One large inverter or 2-3 small ones?
So as I get closer to adding solar (or at least a larger battery bank) to my RV, I have more questions than I started with! Big thanks to the folks who have helped me along so far. I found a great...
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Hi Jeff,
Yes you would need a 3600 watt inverter. Since I've never seen one that size--I'd hope to find a 4000 watt unit.
The "best bang for the buck" in PSW appears to be the Xantrex pro watt 2000 watt unit @ ~$350.00. More expensive inverters may have better and longer surge capabilities. For example the Cobra 2500 watt MSW inverter has an overload to 5000 watts, but only for 1/10 of second. A pricier inverter might be 10 seconds, and a "top of the line" such as Magnum or Victron the overload time might be 5 minutes.
The Cobra can do 2500 watt continuous--for 30 minutes. The Magnum can do full output forever.
Not all MSW inverters are created equal either. The Cobra is rated to run motors. So far I've had no failures--but a PSW unit is "on the list" to purchase--if I can find a 4000 watt unit (or 3000 watt) that I can afford. (beer budget).
If the prowatt had been available when I was looking for an inverter it would have been my choice to use one.
If you have deep pockets Victron is probably the "best of the best". Beer budget folks would pick the pro-watt, or at least I would.
AMsolar is one of the more expensive places to buy parts. Camping World is apparently "on the other side of the moon" price wise.
DIY for solar is the "way to go" unless you can find an electrician friend who is willing to help out.
Yes you would need a 3600 watt inverter. Since I've never seen one that size--I'd hope to find a 4000 watt unit.
The "best bang for the buck" in PSW appears to be the Xantrex pro watt 2000 watt unit @ ~$350.00. More expensive inverters may have better and longer surge capabilities. For example the Cobra 2500 watt MSW inverter has an overload to 5000 watts, but only for 1/10 of second. A pricier inverter might be 10 seconds, and a "top of the line" such as Magnum or Victron the overload time might be 5 minutes.
The Cobra can do 2500 watt continuous--for 30 minutes. The Magnum can do full output forever.
Not all MSW inverters are created equal either. The Cobra is rated to run motors. So far I've had no failures--but a PSW unit is "on the list" to purchase--if I can find a 4000 watt unit (or 3000 watt) that I can afford. (beer budget).
If the prowatt had been available when I was looking for an inverter it would have been my choice to use one.
If you have deep pockets Victron is probably the "best of the best". Beer budget folks would pick the pro-watt, or at least I would.
AMsolar is one of the more expensive places to buy parts. Camping World is apparently "on the other side of the moon" price wise.
DIY for solar is the "way to go" unless you can find an electrician friend who is willing to help out.
