Home energy station: size it right - LymobileShop
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Home energy station: how to size it correctly (fridge, box, CPAP, PC)
Objective: keep the essentials in case of a power outage (Internet, breathing, food preservation, work). We explain how to calculate autonomy (Wh), choose inverter power (W), understand start-up peaks , and build a suitable station + solar panel kit. Models available at LymobileShop .
- 1) Basics: Wh, W and efficiency
- 2) List your needs (fridge, box, CPAP, PC)
- 3) Autonomy calculation: concrete examples
- 4) Inverter: continuous & peak power
- 5) Battery Chemistry: LiFePO₄ vs NMC
- 6) Solar & charging: complete the day
- 7) Our recommendations (ready to buy)
- 8) Purchase checklist
- 9) FAQ
- 10) Buy now
1) The basics: Wh (capacity), W (power) and efficiency
- Wh (watt-hour) = energy reserve. A 500 Wh station can supply ~500 W for ~1 h (excluding losses/transformations).
- W (watts) = instantaneous power delivered by the AC inverter (230 V socket) or by the DC/USB ports.
- Efficiency : DC → AC conversion, BMS, heat ≈ 80–90% . Caution : ~ 85% .
Autonomie ≈ (Capacité Wh × 0,85) / Puissance consommée (W)
2) List your needs (vital priority → comfort)
Vital / health
- CPAP : 30–60 W depending on pressure/humidification
- Modem/Box : 8–12 W
- Smartphone : 5–15 W (charging)
Cold & info
- Fridge (A++ modern): 60–120 W average , peak 600–1200 W at start-up
- Laptop : 30–65 W (office/video use)
- LED lighting : 5–10 W / bulb
Comfort
- TV : 40–80 W
- Console : 10–30 W
- Small appliances : 10–50 W
Look at the labels (W, A, V). When only the intensity is given: W ≈ V × A .
3) Autonomy calculation: 4 concrete cases
Case A — Internet box + smartphone (work, messaging)
- 10 W box + 10 W smartphone (avg.) = ~20 W
- Station 154 Wh ≈ 154×0.85 / 20 ≈ 6.5 h
Case B — CPAP (without humidification) at night
- CPAP 40 W × 8 h = 320 Wh useful
- Station 500 Wh → 500×0.85 ≈ 425 Wh / 40 ≈ 10.6 h (comfortable margin)
Case C — Laptop + box
- PC 45 W + box 10 W = 55 W
- Station 500 Wh → 500×0.85 / 55 ≈ 7.7 h
Case D — Fridge only (storage)
- Average fridge 80 W, peak 800 W at start-up
- Station 700 Wh → 700×0.85 / 80 ≈ 7.4 h theoretical (variable according to cycles)
4) Inverter: continuous power (W) & surge (peak)
- Continuous : sum of devices in W which turn at the same time.
- Peak : at start-up (motors/compressors), often ×6–10 the nominal power but very brief .
- Pure sine wave recommended (compatibility with sensitive motors/electronics).
Simple rule of thumb: aim for an inverter with 50% margin above your continuous power, and check that it can handle the peak from the fridge/CPAP/tool.
5) Battery Chemistry: LiFePO₄ vs NMC
LiFePO₄ (LFP) — recommended
- 3000+ cycles (longevity)
- Thermal stability & safety
- Deep discharge better tolerated
NMC
- More compact/lighter with equal capacity
- Fewer cycles than LFP in general
For home/everyday use, LFP is an excellent choice (lifespan + safety).
6) Solar & charging: complete the day
- 60–200W foldable panels for off-grid charging.
- Estimate the contribution:
Wh/jour ≈ Puissance panneau (W) × heures d'ensoleillement effectif(2–5 hours useful depending on season/weather). - Favors an integrated MPPT and compatible connectors (XT60/Anderson/DC5521).
7) Our recommendations (ready to buy)
Station 150–300 Wh — box + smartphone
Compact size for basic and top-up teleworking. Perfect for apartments.
- Outputs: Pure sine wave AC, USB-C PD, 12V
- Charging: mains + portable solar
- Light weight, easy to carry
Station 500–700 Wh — CPAP / PC / fridge (short term)
The best balance to cover an evening/night + a little cold if needed.
- 600–1200 W inverter, high peak
- Solar input 100–200 W
- LiFePO₄ battery recommended
1000 Wh and more station — extended fridge + several appliances
To last more than a day with reasonable use, especially with a 120–200 W solar kit.
- 1000–2000 W inverter (pure sine)
- Multi-source inputs (mains, solar MPPT)
- Accurate status screen (remaining Wh, input/output)
8) Purchase checklist (anti-error)
- Wh capacity : calculate your target hours with the formula (×0.85).
- Inverter : continuous power + peak compatible with refrigerator/CPAP.
- Outputs : AC 230V pure sine, USB-C PD, 12V.
- Chemistry : LiFePO₄ for longevity/safety.
- Solar input : MPPT, voltage/plug compatible.
- Noise/ventilation : useful at night (CPAP).
- Weight/handle : floor use, quick evacuation.
🧯 Safety: do not cover the station, avoid damp places, ventilate the space, use certified extension cords.
9) FAQ
Which station for all-night CPAP?
Count 40–60 W × 8 h = 320–480 Wh useful. Aim for 500 Wh (efficiency included) to keep some margin.
Can 500–700 Wh start a fridge?
Yes, if the inverter has a sufficient peak (e.g. 1200 W). Check the “surge/peak” tab. The autonomy will depend on the cycles.
LiFePO₄ or NMC for the home?
LiFePO₄ : more cycles and better stability — ideal for regular home use.
Which solar panel should I choose?
A 120–200 W foldable battery with MPPT and compatible connectors. It provides 2–5 hours of useful time per day depending on the season.
Can I plug in very power-hungry appliances (kettle, microwave)?
Only if the inverter exceeds their power (often 1000–2000 W). Otherwise, prioritize essential use (CPAP, box, fridge, LED).
LymobileShop Trust & Services
- French company – support based in France
- Fast delivery & tracking
- 100% secure payment (CB/Stripe/PayPal)
- Responsive after-sales service – advice before/after purchase
- 14-day returns & 2-year warranty depending on model
10) Ready to size your energy station?
Choose the appropriate capacity (150–300 / 500–700 / 1000 Wh+), check the inverter and add a 120–200 W panel for autonomy.
Basket tip: think about cables (XT60/Anderson/DC) and a quality 230 V extension cord .