your System?

I always explain this in a simple way:

Choose Tubular Battery If:

• You want a low-cost solution

• You don’t mind basic maintenance

• You need proven long-term reliability

• You want easy availability and service

Choose Lithium-Ion If:

• You want long life (10–12 years)

• You dislike maintenance

• You want fast charging

• You prefer a compact design

• You have continuous AC usage

Both work well depending on budget and usage. We manufacture both options, so recommending the right one is part of our daily work.

Other Factors Influencing Battery Quantity

Even after calculations, real-life conditions affect the final sizing:

• Daily energy consumption

• Night-time appliance usage

• Number of ACs

• Inverter charging current

• Local temperature

• Expected lifespan

• Solar panel capacity

This is why we always do a load assessment before finalizing the battery bank.

Final Answer 

Here is the easiest way to remember:

• Normal Home Backup (4 hours): 8 tubular batteries OR 10kWh lithium

• Moderate Backup (6 hours): 12 tubular batteries OR 15kWh lithium

• Long Commercial Backup (8 hours): 12–16 tubular batteries OR 20kWh lithium

Your exact requirement depends on how much backup you truly need.

Conclusion

A 10kW solar system is powerful and can support homes, offices, and commercial spaces. But for it to perform well during power cuts, choosing the right battery bank is crucial. Whether you choose tubular batteries or lithium-ion batteries, sizing them correctly ensures long backup, stable performance, and a longer lifespan.

As a solar products manufacturer, exporter, and supplier, and as a leading manufacturer of tubular batteries, lithium-ion batteries, solar inverters, online UPS, EV chargers, and more—we are here to guide you with the best solution for your home or business.

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