When it comes to powering homes, clinics, schools, or communication systems in remote regions, one thing is clear: getting the battery bank sizing right is not optional it’s critical. An undersized battery bank results in frequent outages, while oversizing leads to unnecessary costs. So how do you strike the perfect balance?

At Eastman, we understand the challenges of off-grid energy systems, and we’re here to support you with practical, reliable guidance. From calculating daily energy loads and determining days of autonomy to choosing the ideal system voltage and battery type, this guide provides you with on-ground, actionable insights. Our focus is on ensuring reliability, optimizing cost-efficiency, and building systems that perform even in the most demanding conditions. Here's how to get it right.

Here’s a practical guide for installers working in off-grid and remote areas:

1. Know the Load

Start with a detailed load assessment. List out all the appliances and devices the system will support, along with their power ratings and usage durations. This helps you determine the daily energy consumption in watt-hours (Wh).

2. Determine Days of Autonomy

Remote regions often experience unpredictable weather or fuel delivery delays. Days of autonomy refer to how many days the system can run without recharging. For most off-grid setups, 2–3 days of autonomy is standard, but in areas with harsh climates, consider even more.

3. Decide on System Voltage

Higher voltages (like 48V) reduce current, which minimizes cable size and energy losses ideal for large systems. Smaller setups may still run efficiently on 12V or 24V. The system voltage impacts battery configuration and inverter compatibility.

4. Calculate Battery Capacity Needed

Here’s the formula: 
Battery Capacity (Ah) = (Daily Load x Days of Autonomy) ÷ (System Voltage x Depth of Discharge)

For instance, if your load is 5,000 Wh/day, with 2 days of autonomy on a 24V system, using batteries with 50% allowable depth of discharge:
Capacity = (5,000 x 2) ÷ (24 x 0.5) = 833Ah

This is the minimum bank size required.

5. Choose the Right Battery Type

For remote regions, deep-cycle batteries either flooded lead-acid, sealed AGM, or lithium are popular. Each comes with pros and cons:

• Flooded Lead-Acid: Affordable but requires regular maintenance.
• AGM/Gel: Maintenance-free, good for harsh conditions.
• Lithium: Expensive upfront but longer life, compact, and faster charging.

6. Don’t Forget Temperature and Aging

Remote regions can be hot or cold. Battery capacity drops in low temperatures. Likewise, battery efficiency declines over time. Add a 10–20% buffer to your calculations to stay safe.

7. Prioritize Maintenance & Availability

Choose batteries that are easily serviceable or replaceable in that region. Long-term support and local availability are just as important as performance specs.

Conclusion

Battery bank sizing is both a science and an art. For remote region installations, a thoughtful, expert approach ensures long-term reliability and customer satisfaction. At Eastman, we’re committed to empowering installers with the knowledge and tools to build smarter, stronger energy systems no matter how remote the destination.

Share: