Solar inverters
The job of solar inverters is relatively simple – they convert direct current (DC) energy into alternating current (AC). This is necessary because the majority of homes use AC power, but the energy produced by solar panels and stored in batteries is DC power.
Solar inverters are rated both by wattage and the quality of their output. Most homes require anywhere from a 4,000 to 11,000 watt inverter. No matter what, a home should have at least a 2000 watt inverter – one good reason for this rule is that a hair dryer, one of the largest power hogs, can use 1800 watts of power, depending on the model.
To find out what size you need, add up the total wattage that may be needed at one time in your home or RV. Your solar inverter needs to be powerful enough to handle the surge of multiple loads starting up at the same time; therefore, you should choose an inverter with a slightly higher output than the total that you come up wit.
Besides wattage, you must also look at the quality of the output of the solar inverter. There are two main types of inverters used in homes: modified sine wave inverters and true sine wave inverters. Likely, you will want a true sine wave inverter – most appliances will run smoothly with this type of inverter. It is the type of solar inverter that is most efficient for running motors.
On the other hand, a modified sine wave inverter has its positive points. The main benefits are that they require less energy, and they are less expensive.
However, a modified sine wave inverter is not a true sine wave – it is actually a stepped wave. It is not so smooth as true sine waves. And these steps in the wave are noticeable when the inverter is used to run appliances. Audio equipment running on such an inverter may produce extra noise, a buzz. Some motors and transformers run hotter.
It is possible to have one of each type of inverter. Use a modified sine wave inverter to run the majority of applications, and a smaller true sine wave inverter to run the “problem” applications.
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