Path-Q Solar
How should the loads I want to run during an outage affect the sizing of my solar array, battery, and inverter?
Answer
Define the outage loads by energy use, peak power, startup surge, and required runtime. The inverter must handle simultaneous and starting loads, the battery must cover the desired duration, and the solar array must recharge the battery and support loads under expected weather conditions; these are separate sizing questions.
Key points
- List critical circuits and decide which can be shed or delayed.
- Battery sizing depends on usable capacity, expected load, reserve, and outage duration.
- Inverter sizing depends on continuous power, surge capability, and motor or compressor starts.
- Solar helps sustain and recharge backup systems but may not provide full output during outages or poor weather.
What it depends on
- Critical-load list
- Continuous and startup power
- Required backup duration
- Solar production during likely outage periods
- Battery operating limits and system architecture
Risks and trade-offs
- Sizing for the whole home can be much more costly than backing up selected circuits.
- Short battery duration may leave essential loads unsupported during extended outages.
- Large loads such as heating, pumps, and EV chargers can dominate the design.
Information you may need
- Circuit and appliance list
- Measured or rated power and startup requirements
- Desired runtime and outage scenarios
- Solar site and production estimate
- Whether loads can be managed or shed
Your next step
What to do next
Create a prioritized backup-load schedule and request separate array, battery, and inverter calculations for normal and extended outage scenarios.
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