These devices take power direct power from your batteries (DC) and converts that power into alternating current (AC) that your appliances will need.
Look for "Pure Sine Wave" inverters, these are matched to your main grid electricity frequency 50hz for the UK and are more suitable than "Modified Sine Wave" versions.
Look for the AC output maximum amperage if you are looking to power high power equipment.
For example a large fridge freezer may need 20 amps to start the compressor but some inverters can't supply enough surge capacity.
Always buy the largest wattage Inverter you can afford, that way it will meet your future energy requirements as your system grows.
All inverters have an efficiency rating due to energy used during the inversion process.
A good inverter may have a 90% efficiency rating or higher, while less expensive models may give 80% or less efficiency.
As an example lets use a 12V 1000W inverter drawing 230V
The formula is (1000W/12V = 83.33 Amps) but if we factor in the inverter efficiency rate of 90% the formula is now (1000W/12V/0.9 = 92.59 Amps)
This means the true current draw on our battery is higher than the inverter output power would suggest.
I suggest that if you require an inverter rated over 2000 Watts, go with a 24V Inverter for the simple fact it's cheaper for wires & fuses.
A 12V inverter of 2000W or higher is suitable where the battery will be closer to the Inverter as cable runs are shorter, albeit a heavier gauge.
One of the first inverters i ever bought was the Edecoa 12v 3500w as at the time i couldn't find exactly what i needed.
I still use it to this day & it has never let me down, but is limited to 16 amps on the AC output.
The choice between 12V and 24V systems hinges on the wattage required. Systems operating at 12V often necessitate costlier, higher gauge cables, such as 50mm2, and larger fuses. Conversely, 24V systems can utilize less expensive cables and smaller fuses..
The higher the Inverter Voltage, the less expensive things become as the amps being drawn will be lower.
There are a few different types of inverters.
Grid tied inverters are used to feed excess electricity back into the main grid for which you will receive some form of credits.
You can also buy a grid tied inverter with energy storage.
These inverters can store excess energy into a battery for later use.
These type's of inverter generally requires qualified installers & DNO approvals.
All in one Inverters are becoming more popular and often an inexpensive solution to off grid needs.
These inverters contain everything you could possibly need.
They can take your solar panel energy, charge the batteries and even supply your appliances with grid power when your batteries run low - they even charge your batteries using grid power where required.
IMPORTANT : If you plan on using your existing electricity supplier's consumer unit with an inverter (Grid Tied) you must always consult a professional installer / electrician who must notify your local DNO and have the permissions in place.
Never do this yourself.
Many inverters can also be used to connect outlets to a separate consumer board, example would be wanting power in a garage or shed. Again always consult an electrician.
But lets assume you just want to power a couple of items then choosing the right inverter is easier.
You have a solar panel, a charge controller and you have a battery or two then its simply a case of connecting everything including the batteries to your inverter.
Many inverters will come with cables that allow you to do this, but i would suggest you use better cables as they are often aluminium cored cables.
Always go for pure copper wires, you will have less problems and be sure to use the correct rated fuses between the battery and inverter!
Modified wave inverters and pure sine wave inverters are two types of power inverters that convert DC (direct current) voltage to AC (alternating current) voltage.
The primary difference between the two is the quality of the AC waveform they produce.
A pure sine wave inverter produces an AC waveform that is identical to the AC power provided by a utility company.
This waveform is a smooth, continuous curve that oscillates between positive and negative voltages, and it provides a clean and stable source of power that is suitable for most electronic devices.
Pure sine wave inverters are also more efficient than modified wave inverters, which can help to extend the life of your battery and reduce your electricity costs.
In contrast, a modified wave inverter produces a stepped waveform that approximates a sine wave.
This waveform is not as smooth or continuous as a pure sine wave, and it can cause issues with some types of electronic devices, particularly those with sensitive circuits.
Some common examples of devices that may not work well with modified wave inverters include some types of audio equipment, digital clocks, and some types of medical equipment.
In summary, the primary difference between modified wave inverters and pure sine wave inverters is the quality of the AC waveform they produce.
Pure sine wave inverters produce a high-quality AC waveform that is suitable for most electronic devices, while modified wave inverters produce a less stable waveform that may cause issues with some types of devices