The batteries most often used in conjunction with solar panels are sealed lead-acid batteries referred to as “deep-cycle” batteries.

They’re certainly not your standard double or triple-A battery. It would be best if you also had a battery that will store the energy your panels produce and sustain your energy needs when the sun is not shining.Īny excess energy produced will be harvested and collected in the battery so that rather than sending that energy back into the grid, you can collect it for use at times when you need it, such as cloudy days, nighttime, and even during unexpected power outages ( source).ĭetermining what size battery and whether or not your solar panel will charge the battery effectively requires some understanding of the type of batteries used for solar panels and their subsequent energy storage capacity. While solar panels are incredibly adept at collecting energy from the sun, there is another component when it comes to maintaining and accessing power when you need it. Identifying how long it will take to charge your battery is more complicated than you might realize. We also maintain business relationships with other vendors (full statement.) Solar Panel Batteries and Amp-Hoursīefore we figure out how long it takes to charge a 100 amp-hour battery, we first need a basic understanding of solar panel batteries, why you need one, and how they work. As such, we earn a small commission with reader purchases. This calculation estimate depends on environmental variables, including the weather and direction of the sun, the angle of the solar panel, the location and time of year, and the state and age of the battery.Ĭontinue reading to learn more about solar panel batteries, how they function, and the different variables that will determine how long it will take your battery to charge.Īlternative Energy Options is an Amazon Associate. It will take a 100-watt solar panel 12–14 hours of direct, peak sunlight to charge a 100-amp-hour battery on average. Knowing how much power your battery will supply and how long it will take to charge can depend on a few different factors. A solar panel is an excellent source of alternative energy, but you’ll also need a battery to store the excess energy your solar panel collects.

100 watt solar panel charge time calc