Batteries

A 6.2kW inverter like the YACHU 6.2kW is a 48V unit, so it needs a 48V battery bank: one 48V (51.2V) lithium battery, such as our YACHU 5kWh (KSh 95,000) or 10kWh (KSh 160,000), or four 12V batteries wired in series. Many 5kVA hybrid inverters also run at 48V; check the label.

Four 12V 200Ah gel batteries in series store about 9.6kWh, but only about half is usable if you want them to last, so they give roughly the same usable energy as the 5kWh lithium battery. More storage means longer backup, not more power at once.

Lithium costs more upfront but usually lasts much longer: YACHU lithium batteries are listed at 6,000+ cycles with Grade A CATL cells, are lighter, and let you use more of their stored energy. Gel batteries are cheaper to start, from KSh 14,000 for a 12V 100Ah. Lithium suits daily cycling; gel suits lighter or occasional backup.

• YACHU 2.5kWh lithium (12.8V 200Ah or 25.6V 100Ah): KSh 40,000, about 2.3kWh usable
• 12V 200Ah gel: KSh 30,000, about 1.2kWh usable if you use half

On our arithmetic, the lithium battery already costs less per usable kWh, before counting its longer life. These are estimates; we can compare both for your load.

At Technics Electricals & Solar in Kiserian, YACHU lithium batteries cost KSh 40,000 for 2.5kWh (12.8V 200Ah or 25.6V 100Ah), KSh 95,000 for 5kWh (51.2V 100Ah) and KSh 160,000 for 10kWh (48V 200Ah). All use Grade A CATL cells, rated for 6,000+ cycles with a 6-year warranty, as listed.

Pick the voltage that matches your inverter: 12.8V for 12V, 25.6V for 24V, and 48V or 51.2V for 48V inverters. The warranty is the manufacturer’s; ask us for terms.

As a rough estimate, a 12V 200Ah gel battery stores about 2.4kWh, and you should use only about half (1.2kWh) to keep it healthy. That runs a 100W load, such as LED lights, a TV and Wi-Fi, for about 12 hours. The YACHU 12.8V 200Ah lithium gives most of its 2.56kWh, roughly twice the run time.

With a 1,000W load, the same gel battery lasts only about an hour. Inverter losses and older batteries shorten these times. Prices: YACHU 12V 200Ah gel KSh 30,000; YACHU 12.8V 200Ah lithium KSh 40,000.

The YACHU 1kWh portable power station (KSh 45,000) is backup you can carry: a 1kWh lithium battery with a 500W inverter, two AC outlets, USB and USB-C ports and a smart display. It charges from KPLC with its charger and runs Wi-Fi, laptops, lights and a TV during blackouts, with no wiring needed.

Keep the total load under 500W: kettles, irons and heaters are too big. It is listed with a 3-year manufacturer warranty; ask us for terms.