A 10 kWh solar battery powers essentials (refrigerator, lights, phones, Wi-Fi) for 2–3 days during a Florida hurricane outage. Adding a window AC unit reduces runtime to 8–10 hours. Most Florida hurricane outages last 1–3 days, so a 10–13 kWh battery covers the majority of scenarios. Solar panels can still charge the battery on cloudy days, producing 10–40% of rated output.
Appliance Runtime on a 10 kWh Battery
How long your battery lasts depends on what you power. Here's how long a 10 kWh battery runs common Florida household appliances:
| Appliance | Power Draw | Daily Energy Use | Runtime on 10 kWh |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 150–200W | 10 kWh | 2–3 days |
| LED lights (whole home) | 50–100W | 2 kWh | 2–3 days |
| Phone charging | 5–10W | 0.5 kWh | 5+ days |
| Window AC unit (8,000 BTU) | 800–1,200W | 10 kWh | 8–10 hours |
| Well pump | 750–1,500W | 3 kWh | Intermittent use |
| Wi-Fi router | 10–20W | 0.5 kWh | 5+ days |
Why Batteries Matter More in Florida
Florida leads the nation in hurricane-related power outages. Hurricane Ian (2022) left 2.6 million homes without power, some for over a week. Hurricane Milton (2024) caused widespread outages across Tampa Bay and Central Florida. A solar battery provides silent, automatic backup power — no fuel, no noise, no carbon monoxide risk like gas generators.
Battery vs. Generator for Hurricane Backup
Gas generators cost $1,000–$3,000 upfront but require fuel (which runs out during extended outages), produce noise and emissions, and need maintenance. Solar batteries cost $12,000–$18,000 installed (the 30% federal residential credit ended December 31, 2025) but provide silent, automatic, fuel-free backup that recharges from the sun. For Florida homeowners who experience outages regularly, batteries are increasingly the preferred option.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will a solar battery last during a hurricane outage?
A 10 kWh battery can power essentials (refrigerator, lights, phone charging, Wi-Fi) for 2–3 days. Adding a window AC unit reduces runtime to 8–10 hours. Most Florida outages from hurricanes last 1–3 days.
Can solar panels charge a battery during a hurricane?
Yes, if there's any sunlight. Solar panels produce 10–40% of rated output on cloudy days. Even during a hurricane, brief breaks in cloud cover can top up your battery.
What size battery do I need for hurricane backup in Florida?
For essentials only (fridge, lights, phones, Wi-Fi), 10 kWh is sufficient. To also run a window AC unit, you need 13–16 kWh. For whole-home backup including central AC, you need 20+ kWh or multiple batteries.
Does OUC's battery rebate affect hurricane backup?
OUC offers $150/kWh up to $2,000 for battery storage. However, taking the rebate means forfeiting the full retail export rate. If hurricane backup is your primary goal, the rebate can offset battery cost, but you'll earn less from exports.
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