Off-Grid Inverters
Off-grid, or standalone, inverters convert DC power stored in batteries to AC power that can be used as needed. Select an inverter for your power system based on the maximum load you will be powering, the maximum surge required, AC output voltage required, input battery voltage and optional features needed.
Currently Apollo Solar Inverters and Xantrex XW inverters offer split phase 120/240VAC output from a single inverter without having to rely on stacking inverters or using a transformer. The input can also take 120VAC or 240VAC generator charging. We have some very special pricing on Apollo Inverters here.
High quality standalone inverters are available in sizes from 100 watts, for powering notebook computers and fax machines from your car, to 60 kilowatts, for powering a commercial operation. The size of an inverter is measured by its maximum continuous output in watts. This rating must be larger than the total wattage of all of the AC loads you plan to run at one time. Wattage of most AC loads can be determined from a tag or label on the appliance, usually located near where the power cord enters, or from the owner’s manual. If the inverter is expected to run induction motors, like the ones found in top loading washers, dryers, dishwashers and large power tools, it must be designed to surge, or deliver power many times its rating for short periods of time while these motors start.
Off Grid inverters are available with two basic power output waveforms: pure sine wave, and modified sine wave (the proper term is actually modified square wave, but since modified sine wave is much more commonly used, we use that term in this website). Apollo Solar, Exeltech, Xantrex XW Series, SMA Sunny Island, Magnum MS and OutBack FX inverters are pure sine wave off-grid inverters.
Sine wave inverters have a higher cost, but they can operate almost anything that can be operated on utility power. Exeltech sine wave inverters are an excellent choice for power systems running audio or telecommunications equipment and other electronics that are waveform-sensitive. We now carry Samlex sine wave PST inverters for a lower cost, a small system sine wave alternative.
Xantrex TR series, Magnum RD, and Samlex PSE inverters have modified sine wave output with harmonic distortion of around 40%. They are an economical choice in power systems where waveform is not critical. Their high surge capacity allows them to start large motors while their high efficiency makes them economical with power when running small loads like a stereo or a small light. They can power most lighting, televisions, appliances and computers very well. Unfortunately, this type of inverter may destroy some rechargeable tools and flashlights, and laser printers and copiers. They may not allow many laser printers, copiers, light dimmers and some variable speed tools to operate.
