As Nigerian energy users are rapidly transiting to unconventional independent power generating systems, leaving the grid behind; it’s important that each aspect of their new system is well understood. A good installer should always deliver Solar 101 and if possible 202 lessons to clients before installation and after commissioning.

Today, let’s briefly discuss about the a complicated, yet simple topic in system sizing.

Starting Wattage and Running wattage are two different guys. Where the former, also known as surge wattage, peak wattage or surge power simply refers to the amount of wattage an electrical appliance needs to start-up functions and drive its mode into running wattage. The latter is the power required for continuous and stable supply of appliance operations.

For example, refrigerators and air conditioners installed in your homes consume more power when they start-up compared to the power, they consume during constant running operations.

Understanding wattage is important when selecting an inverter system. For example, a freezer unit rated 200 watts with 600 starting watts will need an inverter with of at least 1KVA taking into consideration your inverter supplies other outputs with running watts of 200 watts. While your freezer won’t run its load on 600 watts continuously, it would need an inverter that can provide it a starting wattage of 600 for few mins and then balance back to a running wattage of 200 rated watts.

Starting Wattage Vs Running Wattage are highly necessary when powering your electrical system without the grid, meaning you are using a generator, inverter system or your tesla vehicle etc.

This is as simply as it gets. It’s always better to get the system demand calculation right to avoid any gaps in service delivery. Always stay curious and ask your installer these questions. They more you ask, the more you learn about your solar energy system.

With Yield Energy, you are welcome to go through our Q&A, email us or call us for your renewable needs.