Home Battery
What Is a Critical-Load Panel?
A critical-load panel keeps backup power focused on the circuits that matter most instead of trying to run the entire home.
Quick takeaways
- Critical-load panels can lower backup system cost.
- They make outage behavior more predictable.
- Circuit selection should happen before final equipment sizing.
It separates essentials
A critical-load panel is a smaller electrical panel that contains the circuits you want powered during an outage. Common choices include the refrigerator, internet, some lights, garage door, medical equipment, and selected outlets.
It prevents accidental overload
Without load separation, a battery may try to support large appliances that drain it quickly or exceed inverter limits. A critical-load panel makes the backup plan easier to understand and test.
Choose circuits with daily life in mind
Walk through a normal outage day and choose circuits that support food, communication, safety, medical needs, and basic comfort. Add HVAC or pumps only if the battery and inverter are sized for them.