Critical-Loads Panel for Solar Battery Backup in Quezon City
How to decide what stays on during a Meralco outage — before you buy a battery.
Last updated: July 2026 · Quezon City-specific planning guidance. Equipment availability, permitting rules, and prices can change.
Direct answer: a critical-loads panel protects priorities, not every appliance
A critical-loads panel is a separately managed electrical panel fed by a hybrid inverter and battery during an outage. It can keep selected circuits — such as refrigerator, router, lights, security, outlets, or medical equipment — running while high-demand discretionary circuits remain off. This load boundary makes backup more affordable and gives the battery a predictable runtime.
Build your three-tier list
| Tier | Examples | Backup approach |
|---|---|---|
| Must stay on | Medical equipment, router, refrigerator, security | Put on critical-loads panel |
| Useful if capacity allows | Home office, selected lights, TV | Add after runtime test |
| Delay or shed | EV, pool pump, electric range, large AC | Keep on main/non-backed-up panel |
Runtime is a load calculation
Runtime depends on usable battery kWh, inverter output, simultaneous watts, temperature, battery reserve, and solar recharge. A nominal 10 kWh battery does not deliver unlimited 10 kWh to every circuit. Ask for a written runtime scenario: “these loads, at these watts, for this many hours.”
Why whole-home backup can mislead
A whole-home label may hide a load-management problem. Starting a large compressor or several aircons can exceed inverter output even when total daily energy seems adequate. A critical-loads design is more honest and often more cost-effective for QC brownouts.
Installation checklist
- Inventory circuits and appliance nameplate ratings.
- Agree on must-run loads and outage duration.
- Confirm panel, transfer, protection, grounding, and anti-islanding design.
- Test switchover and load behavior during commissioning.
- Label backed-up and non-backed-up circuits clearly.
- Review monitoring and emergency shutdown steps.
Frequently asked questions
Can the critical panel run aircon?
It can, if inverter output, starting surge, battery size, and the selected aircon circuit support it. Many homeowners choose one efficient unit or exclude aircon to protect runtime.
Is this different from a battery?
Yes. The battery stores energy; the critical-loads panel determines where backup energy can flow. Good backup needs both the storage and the electrical architecture.
Related guides and services
Get a service recommendation for your site
Tell us whether the project is a home or business, your barangay, recent Meralco bill, roof type, and whether brownout backup matters. Start with our solar services hub, contact page, or the relevant residential / commercial service.