Solar Battery Charge-Schedule Planner — Plan When to Charge
Estimate the charging window required to absorb solar surplus and reach a target battery state of charge without exceeding available solar or charger limits.
Charge schedule inputs
How the charge schedule is calculated
The battery energy needed to reach the target SOC is calculated from usable capacity and the SOC difference. Charging losses mean more solar-side energy is required than the energy ultimately stored.
Solar energy required = stored energy ÷ charging efficiency
Charge time = solar energy required ÷ usable charging power
Why a reserve matters
A target SOC is not always the same as a desired operating reserve. The reserve input makes the intended minimum end-of-window battery level explicit.
Schedule interpretation
If the required charging time fits inside the available solar window, the target can be reached under the simplified assumptions. If it does not, the battery may need a longer solar window, more charging power, a lower target SOC or another charging source.
Frequently asked questions
Can the target SOC be below the starting SOC?
The calculator treats that as zero additional charging requirement because the battery is already at or above the target.
Why is charge power capped?
Battery systems usually have a maximum charging power. This planner uses the lower of the charger limit and entered available solar power.