Inverters Thoughts
An inverter is a central component of any alternative power system that requires AC power. Inverters transform low voltage 12-volt DC power to standard 120 / 240 volt AC power (also referred to as 110 / 220 volt) used to power most modern appliances and tools.
In an inverter, DC (direct current) is switched back and forth to produce AC (alternating current). This is then transformed, filtered, stepped, etc. to get it to an acceptable waveform. The more processing, the cleaner and quieter the output, but the efficiency of the conversion is reduced. The goal is to produce a waveform that is acceptable to most loads but doesnot lose too much power in the conversion process.
Types of Inverters
Modern inverters come in two basic types - modified sine wave and pure sine wave. A modified sine wave is close but not identical to the waveform that comes from your public utility. Modified sine wave inverters can run most household appliances including TV’s, stereos, lighting,computers, etc.
Some equipment such as laser printers, tools with variable speed motors and other sensitive devices may work erratically with modified sine wave. Also, some appliances such as radios and florescent bulbs may give off a noticeable humming or buzzing noise. Some loads may also heat up more. Modified sine wave inverters are relatively inexpensive and have a very efficient DC to AC
conversion ratio.

Pure sine wave inverters produce a waveform that is identical to and in some cases better than what you get from your public utility company. All appliances and electronic equipment will operate as intended when using pure sine wave power, insuring that even your most sensitive electronic equipment runs properly.
Pure sine wave inverters are considerably more expensive than modified sine wave inverters and their DC to AC conversion rate is not quite as efficient. Inverters have two different capacity ratings. One is the continuous output rating and the other is the surge capacity rating.
The continuous output rating is how much power, in watts, the inverter can provide continuously, hour after hour.
Some loads such as motors, refrigerators; etc. can use two or three times more power when they start up than is required when they are up and running. Inverters can deliver significantly more power for 2 or 3 seconds, when these loads start up. How much more power it can deliver, briefly, over and above it’s continuous output rating, is the inverters surge capacity rating.
Inverters come in various sizes, from small ones that plug into your vehicle’s cigarette lighter and have a single outlet, all the way up to 11,000-watt inverters that will power your complete house.
Large inverters are generally hard-wired into your house’s electrical system. The size of inverter you need is dependent on the loads you wish to power. To select the appropriate size inverter for your situation, refer back to your load calculation worksheet, and add up the AC wattage of
the specific items you will be running simultaneously. Allow for at least a 15% inefficiency factor. (Multiply your total AC wattage by 1.15) This will be the
minimum continuous wattage you will need. Also look at the potential surge wattage of specific
appliances to see what minimum surge wattage will be required. To be on the safe side, it is always better to have an inverter that is a bit larger than your anticipated needs.
Remember that the limitations of the inverter are largely charging system limitations. All the power your inverter delivers comes from your batteries via the charging system. A large enough inverter will convert any amount of DC power to AC power. You can easily run any size AC load with an inverter. Just remember that the DC power that is being used must be replaced through your charging system. There are some loads that are just not very efficient to run on AC power in a solar electric system.

• Automatic protection against overload, over temperature and low/high battery conditions
• two, three-prong grounded AC outlet
• Built-in Cooling Fan
• Power ON/OFF Switch

WSE 2500w Inverter
Price:
$271.24

• Automatic protection against overload, over temperature and low/high battery conditions
• New Auto Restart function
• two, three-prong grounded AC outlet
• Built-in Cooling Fan
• Power ON/OFF Switch

WSE 5000w Inverter
Price:
$563.64

• Automatic protection against overload, over temperature and low/high battery conditions
• New Auto Restart function
• two, three-prong grounded AC outlet
• Built-in Cooling Fan
• Power ON/OFF Switch