List daily energy use and short high-power loads
Record appliances, pumps, tools, heating, cooling and other equipment. Daily energy is only half the picture: motors, compressors and workshop equipment may have a high starting demand even when they run briefly.
Allow for seasonal use and winter solar conditions
Occupancy, irrigation, heating, refrigeration and business loads can vary by season. The design also needs to consider lower solar production periods rather than relying on an annual average.
Define essential loads and autonomy expectations
Identify which loads must keep operating and how long the property should run through poor solar conditions before generator support is expected. Battery autonomy is a design decision linked to load priorities, not just a capacity label.
Plan the generator strategy
Generator capacity, fuel, location, start method, maintenance and intended operating pattern should be discussed with the battery and inverter design. Be clear whether the generator is for occasional support or an expected part of seasonal operation.
Visit the property
Adelaide SolarSafe is happy to attend the site. Access, equipment locations, environmental exposure, generator position, building distances and cable routes are difficult to settle from a load list alone.
Allow for future changes
Future buildings, pumps, vehicles, workshops or increased occupancy can change both daily energy and peak power. Record likely additions so the initial design can allow sensible expansion where practical.
Plan monitoring, handover and support
Users should know how to read system status, respond to alerts, operate generator support and recognise when a load pattern needs review. The handover should match the way the property is actually used.
| Appliance or equipment | Quantity | Watts | Hours per day | Starting demand | Essential? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Reviewed by the Adelaide SolarSafe installation team.