Load shedding
Essential vs non-essential loads on a solar backup — South Africa
Hybrid installers often split your DB into essential (battery-backed) and non-essential circuits. That split protects payback: you size storage for high-value loads instead of trying to run the whole house. Typical essentials: lights, Wi-Fi/router, fridge/freezer, modem, selected plugs. Keep geysers, ovens, pool pumps and big ACs off backup unless the battery and inverter are sized for them — oversized backup is the fastest way to destroy solar ROI. Outage resilience is useful; bill savings is still the primary design driver.
Usually essential
Lighting, ICT, fridge, security, medical devices (declare these!).
Usually non-essential
Geyser element, stove, underfloor, pool, large AC.
Grey area
TV/entertainment — lifestyle choice; costs battery minutes fast.
Runtime maths: battery runtime tool · Stage 6 sizing: how much battery.