Path-Q Solar

How many hours can a battery run essential appliances during an outage?

Answer

Approximate runtime is usable battery energy divided by average load, adjusted for inverter losses, reserve limits, temperature, and startup demand; actual runtime varies with what operates and when.

Key points

  • A battery's kWh rating is not fully available to loads.
  • High-power appliances shorten runtime quickly.
  • Solar recharge may extend an outage but depends on weather and equipment.

What it depends on

  • Usable battery kWh
  • Average and peak loads
  • Backup configuration and solar recharge

Risks and trade-offs

  • Runtime estimates can be optimistic.
  • Startup surges may trip the system even when energy remains.

Information you may need

  • Battery usable capacity
  • Load schedule
  • Inverter continuous and surge ratings

Your next step

What to do next

Calculate runtime from a prioritized hourly load schedule rather than a single appliance total.

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SQ00109