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EXPLORIST.life Electrical

Power Audit Calculator

Instructions
  • Add a row for each device you plan to run, and give it a name.
  • If you already know a device's daily watt-hour usage (from a meter or spec sheet), enter it in Watt Hours (If Known) — this overrides the calculation below it.
  • Otherwise, enter the device's max operating watts and its run time in hours per day.
  • If the device cycles on and off during operation (like a fridge, heater, or AC unit), adjust the Duty Cycle slider. Most cycling devices run somewhere between 30–70% of the time.
  • If the device is AC-powered (runs through an inverter) and needs to be able to run at the same time as other AC devices, turn on Simultaneous AC Load. Leave this off for DC devices. At least one AC load must be marked simultaneous for accurate inverter sizing.

Need to convert amps, mAh, or kWh before entering a value? Use the Electrical Unit Conversion Calculator.

Device List

Solar Conditions

This is the number of hours per day your panels get strong, direct sunlight — not the same as total daylight hours. Sunny, high-elevation climates (Arizona, southern Utah, New Mexico) typically run closer to 6–7. Overcast, coastal, or northern climates (Pacific Northwest, New England winters) typically run closer to 3–4. Traveling through a mix of climates, or not sure? Use a lower number — it's safer to oversize your solar array than come up short on a cloudy stretch.

Results

Total Daily Watt Hours
0 Wh
Total Daily kWh
0.00 kWh
AC Inverting Capacity Needed
0 W
Solar Wattage Goal
0 W
System Voltage Recommended
—
Minimum Battery Bank Size Recommended
—
Based on total daily energy use ÷ recommended system voltage.
Minimum Inverter Size Recommendation
—
Minimum Battery Bank Size to Support Inverter(s)
—
Based on the surge capacity of the inverter needed for your simultaneous AC loads — size your bank to whichever of these two battery recommendations is larger.

Solar Wattage Goal is based on the Peak Sun Hours you set above — adjust that slider for your climate and season. This tool provides guidance only and does not replace a licensed marine/RV electrician's judgment. For systems requiring more than 16kVA of inverting capacity, contact shop.explorist.life/support.

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Based on your audit, you're looking at roughly a — system with a — battery bank and a —.

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