Emergency backup power systems are independent sources of electrical power that support your essential electrical loads when grid power is down. These systems often include a solar array, batteries and/or a generator. Backup power protects your property and provides you with a moderate level of comfort and convenience during a utility outage.
What is an Essential Load?
An essential load is anything that you consider vital to keep running when your utility goes down. It is important to carefully choose which loads you want to power because the more power you use will increase how much you need to produce and store, increasing the cost of your backup system. Things like:
Impractical Loads
While it would be nice to power your entire home during an outage, there are some loads that are impractical to power on solar or batteries without running a generator. These include:
How much energy storage do I need?
To determine how much energy storage capacity you will need, it is important to have complete power usage information about your essential loads. For the most accurate calculations you can refer to the label on each appliance or piece of equipment, estimate the amount of time you will use them each day, and then do some math. For some items, like household lighting, it is reasonable to use a guesstimate. But for those that have higher power consumption or that are in use frequently, we suggest using the actual electrical load ratings when doing your calculations.
Below is a representative list of items you might consider essential during an outage. Just remember, powering more items means more expense for your backup power system.
Cell Phone Charging
Clock Radio
Clothes Washer
Coffee Maker
Computer (Desktop)
Computer (Laptop)
Computer Printer
CPAP Machine
DVD Player
Garage Door Opener
Home Security System
Internet Router
Lighting
Microwave
Refrigerator
Septic Pump
Toaster
TV
Water Pump(s)
In addition to your list of essential loads, you’ll need to know:
- How much power do they use?2. How much/often will you use them in an emergency?3. How long do you want to go before having to recharge your batteries (days of autonomy)?
The simplest way to calculate your total electrical is to let us help you. You can also use our solar load calculator to help calculate your loads. We can save you time and ensure that your emergency backup power solution will provide you the comfort, convenience and security you want and deserve when your utility power is out.
Request a Free Consultation
Navigation
All Learn Categories
Getting Started With Solar Solar System Types
Getting a Solar Quote
Solar Equipment Basics
Solar System Sizing
How Much Does a Solar System Cost?
DIY Solar Getting a DIY Solar Kit Quote
How Much Does DIY Solar Cost?
Grid Tie Solar Getting a Grid Tie Solar Quote
Grid Tie Solar Equipment Basics
Grid Tie Solar Design
How Much Does a Grid Tie Solar Cost?
Off Grid Solar Getting an Off Grid Solar Quote
Off Grid Solar Equipment Basics
Off Grid Solar Design
How Much Does Off Grid Solar Cost?
Maintaining Your Off Grid Solar System
Solar With Battery Backup (Grid Hybrid Solar) Getting a Quote for Grid Hybrid Solar
Grid Hybrid Solar Design
Grid Hybrid Solar Equipment Basics
How Much Does Grid Hybrid Solar Cost?
Cost, Incentives, and Taxes
Solar Equipment OutBack Power Technical Support
Solar Batteries
Solar Equipment for Different Uses
Solar Equipment Maintenance
Solar Panel Racking
Solar Panels, Inverters, and More
Solar System Design and Installation General Solar System Design
Grid Tie Solar With Batteries
Grid Tie Solar System Design
Off Grid Solar Systems
Mobile & Tiny Home Solar
Solar Systems – Solar Panel Racking
Solar Tools and Resources
Solar Consumer Protection
News & General Information
Project Information Form
Services
Consulting & Design
DIY Solar
Full Service Installation
about us
About Us
Our Team
Project Gallery
Testimonials
Privacy
Text Message Policy
Contact Us
Site Map
Policies
Shop
DIY Kits
Batteries
Charge Controllers
Enclosures & Electrical
Monitors & Meters
Project Information Form
Power Inverters
Solar Mounts & Racking
Solar Panels
Learn
All Categories
Getting Started With Solar
DIY Solar
Grid Tie Solar
Off Grid Solar
Solar With Battery Backup (Grid Hybrid Solar)
Cost, Incentives, and Taxes
Solar Equipment
Solar System Design and Installation
Solar Tools and Resources
Solar Consumer Protection
News & General Information
Office
ADDRESS: 18388 Periwinkle Lane, Mount Vernon, WA 98274
PHONE: (360) 422-5610
EMAIL: [email protected]
BUSINESS DAYS/HOURS: Mon - Fri / 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Facebook Instagram Linkedin
© Fire Mountain Solar, LLC . All Rights Reserved Site Maintained by Bower Solutions.
home
categories
account
0 cart
Main Menu
Top Navigation
Solutions
Learn
About Us
Shop
Contact For Free Consultation or Request a Quote