Inverters are a significant part of solar energy systems. They convert direct current to alternating current and can power many different types of devices from televisions, laptops, lights; the list goes on.

For inverters to work correctly, they need a specific size or voltage rating – but how do you determine the correct size? Keep reading below for more information about inverter sizes and how to find the perfect one for your needs.

How to Determine Inverter Size

The wattage determines the size of an inverter it can produce. This rating is usually found on the back or side of the inverter.

The higher the wattage, the larger and more expensive the inverter. Inverters also come in different voltages – 12 volts, 24 volts, and 48 volts.

The voltage of the inverter must match the voltage of the solar panels – if they are different, you will need to buy a special transformer to change the voltage.

The best way to determine what size inverter you need is to calculate how many watts your devices use and add up all the wattages.

This will determine what size inverter you need to power your devices. The higher the wattage, the larger and more expensive this will be.

For example, if a 60-watt television is plugged into a 24-volt inverter with a 50-amp rating (24 volts x 50 amps = 1200 watts), it would only use half of its power because of the inverter’s rating.

The television would only draw 30 watts from the battery pack, leaving more power to run other devices off of it.

Read: How to control output voltage of inverter

How Are Inverters Rated?

Inverters are usually rated in two different ways – surge wattage and continuous wattage.

1. Surge Wattage

This is the maximum amount of power an inverter can produce when it’s starting up. Inverters use a surge rating to determine how much wattage they can handle when starting up.

This is important to know because if an inverter has a surge rating that’s too low for the appliances you’re powering, it could damage the appliances – or even worse, start a fire.

2. Continuous Wattage

This is how much power an inverter can produce constantly. This is the most important rating to look for when purchasing an inverter because it’s the amount of power used over time.

This rating can usually be found on the back or side of an inverter and is measured in amps x volts (A x V).

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What Are the Different Types of Inverters?

There are three main types of inverters – string, micro-inverters, and central inverters.

• String inverters: these are the most common type of inverter. They take power from a group of solar panels and convert it into AC. This inverter type is cheaper than the other two types, but it also has lower efficiency rates.
• Micro-inverters: these inverters are attached directly to the solar panel. This allows each solar panel to produce its direct current, which is converted directly to alternating current. As a result of the high-efficiency levels, micro-inverters are more expensive than string inverters.
• Central inverters: these inverters take power from a group of micro-inverters and convert it into AC. This inverter type is the most expensive, but it also has the highest efficiency rates.

Which Type of Inverter is Best for Me?

Inverters come in all different shapes and sizes, so you’ll need to do some research before purchasing one.

Find out what your appliances use in wattage, and then find an inverter with a surge rating and continuous wattage that is higher than the appliance’s wattage.

For example, if you have a refrigerator that uses 350 watts, you’ll need an inverter with a surge rating of at least 400 watts and a continuous wattage of at least 350 watts.

Remember, the higher the wattage, the more expensive the inverter.

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How Do I Know If My Inverter Is Working?

There are a few ways to test your inverter to see if it’s working correctly.

The easiest way is to plug something into the inverter and see if it works. If not, try testing the outlets with a voltage meter or light tester – if they work, the inverter is probably not working.