Backup Load Panel
A separate electrical sub-panel containing only the circuits you want powered during an outage (refrigerator, lights, internet, medical equipment). Simplifies battery system sizing and cost.
Why It Matters
A whole-home backup requires a much larger (more expensive) battery system. Selecting 6-10 critical circuits for a backup load panel can cut battery costs by 50-70%.
Related Tools
Related Terms
Whole-Home Backup
A battery system sized to power an entire home during a grid outage, as opposed to backing up only essential/critical loads. Typically requires 2-4 batteries (30-50+ kWh).
Battery Storage
A system that stores excess solar energy for use when the sun isn't shining, providing backup power during outages.
Subpanel
A secondary electrical panel fed from the main panel, used to distribute circuits to a specific area (garage, workshop, addition). Solar systems and EV chargers are sometimes connected via subpanels.