Choosing The Right Size Off-grid Inverter for Your Solar Installation———— What To Know about Solar Off-grid Inverters

Inverters are typically not the first thing you think of when thinking about going solar, but they’re an important part of every installation. How do you configure inverters in your system? What size do you need, and how do I implement one that’s perfect for my solar installation?

What is the best off-grid inverter?

If your budget allows, pure sine wave inverters are typically the best choice because they can be used to power nearly all appliances, are efficient, quiet, and safe. ADAYO's pure sine wave inverters are equipped to meet the needs of your off-grid system.

How do you connect an inverter to a battery bank?

Inverters larger than 500 watts must be hard-wired directly to the battery bank. The owner's manual of your inverter will specify the cable size you should use. Cable size also depends on the distance between the inverter and the battery. It’s always good to use the shortest length of cable that is practical. When connecting an inverter to a battery, we recommend using an over current protection device, such as a fuse or circuit breaker, between the two devices.

AC and DC safety disconnects are also a requirement in all systems. In off-grid solar systems, a DC disconnect is installed between the battery bank and the inverter. This is used to switch off the current flowing between the two components and is important for maintenance, troubleshooting, and protection against electrical fires.

What size solar inverters do I need for my system?

Solar inverters come in a range of different sizes. Like solar panels, inverters are rated in watts. Because your solar inverter converts DC electricity coming from the panels, your solar inverter needs to have the capacity to handle all the power your array produces. As a general rule of thumb, you'll want to match your solar panel wattage. So if you have a 5000 watt solar panel system, you'll need at least a 5000 watt inverter. Need help deciding how much solar power you'll need to meet your energy needs? 

ADAYO Power has pure sine wave inverters ranging in size from 3000 to 5000 watts. Inverter chargers are also a great option for those living off-grid who may also connect to shore power occasionally. In addition to converting DC to AC, the ADAYO 5000W Pure Sine Wave Inverter can charge and maintain a battery bank when connected to shore power.

Conclusion

If you live in a remote area or on the open road without reliable and affordable access to the grid, off-grid solar can be a great way to meet your energy needs. Having an understanding of how inverters are configured and used in off-grid systems will set you on the right path toward building a safe, efficient, and powerful solar installation to meet all your energy needs.