Off-Grid Solar Calculators

Appliance-specific

Pellet Stove / Heater Battery Backup Sizer

Most pellet stoves need electricity for the feed motor, combustion fan and igniter. Running load is often 100–400 W. The igniter can spike 300–500 W for 10–15 minutes at start.

Inputs

W
h
W
h

System voltage of the battery or series string.

Usable fraction of rated capacity.

Results

Energy to cover
1,540Wh
Battery capacity
135Ah
Peak watts to invert
400W

Recommended gear

Engineering methodology

Watt-hours = (running watts × backup hours) + (igniter watts × igniter hours). Battery amp-hours = watt-hours ÷ (voltage × DoD). Peak watts = the larger of running and igniter power—that is the inverter continuous rating to meet during start. Typical run loads are 100–400 W; igniters often 300–500 W for 10–15 minutes.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a pellet-stove igniter draw high watts?

Often about 10–15 minutes per start (0.17–0.25 h). At 400 W that is 67–100 Wh on top of the circulating-fan and feed-motor load. Multiple cold starts multiply that energy.

Will a modified-sine inverter run a pellet stove?

Some control boards misbehave on modified sine. Confirm with the stove maker and prefer pure sine. This calculator only sums energy and peak watts.

Does this size the stove’s heat output?

No. It sizes electrical backup for fans, feed motor and igniter. Pellet BTU/h and house heat load are a separate heating design.

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