How long a home battery can provide power depends on several factors, including:
- Battery capacity: The battery's total storage capacity, usually expressed in kilowatt hours (kWh), determines how much energy is available to supply.
- Usage pattern: How much energy you use every day and at what times of the day influences how long the battery lasts. For example, if you use most of your energy at night when the sun isn't shining (if you have a solar energy system), the battery will deplete faster than if you store energy during the day and use it at night.
- Charge and discharge speed: The rate at which the battery charges and discharges can vary and affects how long the stored energy lasts. Fast charging and fast discharging can shorten battery life.
- Battery system efficiency: Every battery has a certain efficiency in storing and releasing energy. Some energy is lost as heat during these processes, which can reduce the effective usable capacity of the battery.
- External circumstances: Factors such as temperature and environmental conditions can affect battery performance. Extreme heat or cold can reduce efficiency.
In general, a home battery can provide power from several hours to several days depending on these factors and the battery's specifications, under normal use. However, it is important to note that a home battery is usually intended as a backup for short-term power outages or to store self-generated energy for later use, rather than as a primary energy source for extended periods without AC power.