Solar Power Inverter Buying Guide

A solar power inverter converts low-voltage DC power from batteries into standard household AC power. It can supply uninterrupted power to your home. There are many types of solar power inverters available. You may not know how to choose the right solar Power Inverter. Send an email to our website. A professional luxpower person will make an informed recommendation on which inverter you should buy. All you need to do is specify what your application is, the power inverter’s wattage required, and what the input voltage is. Let us choose the best solar power inverter that best suits your needs.

What is a Solar Power Inverter?

A solar power inverter is the most important part of a home solar system. Simply put, it converts the direct current of the terrestrial energy into an alternating current. It is then converted into the desired voltage through AC or EPS connection for our daily appliances. A solar inverter system saves us significantly on our electricity bills.

Types of Solar Power Inverter

There are many different types of solar power inverters, but whatever type of solar power inverter you choose, make sure it is CEC approved. A few types of solar battery power inverters are listed briefly below.

String inverters – This solar power inverter for homes is the standard option for most homes. Also known as a central inverter, it is now the most common type of solar inverter. While string inverters are reliable, they are less efficient at optimizing solar output.

Micro-inverter

This solar panel power inverter is suitable for partially shaded environments. Microinverters handle the conversion from DC to AC on a per-panel basis. This allows the solar panel power inverter system to be minimally affected by shadows on individual panels. Similar to power optimizers, microinverters also allow for panel-level monitoring of the solar system. Microinverters are the most expensive solar inverter option, however.

Hybrid inverters

It connects individual units of panels and batteries, and this is undoubtedly one of the new solar inverter power that is now the most popular choice. A solar power inverter uses IP65 for indoor and outdoor use. A solar power inverter uses advanced parallel connection up to 60kW to achieve plug-and-play, seamless sub-10ms Switching.

Solar battery power inverter

Connects batteries to existing systems. Solar battery power inverter easy to use batteries, can use low and high capacity batteries.

Power Optimizer

Another option for handling shaded panels. If you expand your solar panel system in the future, the Power Optimizer system will also require additional power optimizers and potentially other string inverters. Since the power optimizers are located on the roof, it will be more challenging to repair and replace them if they have any problems.

AC Coupled Inverters

Up to 10 units in parallel, scalable to 36kW single-phase and unbalanced three-phase parallel no cable length limit connected to the battery or AC automatically generates host inverters to manage the entire system.

Remotely upgrade BMS firmware-wise range of compatible battery brands wake up lithium batteries when the batteries are official information is uploaded to the Lux server for quick ESS diagnostic flexible connections with batteries, groups or split are accessible.

Things to note when buying a solar power inverter

The more powerful the solar battery power inverter is, the more expensive it. The size, features, and power of the solar panel power inverter are key factors to consider when choosing inverters for solar power. For example, both inverter solar power and inverter/charger provide current from the stored battery power.

However, only the power inverter/charger is connected to AC power and passes AC power to the device to charge the batteries. When AC power is unavailable, the solar power inverter/charger automatically switches to battery power. Ordinary inverters cannot be directly connected to AC power. We can only choose the most suitable solar battery power inverter by comprehensively considering our needs.

Battery Voltage

The most common type of small battery is the 220V battery. This type of battery is used in cars or small vendors. Power inverters/chargers are also available with 480V, 720V, and higher batteries for applications requiring higher power. In addition to the batteries, you will need fuses and fuse holders. The “ANL” fuse is one of the simplest fuses. It can be connected to the positive wire of the battery pack.

Electrical power

The continuous output rating or inverter/charger of the inverter must be higher than all other devices that are being powered simultaneously. That is, we should always purchase an solar power inverter with twice the power (wattage) required. And unless you have a very specialized application, please try to avoid inverters that exceed 3000 watts.

Table : Typical Wattage of Common Home Appliances

Device/Appliance	Typical Wattage
Desktop Computer with Monitor	200 – 400W
Laptop Computer	20 – 75W
Inkjet Printer	15 – 75W
Laser Printer	500 – 2000W
Satellite Dish	75W
Gaming Console	125W
LCD TV, 32″	50 – 70W
LCD TV, 42″	90 – 250W
DVD Player	40 – 50W
Table Lamp with Incandescent Bulb	60W
Table Lamp with CFL Bulb	13 – 15W
Table Lamp with LED Bulb	6 – 9W
Fluorescent Tube Light	40W
Blender	300 – 1000W
Toaster	800 – 1500W
Coffee Maker, Drip	550 – 1200W
Coffee Maker, Keurig	200 – 1500W
Microwave Oven	1000 – 2000W
Mini Fridge	350W
Refrigerator, 15 cu ft.	240W
Chest Freezer 15 cu ft.	180 – 500W
Vacuum Cleaner	300 – 1500W
Tabletop or Box Fan	50 – 120W
CPAP Machine	200W
Hair Dryer	1200 – 1600W
Flat Iron	800 – 2000W
Sump Pump	850 – 1200W
Space Heater	1000 – 1500W
Furnace Fan	75 – 400W
Electric Drill	700W
Electric Screwdriver	60 – 300W
Circular Saw	1250W
Jig Saw	350W

