Path-Q Solar
What size battery is needed to keep a refrigerator and internet running during outages?
Answer
Estimate the refrigerator's running energy and starting surge, add the networking equipment's continuous energy, and multiply by the desired outage duration. The battery must meet both the usable energy requirement and the inverter's starting and continuous power ratings; an exact size cannot be determined without those measurements.
Key points
- Refrigerators cycle on and off, so nameplate watts alone do not establish daily energy use.
- The compressor may require a brief starting surge that exceeds running power.
- Internet equipment usually has a smaller continuous load but may require its own power supply or outlet.
- Battery usable capacity, inverter efficiency, reserve, and temperature reduce the energy available to the loads.
What it depends on
- Refrigerator running and starting power
- Networking equipment power
- Desired outage duration
- Battery usable energy and inverter ratings
Risks and trade-offs
- A battery with enough energy may still fail if its inverter cannot handle compressor startup.
- Longer outages require more energy and may need solar or another recharge source.
- Other connected loads can unintentionally consume the backup capacity.
Information you may need
- Appliance measurements or reliable specifications
- Desired hours or days of backup
- Battery usable capacity and inverter surge rating
- Whether the circuits are isolated from other loads
Your next step
What to do next
Measure the refrigerator and internet loads or obtain their specifications, then request a backup calculation showing both energy and surge requirements.
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