Path-Q Solar

What battery size is needed to keep only refrigeration and communications running during outages?

Answer

Estimate the refrigerators, freezers, internet equipment, phones, and other selected communications loads in watts and watt-hours, then size for their runtime plus startup surges and system losses. The required size can vary substantially depending on whether backup is needed for hours, overnight, or multiple days.

Key points

  • Refrigerators cycle rather than drawing their maximum rating continuously.
  • Compressor startup can require more instantaneous power than normal operation.
  • Communications equipment may use little energy individually but operate continuously.
  • When a backup battery is integrated with building wiring, appropriate transfer, isolation, and protected-circuit equipment may be required; direct plug-in portable systems can differ.

What it depends on

  • Equipment nameplate ratings and measured energy use
  • Required outage duration
  • Startup surge requirements
  • Battery usable capacity and inverter power
  • Whether solar can recharge the battery during the outage

Risks and trade-offs

  • Sizing only from average watts may fail during motor startup.
  • Long outages may require fuel, solar recharge, conservation, or a larger battery.
  • Including additional convenience loads can materially increase required capacity.

Information you may need

  • List of intended backup devices
  • Measured or documented running and startup loads
  • Target runtime and recharge assumptions
  • Battery, inverter, and backup-panel specifications

Your next step

What to do next

Have a provider calculate the essential-load profile, including compressor startup and desired runtime, and quote the battery, inverter, transfer equipment, and protected circuits as one system where integration with building wiring is planned.

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SQ00274