Power Budget Tool
Add your appliances to see your total daily amp-hour draw and recommended battery bank size.
Your Appliances
Tip: Use 12V watts where possible. 120V appliances run through an inverter and lose ~10–15% to conversion.
Your Power Budget
Battery sizing assumes 80% depth of discharge (LiFePO4). 2-day autonomy recommended for cloudy conditions.
Understanding Your Power Budget
Your power budget is the total energy (in watt-hours or amp-hours) you consume each day. Knowing this number is the foundation of any solar or battery system design.
12V vs. 120V Appliances
12V appliances run directly from your battery and are more efficient for boondocking. 120V appliances require an inverter, which adds 10–15% overhead. Where possible, choose 12V versions of fridge, fan, and lighting.
What's Wh vs. Ah?
Watt-hours (Wh) = total energy. Amp-hours (Ah) = current drawn over time at 12 volts. To convert: Ah = Wh ÷ 12. Most battery specs are in Ah, most appliances are rated in watts.
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