Choosing The Right Power Backup

Welcome to the next part of our Power Backup Tips Series! Last time, we explained the basics of power: volts, amps, watts, and watt-hours. Now, let’s help you choose the right size inverter based on your actual needs at home or in your home-based business.

Why Inverter Size Matters

The inverter is the heart of your backup system. If it's too small, it will shut down under too much load. If it's too big, you may overspend and underutilise your system.

What Size Do You Need?

🏡 Basic Setup (300W – 1000W inverter)

• Perfect for: Lights, Wi-Fi, TV, laptop, phone chargers

• Battery size: 1kWh – 2kWh

• Runtime: 3–6 hours (depending on usage)

🏠Small Home (1500W – 3000W inverter)

• Perfect for: All above + fridge, microwave (short bursts), kettle (briefly), fans

• Battery size: 3kWh – 5kWh

• Runtime: 2–4 hours depending on how much is running together

🏘️Home-Based Business or Larger Setup (5000W – 8000W inverter)

• Perfect for: Multiple appliances, computers, printers, routers, pumps

• Battery size: 5kWh – 10kWh or more

• Runtime: 3–8 hours with good load management

How To Estimate Your Load

• Add the watts of all the devices you want to run

• Multiply that by the number of hours you need them

Still unsure? Don’t worry!

Koltronics is here to help you find the perfect fit — no overbuying, no under-powering.

Plan for the Future

🔌 Plan for the Future — Not Just the Present

When choosing your inverter and battery size, don’t size it just right. Here’s why:

• Your battery will gradually degrade over time

• Appliances like fridges or pumps use extra power when starting up (called inrush current)

• Running systems at full capacity all the time causes faster wear. It is better to run at no more that 50% capacity.

✅ Our tip:

• Choose an inverter rated for 2 to 3 times your actual power needs

• Choose a battery pack that provides 2 to 4 times the runtime you think you’ll need

This gives you room to grow, longer lifespan, and fewer power interruptions.