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How Much Backup Power Do You Really Need? A Guide for Indian Homes

How Much Backup Power Do You Really Need? A Guide for Indian Homes

If you're considering investing in solar batteries or a home energy storage system, one of the first questions that comes up is: How much power do I really need? In this guide, we break down typical household energy consumption patterns in India and help you figure out the right battery capacity and inverter size for your home.

1. Understanding Load: kW vs kWh

For example, a 1.5-ton AC (about 1.6 kW) running for 2 hours uses 3.2 kWh of energy.

2. Common Appliances and Their Power Ratings

| Appliance | Power (kW) | Daily Use | Daily Energy (kWh) | | ------------------- | ---------- | --------- | ------------------ | | LED Bulb (10 units) | 0.1 | 6 hrs | 0.6 | | Ceiling Fans (5) | 0.4 | 8 hrs | 3.2 | | Refrigerator | 0.15 | 24 hrs | 1.8 | | 1.5 Ton AC | 1.6 | 3 hrs | 4.8 | | Washing Machine | 0.5 | 1 hr | 0.5 | | Kitchen Appliances | 1.0 | 1 hr | 1.0 | | TV + Router + Misc | 0.2 | 6 hrs | 1.2 |

Total Daily Usage: ~13 kWh

3. Sizing the Battery

Not every appliance needs backup — focus on critical loads during outages:

These loads typically consume 3–5 kWh/day, so a 7.5 kWh battery gives enough headroom for at least a full day of autonomy.

4. Inverter Sizing

Inverters are rated in kW, and they define how much load you can run at a time.

Make sure the inverter’s continuous output rating matches your peak load.

5. Load Segmentation: Essential vs Non-Essential

Smart battery systems let you prioritize critical appliances. For example:

Conclusion: Aim for Resilience, Not Overkill

A 7.5 kWh battery with a 5 kW inverter can power most Indian homes through typical outages of 2–6 hours with ease. With solar charging, you can extend autonomy to 24 hours or more.

Know your load, size wisely, and you’ll never be left in the dark.

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