Stik™ Synopsis | MPPT | Solar School | Appliances | FAQ

Inverter School | Battery School

THE "COLLISION"...

THE POWER EFFICIENCY OF AN APPLIANCE

&

A LIMITED POWER SUPPLY

Increases in Efficiency

Consumers typically purchase appliances based on the "function" that it serves, without much thought for the amount of power it consumes as it performs the function.

Technology is evolving at a rapid rate. Electrical appliances of just 5 years ago consumed higher amounts of power than their "present-day" versions, while completing the same exact tasks.  

For example, do you remember when a 100 Watt light bulb was purchased because of the amount of light that it produced at 100 Watts? With a shift toward LED and CFL lighting technologies today, you can produce the same amount of light (lumens) as the 100 Watt incandescent bulb, while consuming a mere fraction of the power.

This increase in efficiency can often be found in a wide range of appliances including lighting, refrigeration, electronics, and more.

The Benefits of a "Highly-Efficient" Appliance

As we consume less power, then our power source requirements can also change.  Whether you are designing a portable DC electrical system (like found in a boat, RV, or as a home-power backup system) or simply shopping for home appliances (that operate on average house-hold electricity), it is prudent to seek out highly efficient products as they will provide you with following benefits:

1. Portable DC Systems (also called a "closed" circuit) - A smaller load (power demand) will give you additional options as to how you supply it with power.

2. Grid-Tied or Fuel-Generator supplied AC Systems - The less power that is consumed, the less expensive the appliances are to operate.

AC Appliances Operating from a DC Power Source

The proper selection of AC or DC appliances is an important factor.  When operating appliances from either an AC or DC electrical source, it is most preferred to have the power source and the appliance working at the same Voltage. This will increase the overall "efficiency" of the system.

For example, a 12VDC electrical circuit that supports a refrigerator will use power more efficiently if the refrigerator also operates at 12VDC.  It will be less efficient if a 120VAC powered refrigerator is connected to the 12VDC electrical circuit using an inverter. Also, if you are operating an AC appliance from a DC power supply, the inverter must be the correct TYPE and SIZE.  Visit the Inverter School section to learn more about how inverters work and selecting the proper inverter.

Shopping for AC & DC Appliances

While many large retailers today sell both AC & DC appliances, did you know that there are many common household AC appliances that are commonly available in a DC version? 

"SOLAR STIK™ COMPATIBLE"

(Anytime an appliance has a 12VDC Plug as shown above, it will work directly with the Solar Stik™ System.)

It will benefit the consumer to shop around when looking for appliances, as not all appliances consume equal power, even though they may perform the same function. There are several DC appliance-vendors listed on our Links page.

APPLIANCE SHOPPING HINT:  major retailers of DC appliances also include "Travel Centers" or "Truck Stops" found along many interstate highways!

AC & DC Appliance Lists

Below is a list of common AC & DC appliances which are commonly available over the internet and major retail outlets. Their average power requirements are also listed. This list can be used to estimate the power consumption in an electrical system.  Visit the Solar School to learn more.

NOTE: THE WATTAGES BELOW ARE ESTIMATES. THE ACTUAL WATTAGE REQUIRED FOR YOUR APPLIANCES MAY DIFFER FROM THOSE LISTED. CHECK THE DATAPLATE ON THE APPLIANCE TO DETERMINE THE ACTUAL WATTAGE REQUIRED.

DC Appliances:

Download the 12 VDC Appliance List in PDF format here

AC Appliances:

Download the 110 VAC Appliance List in PDF format here

Download the 220 VAC Appliance List in PDF format here