Looking to go off grid and power your house with a solar energy system? If you plan on using appliances and lights that use AC (Alternating Current) electricity, you will need an off-grid inverter. Solar panels convert sunlight directly into DC electricity, which is then stored in deep cycle batteries. In an off-grid solar system it’s the job of a solar inverter to convert the DC electricity to AC electricity.
Do you have questions about what inverter is best for your off-grid system? Click or call 877-878-4060 to talk to an altE solar expert and learn more.
We offer a wide variety of off-grid solar inverters from modified sine wave inverters that are best for simple systems to pure sine wave inverters that necessary for electronics and inductive loads. And we have huge selection of sizes from 100 Watts all the way up to 7000 Watt off-grid inverters.
What's the difference between a modified and pure sine wave off-grid inverter? Read more below or check out the inverter section of our series on going off-grid.
Off-Grid Modified Sine Wave Inverters
Best for simpler systems
Typically inexpensive
Fine for older TVs, incandescent lights, motors with brushes
Generally not good with: electronics, audio, induction motors, rechargeable batteries or digital clocks
Modified sine wave off-grid inverters are a perfect choice if you are putting together a DIY emergency solar kit, or a cabin with modest electrical needs. Any more modern electronic loads like a HD television, or something with a high electrical surge, likely aren’t good choices for modified sine wave inverters.
Off-Grid Pure Sine Wave Inverters
Preferred for off-grid homes or larger solar systems
Generally more expensive (but prices continue to fall)
Necessary for electronics, florescent lights and dimmers, inductive loads to operate at their best
Mandatory for grid-tied systems
Pure sine wave inverters work in nearly all types of off-grid solar power systems, depending on the requirements of the system. Generally pure sine wave inverters are used in larger off-grid solar systems, but they are also for appropriate for smaller systems—like mobile applications. When trying to identify an inverter, one important requirement to determine is the types of loads it will be powering.
If you are going to be powering sophisticated electronics, like a fancy new television or gaming console, a pure sine wave inverter is the way to go. Pure sine wave inverters come in all sizes (from 100W on up to over 7000W). They can be stacked to accommodate larger loads in more complex off-grid solar systems—no matter if you have a 12V, 24V, or 48V system. The technology behind pure sine wave inverters is innovating continually, and they are becoming more versatile, lightweight, and coming with more programmable options.
Xantrex Freedom SW Inverter/Charger
Xantrex's new-generation Freedom SW series represents highly sophisticated and advanced inverter/chargers available in 3000W with 150A charger, and 2000W with 100A charger models. The second-generation 2000 watt model has been completely redesigned to include many of the same great features found in its higher-power counterpart.
