What size inverter do I Need?

You’re probably looking at a 6kW inverter. Simple. But there’s a flex range. Most setups run fine with an inverter that’s 80% to 120% of the system size. So if you’ve got a 5kW array, you can go with anything from 4kW to 6kW.

How to choose a power inverter?

Second, select an inverter. For this example, you will need a power inverter capable of handling 4500 watts. The continuous power requirement is actually 2250 but when sizing an inverter, you have to plan for the start up so the inverter can handle it. Third, you need to decide how long you want to run 2250 watts.

How much power does an inverter need?

The continuous power requirement is actually 2250 but when sizing an inverter, you have to plan for the start up so the inverter can handle it. Third, you need to decide how long you want to run 2250 watts. Let’s say you would like to power these items for an eight-hour period.

How much power does a 5 kW inverter use?

If your system pushes 5,000 watts, a 5,000-watt (or 5 kW) inverter is usually the move. But it’s not always one-to-one. Some setups undersize the inverter a bit—say, 4.6 kW for 5 kW of panels—to save cash without losing much power. It’s a balancing act between cost, performance, and when you actually use electricity.

Should I use an inverter with a larger capacity?

It’s important to always use an inverter with a larger capacity than your required power. This is because they are not completely efficient as they lose energy during the DC to AC conversion, plus require energy for internal systems. Often inverters are between 85% and 95% efficient. So you should factor this into your final number.

What are the different solar inverter sizes?

Solar generators range in size from small generators for short camping trips to large off-grid power systems for a boat or house. Consequently, inverter sizes vary greatly. During our research, we discovered that most inverters range in size from 300 watts up to over 3000 watts. In this article, we guide you through the different inverter sizes.