Load Prioritization

The intentional, controlled reduction of electrical consumption to match available generation capacity. Executed automatically by a microgrid controller during low-generation periods (cloudy days, low fuel) or high-demand spikes. Load shedding prioritizes critical loads and temporarily suspends lower-priority loads (pool heaters, EV charging) to maintain system stability. Prevents battery depletion during extended outages.

The intelligence layer of a residential microgrid — a dedicated power management computer that monitors all energy sources and loads in real-time, optimizes battery state of charge, decides when to start/stop generators, manages power flow between sources, executes load shedding if needed, and enables remote monitoring. A microgrid controller is what distinguishes a true microgrid from a collection of independently operating devices. Consumer battery products use basic inverter logic, not a dedicated controller.

A sub-panel containing only essential circuits — typically refrigerator, some lighting, phone charging, and select outlets. Consumer battery backup products (Powerwall, PWRcell, Enphase IQ) typically only back up a critical load panel, not the full main panel. This means HVAC, water heaters, EV chargers, pools, and other high-draw systems lose power during an outage even with a consumer battery installed. A whole-home microgrid backs up the main panel — every circuit.