Off grid solar inverter converts DC electricity comes from solar panels and stored in Batteries to AC electricity to be used to run all of AC loads types existing now like TV, refrigerator, oven, lights, air conditions…etc.
No worries about batteries depletion as long as you have sized the solar off-grid system correctly. The batteries will be charged via solar panels and charge controller, and even in the winter where there will be lack of solar energy, you can charge the batteries by external generator via charge controller if needed. What are parameters to check when buying the off-grid inverter?
1. The power capacity of the inverter and rated voltage of your loads:
Simply by knowing your loads power capacities individually, you can indicate off grid solar inverter power capacity. For instance, if you will run all of loads at the same time, then sum the wattage for all together, and remember to have some extra tolerance as you may need to add other loads in the future. Also, pay attention to your loads rated voltage and whether they are 120V or 240V or any other.
2. Buy pure sine wave off grid inverter not the modified sine wave:
The pure sine wave inverter provides clean wave with high quality and with no noise, so your loads will run smoothly with No issues, as some loads like computer and other sensitive electronics can be damaged in case of using modified sine wave inverter.
3. Check off-grid inverter efficiency & No-load current:
Generally, the inverter efficiency range exist in the market is 93-97%, and the higher efficiency, the higher output power you can get from batteries power. For the no load current, its inverter self-consumption, and of course the lower is the better.
4. Inverter surge capacity and internal charge controller output current capability:
Most of AC loads are motor based like refrigerators, blender, pumps, and the motor pulls high surge current at starting, so we need to check inverter surge capability to see if it can handle our loads or not. Also, better to choose the off-grid inverter that has incorporated charge controller with higher output current rating, so you will be able to charge your batteries from external generator in winter if needed, also this will save you purchasing external charge controller and paying extra cost.
5. Temperature rise withstand capability and warranty period:
The off-grid solar inverter is sensitive to ambient temperature, so you need to check its temperature limit and where you will be placing the inverter in ambient temperature as well. For the warranty, most of manufacturers provides 4-5 years, but there some others who provide 10 years which is better of course.