Input Connection

The solar power inverter for home is small and portable, plugging directly into the 12V socket of the vehicle (cigarette lighter). The DC input terminals on heavy-duty inverters allow for direct connection via a cable supplied by the user. So choose a solar power inverter connection that is most convenient for you.

Peak and Continuous Power

Some tools, appliances, and pumps need temporary power that exceeds the continuous power rating of an inverter. Search for an inverter/charger capable of providing such peak power by up to 200% of its continuous power rating.

Settable Circuit Breaker

This feature protects your inverter/charger from damage caused by overload or charger failure.

Other Special Features about solar power inverter

Consider whether these features are necessary to power your inverter/charger safely and efficiently.

USB port: You can charge your cell phones, tablets, and wearable fitness trackers easily.
Remote Control Capability: Some inverters/chargers have an RJ45 communication port, which allows for an optional remote control module connection.
Status LEDs: Displays battery level and low warnings, load level warnings, overload warnings, system faults, and operating mode.
Configurable DIP Switch: Customize automatic high and low voltage switching to suit your application.
Pure sine wave output: Variable speed power tools, sensitive electronic devices, such as computers, network equipment and A/V equipment.
GFCI Receptacles: OSHA compliant for use in wet environments, including near sinks.
Hospital grade receptacles: UL listed for use in patient care areas
High Initial Power: Equipment with high initial power requirements such as pumps, compressors and motors will be supported by peak surge.

Receptacles

You should consider how many receptacles are needed and whether special protection is required for GFCI receptacles that operate in humid or wet environments. Many heavy-duty chargers/inverters can be hardwired into your main electrical panel to supply current directly to your AC outlet. Professional electricians are recommended for installation.

Runtime

If the power inverter is used on a moving object, such as a car, battery storage capacity and runtime are very important.

What wattage solar panel power inverter do I need?

One of the main differences between inverters is the power before deciding which solar power inverter for a home to choose. We first must consider how much power is used for all the devices. Then, make sure that the solar power inverter for home you select can produce enough AC power. So, how long will the best solar power inverter run while in use? As long as the engine is still running and there is battery power, it can run indefinitely. This question is usually spelled, “How long do want the load to last?” You can then calculate to specify the battery pack size that meets your requirements.

The formula and rules for estimation

watts = volts x amps
approximately 10 DC currents. In a 24 volt power inverter, approximately 10 DC current from the battery is required for every 200 watts of inverter load

Once the load and run-time are established, we can calculate the battery pack size. To calculate the required amps for the battery bank, divide the bag in watts by 10 (for 12 volt systems) or 20 (for 24 volt systems).

Example Power Inverter Calculation

Wattage required for total output = 1000 W
12 v battery = 1000 ÷ 10 = 100 AD
24 v lithium battery = 1000/20 = 50 AD

Next, multiply the amps by the time the load is being run (in hours).

Example of Amp Hour (AH) calculation

If the electrical load is to run for 4 hours.

12 v: 100 AD x 4 hours = 400 AH

24 v: 50 A D x 4 hours = 200 AH

How True Choose Sine Wave Or Modified Sine Wave?

A pure sine wave inverter is a more sophisticated option. But as the cost continues to drop, it becomes more affordable. A modified sine wave inverter is still a viable option if you have a limited and simple power supply. However, if you want to ensure that your home appliances and equipment operate safely and efficiently at maximum efficiency, we recommend choosing a pure sine wave inverter.

Advantages of pure sine wave inverters over modified sine wave inverters.

The output voltage waveform of the sine wave is a pure sine wave without any harmonic distortion.
Induction loads like microwave ovens or motors operate faster, quieter, and cooler.
Reduces electrical and audible noises in fans, fluorescent lamps, and audio amplifiers.
Prevent computer crashes, strange printouts, malfunctions, and noise in monitors.
Reliably powers the following devices that do not normally work with modified sine wave inverters.

