🔌 Critical Loads: Planning Your Home Power During an Outage

A solar battery's capacity determines how long you can run essential appliances when the grid goes down. Prioritization is key.

1. Prioritizing Critical Loads (Must-Haves)

When the system is installed, you (or your installer) will select the specific circuits that the battery will power.

• ✅ **Refrigerators/Freezers:** Essential for food preservation.
• ✅ **Lighting:** Critical circuits and emergency lighting.
• ✅ **Communication:** Internet modem, Wi-Fi router, and phone chargers.
• **Medical Devices:** Any necessary medical equipment.

2. High-Draw Appliances (To Avoid)

Appliances with high startup or sustained wattage draw will quickly drain a standard battery.

• **Central HVAC:** Full-size AC units or electric heating can drain a battery in hours.
• **Electric Water Heater:** High, sustained draw; better to use gas or solar thermal.
• **Electric Oven/Range:** High resistance heating elements are battery-killers.

Sizing for the Outage

A typical 10kWh battery can run essential critical loads (fridge, lights, Wi-Fi) for **12 to 24 hours**. For whole-house backup or multi-day autonomy, multiple batteries or integration with a generator are necessary. 💡