TechnicalUp to date · Jan 15, 2026
Phantom Load (Standby Power)
Electricity consumed by electronic devices when they are turned off but still plugged in (standby mode). The average US home wastes 5-10% of electricity on phantom loads — about $100/year.
Why It Matters
Eliminating phantom loads is the easiest free energy savings. Smart power strips that cut standby power can save more than many expensive efficiency upgrades.
Related Tools
Related Terms
Load Profile
A pattern of your electricity usage throughout the day and year. Important for sizing solar and battery systems.
Energy Management System (EMS)
Software and hardware that monitors and controls energy production, storage, and consumption in real time to optimize self-consumption, minimize costs, and manage battery dispatch.