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An Unbound Renewable Energy Company
Open Mon-Fri: 6am to 5pm PST

Step 1: Enter Your Zip Code

Enter your zip code*, and we'll look up the the sun hours in your area.
Winter Sun Hours/Day
*Must enter zip code to gather data.

How many Sun Hours a day do you average in the darkest month?

 

We’ll start by using your winter low sun hours to size your PV array. Keep in mind your exact needs may vary depending on how your system will be used.

Step 2: Fill Out Load Calculator

Fill out the table below to estimate energy usage. We’ve included some common household appliances found in off-grid homes. Try to account for everything, keeping in mind that off-grid homes should use efficient appliances, and the major heating loads (water & air heating) are usually not electric.

Unbound Solar Load Calculator

Appliance
Quantity
Watts (Volts x Amps)
Hours On per Day
Watt Hours per Day
Show Appliance Consumption Table *
* Use these estimates to provide a
general watt value for your appliances.
Total Watts - (Peak Load)
Total Watt Hours per Day:
Kilowatt Hours Per Month:
kWh/mo

Step 3: Calculate Off-Grid System Size

We'll estimate your off-grid system size based on the list of appliances and energy usage that you entered. Keep in mind that this is only an estimate, and there are many factors that can influence system sizing. Please contact us for help designing your project.

Click the "Calculate My System Size button" and we'll calculate your system size.

Minimum PV

System Size
Kilowatts

This is a very general system size estimation. Other factors such as peak load, shade, location, available panel space, and seasonal use need to be taken into account.

For the most accurate and personalized off-grid system size calculation, call our solar experts at 1-800-472-1142.

We want to help you get the system that’s right for you.

Step 4: Receive Your Results


Questions? Chat with us!

Wil has been a part of the solar industry for over 20 years; as an electrician, solar installer, support technician, and more. He's also been living off-grid since 1996. Wil and the rest of the Unbound Solar team are here to answer any questions you have about designing a system that will fit your needs.

Download Our Solar Battery Guide
A poorly designed system can ruin your batteries. Our Solar Battery Guide will help you size your battery bank properly and keep things running smoothly.
Get Free Guide
Appliance Watts
Kitchen
Blender 500
Can Opener 150
Coffee Machine 1000
Dishwasher 1200-1500
Espresso Machine 800
Freezer - Upright - 15 cu. ft. 1240 Wh/Day**
Freezer - Chest - 15 cu. ft. 1080 Wh/Day**
Fridge - 20 cu. ft. (AC) 1411 Wh/Day**
Fridge -16 cu. ft. (AC) 1200 Wh/Day**
Garbage Disposal 450
Kettle - Electric 1200
Microwave 1000
Oven - Electric 1200
Toaster 850
Toaster Oven 1200
Stand Mixer 300
Heating/Cooling
Box Fan 200
Ceiling Fan 120
Central Air Conditioner - 24,000 BTU NA 3800
Central Air Conditioner - 10,000 BTU NA 3250
Furnace Fan Blower 800
Space Heater NA 1500
Tankless Water Heater - Electric 1500
Water Heater - Electric 4500
Window Air Conditioner 10,000 BTU NA 900
Window Air Conditioner 12,000 BTU NA 1200
Well Pump - 1/3 1HP 750
Laundry
Clothes Dryer - Electric 3000
Clothes Dryer - Gas 1800
Clothes Washer 800
Iron 1200
Appliance Watts
Living Room
Bluray Player 15
Cable Box 35
DVD Player 15
TV - LCD 150
TV - Plasma 200
Satellite Dish 25
Stereo Receiver 450
Video Game Console 150
Lights
CFL Bulb - 40 Watt Equivalent 11
CFL Bulb - 60 Watt Equivalent 18
CFL Bulb - 75 Watt Equivalent 20
CFL Bulb - 100 Watt Equivalent 30
Compact Fluorescent 20 Watt 22
Compact Fluorescent 25 Watt 28
Halogen - 40 Watt 40
Incandescent 50 Watt 50
Incandescent 100 Watt 100
LED Bulb - 40 Watt Equivalent 10
LED Bulb - 60 Watt Equivalent 13
LED Bulb - 75 watt equivalent 18
LED Bulb - 100 Watt Equivalent 23
Office
Desktop Computer (Standard) 200
Desktop Computer (Gaming) 500
Laptop 100
LCD Monitor 100
Modem 7
Modem 150
Printer 100
Router 7
Smart Phone- Recharge 6
Tablet- Recharge 8
Appliance Watts
Tools
Band Saw - 14" 1100
Belt Sander - 3" 1000
Chain Saw - 12" 1100
Circular Saw - 7-1/4" 900
Circular Saw 8-1/4" 1400
Disc Sander - 9" 1200
Drill - 1/4" 250
Drill - 1/2" 750
Drill - 1" 100
Hedge Trimmer 450
Weed Eater 500
Misc.
Clock Radio 7
Curling Iron 150
Dehumidifier 280
Electric Shaver 15
Electric Blanket 200
Hair Dryer 1500
Humidifier 200
Radiotelephone - Receive 5
Radiotelephone - Transmit 75
Sewing Machine 100
Vacuum 1000

Note: TVs, Computers, and other devices left plugged in but not turned on still draw power.

**To estimate the number of hours that a refrigerator actually operates at its maximum wattage, divide the total time the refrigerator is plugged in by three. Refrigerators, although turned "on" all the time, actually cycle on and off as needed to maintain interior temperatures.