Hi all - As I mentioned in a previous post, I purchased a Renogy 100 watt portable suitcase unit and am looking at getting another 100 watts put on either my roof or as another add-on. Now I need an inverter for this. What size inverter should I be looking at and what brand names? I don't full time so probably won't go any higher than 200 watts. I have a B so can't go crazy. Lynn

inverters are sized to your "power draw" needsnot your solar power inputwhat do you want to power ?TV DVD , charge phones, laptop 300w is enoughinverters have nothing to do with solar sizehow ever, solar size is related to how much power you use (remove from battery bank) and how much battery bank you are wanting to chargesolar does NOT power your inverteryour batteries power the inverter and solar attempts to recharge them

I have a 300 watt Go Power sine wave inverter and I believe it is top quality and recommend it highly. The smaller 150 watt version might be all you need.... what are you expecting to run? If it is just to charge a phone then just a 12v USB adapter might be best. Laptop or flat screen tv should be fine on 150w.

Lynn, Your question's phrasing makes me wonder if you understand what you are asking. The solar panels will produce some power. Not much and not dependable, but power none the less. About the only thing that they are good for really is charging batteries. You don't want an inverter to do that, you want a solar charge controller. If you need to power thing that require 120V AC, then you need an inverter. That has to be selected by application.So, if you come back and tell us what you need to run and what your rig has for a house bank, we should be able to tell you A: If you have a chance at all and B: Advise what sort of inverter to shop.Matt

Sorry, I should provide more information . I would just like to power for laptop, cell phone, microwave- my TV is a 12 volt so don't need for that. Also for my coffee maker if possible. When I filled in my sheet to figure out my daily usage it was 80 amps. I hope that is right.My understanding is basic - I need an inverter to power DC( I mean AC) items. I can power all my 12 volts with my solar panel via my house battery. I do know that my solar panel won't power my inverter. It can be wired to my battery. I think. Please correct me if I am wrong. I will not being doing the installation myself.Lynn

Question about inverters | Good Sam Community

13 Replies

time2roll
Nomad
Feb 04, 2015
I have a 300 watt Go Power sine wave inverter and I believe it is top quality and recommend it highly. The smaller 150 watt version might be all you need.... what are you expecting to run? If it is just to charge a phone then just a 12v USB adapter might be best. Laptop or flat screen tv should be fine on 150w.
2oldman
Explorer II
Feb 04, 2015
Then get a 200- watter.
MrWizard
Moderator
Feb 04, 2015
inverters are sized to your "power draw" needs
not your solar power input

what do you want to power ?
TV DVD , charge phones, laptop 300w is enough

inverters have nothing to do with solar size

how ever, solar size is related to how much power you use (remove from battery bank) and how much battery bank you are wanting to charge

solar does NOT power your inverter
your batteries power the inverter and solar attempts to recharge them

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Question about inverters

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