Path-Q Solar

How should backup circuits be selected if I want to avoid powering the whole house?

Answer

Select circuits based on the services that matter during an outage, their running and startup loads, and the battery or inverter's power limits. Put essential, manageable loads on a dedicated backup panel or transfer arrangement and exclude high-demand loads unless the system is specifically designed for them.

Key points

  • Common priorities may include refrigeration, communications, lighting, medical equipment, pumps, or selected outlets.
  • Separate continuous loads from motor or compressor startup loads.
  • Avoid including electric resistance heating, large water heaters, ovens, or vehicle charging unless capacity is designed for them.
  • Use a written circuit list so household members know what is and is not backed up.

What it depends on

  • Outage priorities
  • Running and startup loads
  • Battery and inverter power and energy limits
  • Existing panel arrangement
  • Required transfer and isolation equipment

Risks and trade-offs

  • Too many circuits can overload the inverter or exhaust the battery quickly.
  • Excluding a circuit may affect equipment that depends on it, such as a communications device or pump.
  • Manual load management may be needed during long outages.

Information you may need

  • Priority appliance and circuit list
  • Circuit ratings and measured loads
  • Startup requirements
  • Desired runtime and battery specifications

Your next step

What to do next

Make an outage-priority list, then have the designer map each item to dedicated backup circuits and verify both continuous and startup power limits.

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