So you’ve decided to go solar, and now you’re considering inverters. Inverters convert the direct current (DC) from your solar panels into alternating current (AC) so you can use it in your home. But what type of inverter do you need? There are two main types of inverters that are used with solar systems today, 48V and 24V Inverter. Both are designed to power AC appliances in your home, but they differ in some important ways that could determine which one is right for you. This article will help you figure out which inverter best fits your needs.
Choosing an inverter
If you’re not planning on using your solar energy to power things like TVs, computers, or microwaves, you’ll need an inverter. If you’re only planning on running small appliances (like a blender) and charging laptops, tablets, and cell phones off of your solar panels, then you should probably get a 1000 watt inverter. On the other hand, if you plan on running heavy-duty appliances like refrigerators or air conditioners, then you’ll want to go with a larger inverter. A good rule of thumb is that if it takes more than 15 minutes to charge your device from 0% battery life, then it will likely take longer than 15 minutes to run that same device from 0% battery life with an inverter. So if you want to use something heavy-duty—like an air conditioner—you might want something more powerful than a 1000 Watt Inverter. The most common size used in home solar systems is called a 3000W inverter which can handle almost any appliance including air conditioning units and electric ovens.
24V vs. 48V systems
There are pros and cons to both. Typically, in residential applications, you’ll want to choose your inverter based on how much power you need. If you’re sizing your system according to our solar calculator, a 1000-watt inverter is typically plenty of power for most home energy needs—and it’s usually less expensive than larger inverters. If you have an unusually large amount of energy use in any one room, or if you have an inefficient appliance that uses a lot of power (like a refrigerator), then it may be worthwhile to upgrade to one of these larger inverters. However, realize that there will be some extra installation and wiring costs with bigger systems.
1000W vs. 2000W inverters
When selecting a solar inverter, people often look at 1000W and 2000W inverters. A 1000W inverter can handle around 1-2 solar panels depending on quality, while 2000W models can handle up to 4 solar panels. So is it better to get a 1000W inverter or a 2000W inverter? That really depends on how many solar panels you have.
Can I use my existing battery bank with a 1000W inverter?
To ensure that your solar system will run smoothly, it’s important to first determine whether you can use an existing battery bank with your inverter. Most home inverters operate at either 48 volts (48V) or 12 volts (12V). You’ll also need to match up your battery bank’s voltage requirements with what your inverter supports. If you’re buying an entirely new solar system, you may want to opt for a 1000W inverter that can handle both 48V and 12V batteries—or have multiple 1000W units so that you have one for each type of battery bank.
Choosing the right solar panels
When you are starting your solar project, one of your first decisions is whether to go with a 48V Inverter or 24V inverter. If you’re considering solar panels for your home, there are some major differences between these two options. Ultimately, it all comes down to what kind of system you want. A 1000 watt inverter can help reduce power consumption at different times during peak hours which may save homeowners money on their electricity bill. To further understand how inverters work, it’s important to know that they vary in power and voltage requirements. Make sure to research your equipment before installing solar panels so that everything fits together properly and works efficiently.
Choosing your solar charge controller
When you’re planning to install a solar home energy system, there are several factors to consider. There are three key components in every home solar system: your solar panels, your charge controller, and your batteries. But most experts agree that picking out your batteries is one of (if not) most important decisions when it comes to creating an efficient energy system. And while you can read all about how each option impacts performance and longevity in our battery buying guide, there are two types of charge controllers commonly used with photovoltaic systems—the less-common 36V inverters and more common 48V inverters.