Some laptop computers
Some fluorescent lamps with electronic ballasts
Medical equipment, such as oxygen concentrates
Radios and digital clocks
A few battery chargers charge cordless tools
New furnaces and pellet furnaces that are controlled by microprocessors
Laser printers, copiers, magneto-optical hard drives
Power tools with “solid state” power or variable speed control

What battery of solar power inverter should be selected

Above I have briefly described how to calculate the battery capacity. The formula to calculate the battery size is given below. It is simply the total load multiplied by the number of hours of backup and the final result divided by the voltage. The following table beautifully illustrates an example of calculating the battery size, which you can call the inverter battery calculator. Power requirements Backup in a few hours Recommended battery size:

600 W 2H (600 * 2) / 12 = 100Ah

900 W 2H (900 * 2) / 12 = 150Ah

1000 W 3H (1000 * 3) / 12 = 250Ah

Battery Types

There are three types of batteries on the power inverter: flat batteries, tubular batteries, and sealed maintenance-free batteries. Each battery differs according to the internal technology it uses to store current. The differences are in safety, efficiency, battery life, maintenance, and price. A detailed analysis of each battery type is mentioned below.

Flat batteries

These are the first generation of batteries and are actually the most commonly used batteries in the power inverters. It is a lead-acid battery. The only drawback of this battery type is that it requires more maintenance. Or they can be replaced periodically after a period of use. This type of battery is more affected by temperature. In summer it has little effect on its storage capacity, but in winter the cold environment will cause its storage capacity to decrease.

Tubular Batteries

Tubular batteries are the next improved version of flat batteries. They have a battery life of up to five years, higher efficiency due to deep charge cycles and relatively low maintenance costs. They are very expensive.

Maintenance-Free Batteries

The battery does not require regular refilling with distilled waters, as the name suggests. Other than that, the other best feature is safety. Maintenance free batteries do not emit any toxic or harmful gases. These batteries are expensive and short-lived. The table below explains these differences in a very clear manner.

So you should be aware of solar power inverter:

Finding the best battery inverter compatibility

If you buy inverter solar power first, it is best to ask about battery compatibility and inverter power. If you buy an inverter and battery combo, the combo includes a power inverter, compatible batteries, and solar panels.

Choose a long battery warranty

Inverter warranties are usually free for a certain number of years for all power inverter batteries. After that, it costs money to increase the number of years of repair. Here it is always better to spend more money for a longer warranty. This is different because power inverter batteries are often easily damaged.

Top brands and after-sales support

As we mentioned above, it is always good to buy from a well-known brand or manufacturer. Luxpower’s after-sales support is very useful for unexpected situations such as battery repair or replacement. When a problem arises, our supervisors around the world will visit your home and refill or re-fill the battery distillation level.

Safety tips when using solar power inverters

After a certain number of years of use, it does recommend to replace the battery. And car batteries are not suitable for repeated long discharge and charge cycles. Must replace them more frequently than deep cycle batteries. The battery’s maximum capacity should be at least 50% before it is charged to prolong its life.
The ampere-hour battery rating is the most important measure when selecting a battery for use in a power inverter. The battery’s reserve capacity is the time the battery can supply a certain amount (25 amps for most) at 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit. Batteries will discharge more quickly at lower temperatures.
For hybrid solar inverters 400W or higher, it is important to hardware them and adds appropriate fuses.
Use proper gauge wire, and a professional electrician is recommended for electrical and wiring operations
To ensure good heat dissipation from the solar inverter with battery. You should have at least 2 inches of clearance from the top and sides of your installation to allow for heat dissipation and ventilation.

Other similar to solar power inverters

Solar power inverter and UPS

Battery Inverter and UPS systems can be powered without AC power. The UPS typically contains the battery charger and batteries in a separate unit. The user usually provides the batteries for the solar power inverter.

The UPS system can also communicate with the equipment it supplies, letting the equipment know it is running on standby, issuing a shutdown warning or communicating with someone on the loop. Solar inverter powers usually do not have this capability.

Solar power inverter and generator

Generators use gasoline, diesel, or propane to generate electricity. A solar inverter converts the direct current stored in batteries into the alternating current needed to run tools, electronic equipment, appliances, etc.

When much power is needed for an extended period of time, a generator may be a better choice. A solar power inverter/charger, however, is a cleaner and more eco-friendly option. It’s quiet and fume-free making it suitable for indoor or residential use. So my suggestion is that if your planned power consumption exceeds 3000 watts, you should choose a generator, and conversely, a hybrid inverter is the best choice.

Why Buy Solar Power Inverter from Luxpowertek?

We understand that there are many brands of solar power inverters out there for you to choose from. But the important thing is that at Luxpowertek, you get reliable engineering and time-tested reliability, along with excellent customer service. Before any product is sold, it undergoes rigorous quality control. Independent testing facilities also verify that products meet or exceed current safety and performance standards. We are committed to quality and offer industry-leading warranties and responsive customer service. Give your customers the best home inverter battery. That’s what sets luxpowertek apart.

About Products