Estimate your daily power usage, battery storage needs, and solar system size based on your real-life appliances and devices with our custom off-grid energy calculator.
👇See Sample Wattage Estimates below!👇
Disclaimer: This tool provides rough estimates for planning purposes only. Actual energy use, system sizing, and costs may vary based on your specific equipment, climate, usage patterns, and system efficiency.
Step 1: Add Your Appliances
Step 2: Add Your Devices
Step 2: Battery & Energy Cost Planning
Step 3: Solar System Sizing
Sample Wattage Estimates (Energy-Efficient, Full-Size)
| Appliance | Typical Range (Efficient) | Recommended Default |
|---|---|---|
| Fridge (Energy Star, full size) | 100–400 W (running), ~150 W average | 150 W |
| Lights (LEDs total) | 10–100 W (whole house) | 60 W (household average for 4–6 LED fixtures) |
| Water Pump (well/surface) | 250–1000 W (short usage bursts) | 400 W |
| Laptop | 30–90 W | 50 W |
| Phone Charger | 5–15 W | 10 W |
| TV (LED 32–50″) | 70–150 W | 100 W |
| Washer (efficient, front-load) | 500–800 W | 600 W |
| Electric Oven (efficient) | 1000–3000 W | Not recommended off-grid; skip or replace |
| Microwave (compact) | 600–1000 W | 800 W |
| Ceiling Fan (efficient) | 10–70 W | 40 W |
⚡ Notes for Off-Grid Planning
Planning an off-grid system means understanding not just how much power your devices draw, but how long they run — and how efficiently they operate. Here’s a breakdown of common household appliances and devices with realistic, energy-efficient off-grid expectations:
🧊 Refrigerator (Energy Star, Full Size)
- Wattage: 100–400 W (150 W average running)
- Notes: Compressors cycle on/off. Average use over 24 hours is typically 1.5–2.5 kWh/day. Choose DC or inverter fridges for efficiency.
💧 Water Pump (Well or Surface)
- Wattage: 250–1000 W
- Usage: Often runs for 0.5–1 hour/day
- Notes: High draw, but short cycles. Consider tank storage to reduce run times.
💡 Lighting (LEDs)
- Wattage: 5–15 W per bulb
- Typical Load: 30–100 W total per home
- Notes: Extremely efficient. Dimmers and motion sensors help reduce unnecessary use.
💻 Laptop
- Wattage: 30–90 W (avg. 50 W)
- Use: 2–6 hours/day
- Notes: Laptops are far more efficient than desktops — ideal for off-grid work or entertainment.
📱 Phone or Tablet Charger
- Wattage: 5–15 W
- Use: 1–3 hours/day
- Notes: Minimal impact. Can also be charged using small solar banks.
📺 TV (LED, 32–50”)
- Wattage: 70–150 W (avg. 100 W)
- Use: 2–4 hours/day
- Notes: Energy-efficient TVs are suitable for off-grid life — avoid plasma screens.
🌀 Ceiling or Box Fan
- Wattage: 10–70 W
- Use: 4–8 hours/day
- Notes: Much more efficient than air conditioners. Great for mild climate cooling.
🧺 Washing Machine (Front-Load, Efficient)
- Wattage: 500–800 W per cycle
- Use: 1–2 loads/week
- Notes: Cold-water washes save energy. Pair with solar when sun is available.
🍲 Microwave (Compact)
- Wattage: 600–1000 W
- Use: 5–15 minutes/day
- Notes: Short bursts of use make this surprisingly viable in off-grid setups.
🔥 Electric Ovens, Dryers, Baseboard Heaters
- Wattage: 1000–5000+ W
- Notes: Not recommended for most off-grid homes due to very high energy demand. Consider propane or wood alternatives.
📝 Final Tip:
When in doubt, measure with a plug-in watt meter or check the appliance’s nameplate. Many modern appliances also list kWh/year — divide by 365 for a rough daily use estimate.
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