Unsure what to put on backup during load shedding? Or not sure what you can put on backup during load shedding? Don’t worry, let Greentech guide you!

Usually it’s quite difficult to comprehend that all your lights, TV and even AC, etc… could be run on backup at your house. A Backup System usually defined and supported by an inverter + battery solution in addition to solar panels. These systems usually look like small containers on your wall with DVD-like or flat boxes… And yes, they are relatively expensive! So then the question about home backup system comes down to: What’s important to you to run on backup during loading ? And for how long?

 

Things to Consider for Home Backup Power

• What is your budget? This should be the first question when considering backup during load shedding. If you are primarily concerned with saving money on your monthly Eskom bill, then your system may be designed slightly differently. Regardless, the majority are concerned with achieving backup during load shedding. Broken down further, here’s some suggestions.
  • A. Lights, Security system, TV, Plugs and Fridge (up to 2). All else equal, these are the most common loads people would like to stay on during load shedding. Such backup various per household. But generally, it would make sense to start with 8-10kWh of usable battery backup for a 4-6 hours of backup.

• • B. All the loads above plus a deep freezer, geyser, or even a pool pump would drastically change the backup required. Primarily because anything with heat requires a lot of power. Thus, more batteries may be required. But don’t worry, if your lifestyle is a little flexible you can add timers to your geyser and pool pump to run during the day. And more often than not, people are happy with this approach and rarely have a cold shower. Even after a night of load shedding, heat (hot water) carries over until the morning in a typical geyser. For pool pumps, it’s easy to keep pools clean while running pumps only during the day… And a lot of money can be saved.

 

• How long would you like your “essentials” running on backup during load shedding? As we all know, load shedding is getting worse. Thus it is important to plan your backup during load shedding accordingly. Do you want enough battery backup for level 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 loadshedding? etc.? Your choice could proportionally impact the cost of your solar system. However luckily for you, solar is scalable. And therefore it is possible to start with a set amount of panels, and batteries. Then add more later after monitoring your use.

 

Conclusion

So, make sure you address these two important points before deciding on a home backup system during load shedding, so you won’t be let down when Eskom goes ka-put! A Greentech staff would help you estimate based on your essential load choices which system size may be best to start with, then it can be monitored and adjusted accordingly.