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Glossary

Plain-language definitions of the terms you will meet on product pages, datasheets and manuals. The definitions are general industry explanations. The "Where you'll see it" links point to where each term matters for MARSTEK products. For exact values, always use the product's manual or datasheet.

Power and energy​

kW vs kWh​

kW (kilowatt) is power: how much electricity is used or delivered at one moment. kWh (kilowatt-hour) is energy: power used over time. A 1 kW load running for 2 hours uses 2 kWh. A battery's kWh tells you how long it can run things. Its inverter kW tells you how much it can run at the same time. Where you'll see it: every product page, and the backup calculator.

W and Wh​

The same as above at 1/1,000 of the scale: 1 kW = 1,000 W and 1 kWh = 1,000 Wh. Portable stations are usually rated in W and Wh, for example the V500 (500 W, 2,009.6 Wh).

kVA / VA​

Apparent power. It is often used to rate inverters and is close to watts for most household loads. Where you'll see it: VENUS E 3.0 backup output (2.5 kVA).

mAh​

Milliamp-hours, a battery charge rating that only means something together with the voltage. Wh = mAh × V ÷ 1,000. For example, 10,000 mAh × 3.7 V ÷ 1,000 = 37 Wh. Comparing mAh across products with different voltages is misleading, so compare Wh instead. Where you'll see it: Powerbanks, Powerbanks guide.

Peak vs continuous (rated) power​

Continuous (rated) power is what an inverter can supply indefinitely. Peak (surge) power is a short burst, used for example to start a motor. Plan your running loads against the continuous figure. Where you'll see it: V500 500 W / 1,000 W peak, M1200 1,800 W / 3,600 W peak, M2200 2,400 W / 4,800 W peak.

Pure sine wave​

An AC output whose waveform matches clean grid power. It is suitable for sensitive electronics and motors. (Cheaper "modified sine wave" inverters can make some appliances hum or run hot.) Where you'll see it: V500, V6000.

Batteries​

LFP / LiFePO4​

Lithium iron phosphate, a lithium battery chemistry known for long cycle life and good thermal stability. Most MARSTEK energy-storage products use it. Where you'll see it: V500, M1200, M2200, VENUS E 3.0, V6000, MARS I PLUS.

SOC (state of charge)​

How full the battery is, as a percentage. On the V500, the battery LED bar shows SOC in four 25% steps. Where you'll see it: V500 quick start, V6000 (SOC thresholds in Economic Mode).

DoD (depth of discharge)​

How much of the battery's capacity is used before recharging. A 90% DoD means 90% of the nameplate energy is designed to be usable. Cycle-life figures are quoted at a stated DoD (for example, "down to 80% DoD"). Where you'll see it: VENUS E 3.0, VENUS E Mini, and the backup calculator assumptions.

Cycle life​

How many full charge–discharge cycles a battery is rated for before its capacity drops to a stated level (often 80%). Different documents can quote different figures for the same product. Check the conflict notes on each product page. Where you'll see it: V500 (6,000 in the manual vs 10,000+ in the datasheet).

Usable capacity​

The energy you can actually draw from a battery, after DoD limits and conversion losses. It is always somewhat less than the nameplate kWh.

BMS (battery management system)​

The electronics that protect the battery against over-charge, over-discharge, over-current, short circuits and extreme temperatures.

Solar​

PV (photovoltaic)​

Solar panels, and the DC electricity they produce. "PV input" is where panels connect. Where you'll see it: every product with solar input.

MPPT (maximum power point tracking)​

A charge controller that constantly adjusts to get the most power from solar panels as sunlight changes. Each MPPT has a voltage range, and the panels must stay inside it. Where you'll see it: V500 (12–59 V per manual), M1200 / M2200 guide (12–59 V), MARS I PLUS (120–500 V, 2 trackers).

MC4 / XT60​

Common solar connectors. MC4 is the standard rooftop and outdoor panel connector. XT60 is a compact DC connector common on portable equipment. Where you'll see it: V500 (MC4), M1200 / M2200 (XT60).

System types​

On-grid vs off-grid​

On-grid systems connect to the utility (for example, Meralco or a cooperative) and work alongside it. Off-grid systems run independently of the utility. Some systems can do both, and switch to backup when the grid fails. Where you'll see it: V6000 (off-grid all-in-one), VENUS E 3.0 (on-grid output plus backup).

AC-coupled storage​

A battery system that connects on the AC side of the home, so it can be added next to an existing solar system without replacing its inverter. Where you'll see it: VENUS E 3.0, VENUS E Mini.

Hybrid inverter​

A single inverter that manages solar panels, a battery and the grid together. It is typical for new solar-plus-storage installs. Where you'll see it: MARS I PLUS.

EPS / backup loads​

EPS (emergency power supply) or backup outputs keep selected circuits or sockets powered during a grid outage. Only loads wired to the EPS/backup side are covered. Choose them carefully: fridge, lights, Wi-Fi. Where you'll see it: MARS I PLUS (EPS loads), VENUS E 3.0 (backup output).

UPS mode​

An operating mode that keeps the battery ready to take over when grid power fails. How fast the switchover is depends on the product. Check the manual. Where you'll see it: VENUS E Mini (UPS mode listed in its manual).

Bypass​

When grid (AC input) power passes straight through to the connected load while the unit is plugged in. Where you'll see it: V500 (AC bypass up to 500 W).

Metering and grid export​

CT / smart meter​

A CT (current transformer) clamps around a cable to measure current. A smart meter uses CTs to tell the battery system how much power the house is importing or exporting, so the battery can respond. Where you'll see it: CT002, VENUS E 3.0, VENUS E Mini.

Zero-export / anti feed-in​

Control logic that keeps the power sent back to the grid at or near zero, so stored and solar energy is used in the home (self-consumption). It usually needs a CT or smart meter. Where you'll see it: VENUS E Mini ("zero-export", "Anti Feed-in"), MARS I PLUS (anti feed-in protection).

Self-consumption​

Using your own solar or battery energy in the home instead of exporting it. It is a common operating mode on MARSTEK home storage.

Protection ratings​

IP65 / IPX7 (ingress protection)​

IP ratings describe protection against solids and water. The first digit is dust (6 = dust-tight) and the second is water. IP65 = dust-tight and protected against water jets. IPX7 = not tested for dust ("X"), protected against temporary immersion. An IP rating applies only with port covers closed as the manual describes. It does not mean a product can be used while wet. Where you'll see it: IP65: V500, VENUS E 3.0, V6000. IPX7: claimed only on the SRP flyer for the PB10/PB20 powerbanks, not in their manuals (see the Powerbanks guide).

UN38.3​

A UN transport test standard for lithium batteries, needed to ship them. Where you'll see it: V500 datasheet.

Everyday terms​

Brownout​

Philippine usage for a power outage (elsewhere it can mean reduced voltage). See the Brownout preparedness guide.

Load​

Any appliance or device drawing power.

Nameplate rating​

The label or sticker on an appliance showing its voltage, frequency and watts (or amps). Use it when you size a system.

Hz (frequency)​

How often AC power alternates per second. The Philippine grid is 60 Hz. Some MARSTEK documents are written for 50 Hz markets. Check the conflict notes on the product and tutorial pages.