Choosing and installing an inverter
Background: New 21' Fiberglass FW, all power related equip under the rear dinette seat. 2-6V Interstate GC batteries 232A 160w 12v flat mount solar, will add another 100-160w this spring/summe...
Forum Discussion
I installed a Xantrex ProSeries 1800, which is a modified sine wave inverter with a built in transfer switch. We have a similar setup - 200 watts of solar, 2 12V batteries. So far, seems to work really well.
I wanted a pure sine inverter, but cost won out. I had also been using a cheap 400W portable inverter, and it ran everything fine, so I went with the modified sine with the built in because the cost difference was so big. I really wanted a built in transfer switch, so I picked this one.
I haven't tried it, but based on the calculations, running the microwave on the inverter just didn't seem reasonable with 2 batteries (we don't have a generator). And since we are trying to get 4-5 days at a time on the batteries, I also ruled out anything like a toaster, coffee pot, or hair dryer. We really just use it for the TV and computer.
Our microwave is on its own circuit, and all the 110V receptacles are on another circuit with the refrigerator. I wired it basically as you were considering. I spliced into the Romex coming out of the 15A breaker and ran from the breaker into the inverter. Then the output of the inverter gets connected back into the feed to circuit. Its the same concept as using a sub-panel, but you don't actually need the sub-panel since its only powering one circuit. I like this method because with the transfer switch, its automatic. Nothing to change or switch you just always have 110V power to the outlets. I just need to switch the fridge to gas manually so it doesn't run off the inverter. I could have separated it and added a breaker in the panel, but I can live with that one extra step.
Whatever you select, I would definitely recommend a transfer switch and remote panel. A 2000 watt PS inverter/charger with full 4 stage charging is the ultimate setup, but its pretty pricey. For a fraction of that, we've been pretty happy with the modified sine. Having the built in inverter is really nice.
I wanted a pure sine inverter, but cost won out. I had also been using a cheap 400W portable inverter, and it ran everything fine, so I went with the modified sine with the built in because the cost difference was so big. I really wanted a built in transfer switch, so I picked this one.
I haven't tried it, but based on the calculations, running the microwave on the inverter just didn't seem reasonable with 2 batteries (we don't have a generator). And since we are trying to get 4-5 days at a time on the batteries, I also ruled out anything like a toaster, coffee pot, or hair dryer. We really just use it for the TV and computer.
Our microwave is on its own circuit, and all the 110V receptacles are on another circuit with the refrigerator. I wired it basically as you were considering. I spliced into the Romex coming out of the 15A breaker and ran from the breaker into the inverter. Then the output of the inverter gets connected back into the feed to circuit. Its the same concept as using a sub-panel, but you don't actually need the sub-panel since its only powering one circuit. I like this method because with the transfer switch, its automatic. Nothing to change or switch you just always have 110V power to the outlets. I just need to switch the fridge to gas manually so it doesn't run off the inverter. I could have separated it and added a breaker in the panel, but I can live with that one extra step.
Whatever you select, I would definitely recommend a transfer switch and remote panel. A 2000 watt PS inverter/charger with full 4 stage charging is the ultimate setup, but its pretty pricey. For a fraction of that, we've been pretty happy with the modified sine. Having the built in inverter is really nice.
