Introduction

Knowing how much electricity (measured in watts) your TV consumes is important for two main reasons: to estimate the cost of its energy usage and to determine the capacity of a solar battery needed to keep it running during a power outage.

If you plan to use a solar battery as a backup power source during outages, it is important to identify your essential loads, or the appliances that you need to have powered by stored energy.

If a TV is an essential appliance for you, it is necessary to determine the amount of watts required to keep it functioning. Let’s explore how to calculate this.

How Much Electricity Does a TV Use? 

There are several factors that can affect the wattage (W) or electrical consumption of a TV, including its size, the purpose for which it is being used (such as watching a show or playing video games), and the fact that TVs continue to consume energy even when they are turned off and still plugged in.

On average, a TV consumes approximately 100 W of electricity, but you can find the exact wattage listed in the specifications sheet (which are usually available online), in the owner’s manual, or on a sticker located on the TV itself.

If you’re relying on stored electricity from a battery to power your TV during a power outage, it may be wise to avoid binge-watching a 10-hour Netflix series. Most storage batteries have a capacity of 10 kWh of electricity, and watching 10 hours of TV would consume approximately 1 kWh of this energy. It’s important to consider the amount of stored electricity available in your battery for maximum energy efficiency.

While the energy consumed by a TV during a binge-watching session may not seem significant, you should be mindful of energy usage when relying on backup power sources. To conserve energy, consider reducing TV usage and reserving stored electricity for essential appliances such as refrigerators. This can help ensure that you have enough power to keep any perishable items cold during a power outage.

Do TVs Use Electricity When They’re Turned Off? 

Like other electronics, TVs remain in standby mode when not in use.

This means that any device that is plugged in will continue to draw a small amount of electricity from the outlet because it is always ready to be turned on. However, the energy consumed by electronics in standby mode is minimal, typically using less than 0.5 W of power.

If you need to rely on battery storage during a power outage, it may be advisable to unplug your TV unless it is an essential load. In normal circumstances, however, leaving your TV plugged in will not significantly increase your electric bill. To conserve energy, it’s a good idea to unplug devices that aren’t in use or use a power strip that can be easily turned off to cut power to multiple devices at once.

How Much Does it Cost to Run a TV? 

Running a TV does not have a significant impact on your energy costs. On average, electricity costs approximately 13.01 cents per kWh, and there are 1,000 watt-hours in a kilowatt-hour. As a result, if you watch TV for 10 hours a day, your energy consumption would reach the average cost of 13 cents.

However, it’s important to note that electricity rates and TV usage may vary, so the actual cost may differ. In general, the energy consumption of a TV is not a major concern when it comes to your energy bill.

How Do Different TV Models Compare in Their Wattages?

The energy consumption of a TV is influenced by factors such as its size, screen size, and type. There are several types of TV models available, including LED/LCD, plasma, and smart TVs, each of which has a different wattage requirement for operation. The wattage needed to power a TV can vary based on the specific model and features.

LED and LCD TVs both utilize LED lights for operation, which is why they’re often grouped together. Plasma TVs use more LED lights than LED or LCD TVs, and smart TVs use a similar amount of LED lights as LED and LCD TVs, in addition to having internet connectivity capabilities.

The power consumption of a TV can vary depending on its size and type. However, it’s reasonable to expect that a modern TV will consume approximately 100 W of power. This value can vary based on the specific model and features of the TV.

Solar, Battery Storage, and Your TV 

Determining the wattage of your TV is primarily useful if you need to calculate the electricity requirements for running a TV on stored energy or with limited energy, such as in an RV. Understanding the energy consumption of your TV can help you plan for and manage your power usage in these situations.

If you have solar storage for backup power, it’s important to remember that the stored energy may not be sufficient to run all of your household appliances at the same time. For example, you may not be able to operate the air conditioner, electric stove, washing machine, and TV simultaneously without exceeding the capacity of the stored energy. It’s also important to prioritize your energy usage and manage your appliance usage accordingly in these situations.

If you consider your TV an essential appliance that you want to use during a power outage, be sure to include its wattage in your calculation of essential loads. This will help you determine the capacity of the backup power source (such as a solar battery) needed to keep the TV running.

Conclusion

When installing solar panels, it’s important to consider your average electrical usage and choose a solar system size that meets your needs. Our Solar Educators can help you determine the appropriate solar system size for your specific requirements.

If you’re interested in saving money, reducing your environmental impact, and transitioning to clean energy for your home, contact us today for a free, customized solar quote. We’ll help you determine the best options based on your home energy needs and assist you in making the switch to solar power.

 

Related Links: 

A Beginners Guide to Solar Panels for Your Home: Are they Worth It?

What is a Hybrid Solar System?

What You Need to Know About Energy Storage and Solar Batteries