Nowadays, more and more people are paying attention to outdoor activities, emergency power backup, or wanting to build a small solar power generation system at home. The inverter is the bridge connecting solar panels, batteries, and household appliances. There are many types of inverters on the market, which is dazzling. Don't worry; this guide will teach you how to choose an inverter that suits you.
What is an inverter
A power inverter is a power conversion device that can convert direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC). As we all know, AC cannot be stored, but DC can be stored in batteries. People can get AC from batteries through inverters, which is the core function of power inverters.
Do I need an inverter?
If you meet the following conditions, then you may need to buy an inverter:
Situation 1: Outdoor activities
If you are keen on outdoor activities and outdoor adventures. If you often camp and travel by car, then it must be a wise choice to equip your car with an inverter. Inverters can allow you to get AC power from car batteries or batteries you carry in the wild away from the hustle and bustle of the city, allowing you to easily use some household appliances and provide convenience for your camping life.
Scenario 2: Emergency backup
Does the area where you live often suffer from power outages, affecting your normal life and work. Or you are a person who plans ahead and wants to build your own emergency power supply system to keep important appliances running when a power outage comes. Then you can use an inverter with a battery to provide a short emergency backup power supply.
Scenario 3: Solar power generation system
If you are planning to build a solar power generation system for your house, then an inverter is an essential component. The DC power generated by the solar panel is stored in the battery, and the inverter converts the DC power in the battery into the AC power we use daily.
Scenario 4: RV/Truck Owner
If you are a truck driver or RV owner who needs to travel long distances frequently and cannot obtain stable AC power, you can also buy an inverter to power the appliances in your car. (If it is an RV with an integrated inverter, you do not need to buy an inverter).
Scenario 5: Off-grid power system
If you are a DIY expert who has some research on circuits and can build some off-grid power systems yourself, then you also need an inverter to convert power.
In summary, if you have the following needs, then you need an inverter:
- You need to use electrical appliances outdoors
- You need backup power
- You want to use solar power
- You want to increase the flexibility of electricity use
Key factors to consider when buying an inverter
1. Power demand: First, you need to calculate the total operating power of the equipment you plan to power. In order to avoid equipment overload, it is usually recommended to choose an inverter with a power 20%-30% higher than the actual demand.
2. Input voltage: Select an inverter with the same input voltage as the battery, such as 12V, 24V or 48V, according to the battery voltage you use.
3. Conversion efficiency: The conversion efficiency of the inverter is not 100%, and energy will be lost during the conversion process. The conversion efficiency of the inverter on the market is between 80%-90%, and the MWXNE inverter is around 90%. Efficient inverters can reduce energy loss and extend the battery life.
4.Interface type
- Input interface: Select the appropriate input interface according to your power type, such as vehicle battery clamp, AC input, etc.
- utput interface: generally a standard AC socket (different countries and regions have different interface types). MWXNE's inverter also has 3 USB-A ports and 1 USB-C port.
5. Inverter safety performance: Buying an inverter with a built-in protection system can avoid fires caused by electrical short circuits. Common inverter protection functions include:
- Undervoltage protection,
- Overvoltage protection,
- Overload protection,
- Overheating protection,
- Short circuit protection
- Reverse connection protection.
MWXNE has a built-in protection system for each inverter, so you can use it with confidence.
6. Additional functions
- LCD display: allows you to view the working status of the inverter in real time.
- USB output: allows you to charge mobile phones, tablets and other devices.
- Remote control: allows you to remotely control the inverter through mobile phone APP, wireless remote control, etc.
7. Brand and after-sales service
Brand: It is recommended that you choose products from well-known brands, and the quality is more guaranteed. MWXNE is a seller with a manufacturing factory and has rich experience in the field of inverters. We are OEM for many well-known brands. The product's quality is recognized by users.
After-sales service: Before purchasing, you need to understand the warranty period and after-sales service policy of the product. MWXNE provides you with an extra-long warranty period of two years.
Types and selection of inverters
Common types of off-grid inverters on the market:
Pure sine wave inverter: the most worry-free choice
Pure sine wave inverters are the mainstream high-frequency inverters on the market. They are favored by users for their stable, high-quality pure sine wave (the same waveform as the mains). Its features:
Strong compatibility: Pure sine wave inverters are compatible with almost all types of electronic devices, including computers, stereos, refrigerators, air conditioners, etc.
High stability: The output voltage is stable and the frequency is accurate, which will not interfere with the equipment and extend the service life of the equipment.
Low noise: Due to the pure output waveform, the inverter produces very little noise when working.
Modified sine wave inverter: an affordable choice
Modified sine wave inverters (also called improved sine wave or simulated sine wave inverters) can produce waveforms similar to sine waves but not as smooth as pure sine waves. This type of inverter is usually cheaper than pure sine wave inverters, but they are not suitable for sensitive appliances (such as high-end audio systems, medical instruments, etc.).
| Features | Modified sine wave inverter | Pure sine wave inverter |
| Output waveform | Approximately sine wave | Pure sine wave |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
| Efficiency | Higher | Higher |
| Application range | Most non-inductive loads | All types of loads |
| Compatibility | Poor | Better |
MWXNE recommends that you buy pure sine wave inverters directly to avoid unnecessary trouble.
Conclusion
So when you buy an inverter, you need to choose an inverter with the right power, brand, and price based on your own situation. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us.
