Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Inverter for Load-Shedding Backups (Nepal)

Load-shedding remains a reality for many households and businesses across Nepal, especially in cities like Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Pokhara, and Hetauda. A reliable inverter system with a battery can be a lifesaver when the grid goes down—giving your home lights, fans, routers, and essential appliances uninterrupted power. But with so many models, capacities, and battery types available, choosing the right inverter isn’t simple.

This Nepal-focused buying guide explains exactly how to choose the best inverter for load-shedding backups—covering capacity sizing, battery types, estimated costs in Nepal, warranty, maintenance, and real-world performance.

Why Choosing the Right Inverter Matters in Nepal

Not all inverters are created equal. A poorly chosen inverter can lead to:

Insufficient backup time
Overheating and frequent service calls
Higher electricity costs or battery drain
Shortened battery life
Noise and safety issues

A well-matched inverter and battery ensure:

Longer, cleaner power backups
Better lifespan and fewer replacements
Lower maintenance headaches

Key Components of an Inverter System

An inverter system typically includes:

Inverter Unit: Converts DC battery power to AC for your appliances
Battery: Stores electricity for load-shedding periods
Charger / Controller: Manages charging and protects battery health
Wiring & Accessories: Fuses, cables, and mounting hardware

Step 1 — Calculate Your Load Requirements

Understand Your Power Needs First

Start by calculating total watts you want to back up during load-shedding.

Common appliance wattages (approx):

LED light: 10–20 W
Ceiling fan: 60–80 W
Laptop: 45–90 W
Router: 10 W
TV (LED): 60–120 W
Refrigerator: 120–300 W (starting surge higher)

Example Load Calculation (Household):

Appliance Qty Watts Total

LED lights | 6 | 15 W | 90 W
Ceiling fans | 2 | 70 W | 140 W
TV | 1 | 100 W | 100 W
Router | 1 | 10 W | 10 W
Laptop | 1 | 80 W | 80 W
Total Est. Load | | | 420 W

Rule of Thumb:
Add ~20–30% buffer above your total load estimate.

Step 2 — Choose the Right Inverter Capacity

Inverters are rated by VA / W (Volt-Amp / Watts).

Home Size Suggested Inverter VA/W

Small room / essentials only | 600–800 VA
Small apartment | 1000–1500 VA
Medium home | 2000–3000 VA
Large home / heavier load | 4000 VA +

Example:
For a 420 W load (above), a 1000–1200 VA inverter is usually enough — accounting for inefficiencies and future additions.

Step 3 — Battery Type Matters

The battery is the most critical—and expensive—part of any inverter system.

Lead-Acid Batteries

Flooded / Tubular: Longer life and widely used in Nepal
Maintenance: Requires periodic water topping
Best for: Load shedding backups with moderate usage

Sealed / Maintenance-Free (SMF) Batteries

No water topping
Cleaner installation
Slightly higher cost
Shorter lifespan than tubular in heavy-use scenarios

Lithium Batteries

Longest lifespan (2000+ cycles)
Lighter and more efficient
Higher upfront cost
Lower maintenance and deeper discharge

Nepal Insight:
Lead-acid tubular batteries remain most popular due to cost-to-life balance, but lithium options are gaining traction for consistent high usage.

Step 4 — Estimate Backup Time (Runtime)

Backup time depends on:

Battery capacity (Ah)
Total load
Inverter efficiency

Runtime Formula (Simplified):

Runtime (hrs) ≈ Battery Ah × Battery Voltage × 0.7 / Load (W)

Example:

150 Ah × 12 V × 0.7 / 420 W ≈ ~2.6 hrs

This is a rough estimate—real-world figures vary by load types and battery condition.

Step 5 — Warranty & After-Sales Support

In Nepal, inverter service networks and warranty coverage can vary. Look for:

Inverter unit warranty: 1–3 years
Battery warranty: 12–36 months (tube batteries often longer)
Local service centres in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Biratnagar

Longer warranty often indicates better component quality and spare availability.

Step 6 — Price Guide in Nepal (2026 Rates)

Approximate price ranges you can expect in Nepal (Kathmandu market and major retailers):

Component Price (NPR)

Prices are approximate and may vary by store, brand, warranty, and seasonal demand.

Step 7 — Additional Features to Look For

Pure Sine Wave Output

Better for sensitive electronics like laptops and TVs.

LCD/Smart Display

Shows battery %, load usage, runtime estimates.

Overload & Short Circuit Protection

Improves safety and component longevity.

Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR)

Protects appliances from voltage fluctuations—a common issue in Nepal.

Tips for Installing Your Inverter System

Place the battery in a ventilated, cool area (batteries produce gases).
Avoid direct sunlight & moisture exposure.
Use proper cable sizing to avoid energy losses.
Schedule periodic battery maintenance if using tubular setups.

FAQ – Inverter Buying in Nepal

Q: Which inverter capacity do I need for a 1–2 bedroom home?
Many households use 1000–1500 VA inverters with ~150–200 Ah batteries for basic loads.

Q: Should I buy inverter and battery together?
Yes — buying both at once ensures compatibility and often comes with bundle deals.

Q: Are lithium batteries worth it in Nepal?
If you want long life, deeper discharge, and lower maintenance, yes—especially for frequent load shedding.

Q: How long do inverter batteries last?
Tubular lead-acid batteries can last 3–5 years with good maintenance; lithium batteries can go 8–10 years.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Inverter for Load-Shedding Backups