What is an Inverter?
An inverter is an electronic device or electronic circuitry which changes Direct Current (DC) to Alternating Current (AC). It is typically used in solar power systems, and larger switched-mode power supplies, and is a useful part of a switched-mode power supply.
It is designed to transform DC voltage to AC voltage, typically 120 volts or 240 volts depending on the country.
Best Inverter For Home Use In South Africa
Which Inverter Is Best for Home Use?
The most efficient type of inverter for home use is a pure sine-wave inverter, while modified sine-wave inverters are better for shops. An inverter for home use must have the following features listed below. It should be noted that all ten features are essential for the best experience when using an inverter in your home.
- Inverter technology: converts DC power from a battery or solar panel into AC power for household appliances.
- Power capacity: measured in watts, determines the maximum power output of the inverter.
- Output waveform: most home inverters produce a modified sine wave, while some high-end models produce a pure sine wave.
- Overload protection: prevents the inverter from being damaged by excessive loads.
- Short circuit protection: prevents damage from electrical shorts.
- Temperature control: prevents the inverter from overheating.
- LCD display: shows the current output power and other information.
- USB ports: for charging devices such as phones or tablets
- Battery charge controller: controls the charging of the batteries to maintain their health
- Remote control: allows the inverter to be controlled remotely.
With a variety of types, sizes, and ratings available, it is important to consider the Watts, Amps, and Voltage when selecting an inverter.
Some Reliable Home Inverter Brands Include;
- SMA
- Fronius
- Schneider Electric
- Outback Power
- Inverter manufacturers such as Tesla, LG, and Panasonic also offer high-quality inverters for residential use.
What Size Inverter Do I Need to Run My House?
The size of the inverter you need in your home will depend on the total power consumption of the appliances and devices you plan to run simultaneously. Summing up the wattage of all the items in your house is an indicator of the output you expect from your home inverter.
For example, if you have a washing machine that runs on (2000 watts), a few lights (100 watts), and a TV (200 watts), you would need an inverter with a minimum capacity of 2300 watts. It is essential, however, to always buy an inverter with a larger capacity than you actually need, this makes room for fluctuations and extra appliances without sacrificing performance.
What Does an Inverter Cost in South Africa?
The cost of an inverter in South Africa can vary depending on the brand, model, and capacity of the inverter. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from R2000 to R15000 for a home-use inverter in South Africa.
For example, a small, portable inverter with a capacity of 300 watts might cost around R2000, while a larger, more powerful inverter with a capacity of 2000 watts might cost around R15000.
How Much Inverter Battery Is Sufficient for Home?
Factors that determine the inverter battery you need include the power consumption of the household, the number of hours of power backup you require, and the capacity of the batteries.
The number of hours of power backup you require will also affect the amount of battery capacity you need. If you only need a few hours of backup power, you will need less battery capacity than if you need several days of backup power.
The capacity of the batteries is measured in ampere-hours (Ah). A typical home with moderate power consumption may require an inverter battery with a capacity of around 200-300 Ah.
It’s also worth noting that the size of the battery bank should be designed to provide a minimum of 50% discharge before recharging. This is to prolong the life of the batteries.
What is the Most Reliable Home Inverter in South Africa?
One of the most reliable and cost-effective home inverters in South Africa is the hybrid inverter. Hybrid inverters are ideal for home use because they have a built-in solar charger, making them suitable for use during load-shedding and other power outages. Some of the most reliable inverter companies in South Africa include Bestek, Geloowork, and Kreiger.
How Long Will a Battery Last with a 2000-Watt Inverter?
The lifespan of a battery used with a 2000-watt inverter will depend on several factors, including the type of battery, the depth of discharge, and the frequency of use.
A lead-acid battery, which is a common type of battery used in inverter systems, will typically last between 2-5 years if it’s used and maintained properly. However, if the battery is frequently deeply discharged (discharged below 50%), it will have a shorter lifespan.
The amount of time a battery will last with a 2000-watt inverter also depends on the amount of power being drawn from the battery and how often the battery is discharged and recharged. In general, the more power that is drawn from the battery, the more quickly the battery will be depleted.
A rough estimate to calculate the battery backup time is by using the formula (Battery Capacity (Ah) x Voltage (V))/Total Power Consumption(W). For example, if the battery capacity is 200Ah, the voltage is 12V, the backup time would be around 33 hours. (200 x 12)/2000 = 33 hours
How Many Batteries Do I Need for a 2000 Watt Inverter?
Calculating the number of batteries you need for a 2000W inverter is relatively simple. To find the total number of batteries, you need to multiply the inverter wattage by the number of hours you need to run the inverter. For example, if you are using a 2000W inverter and need it to run for two hours, you would need 4000W/12V = 333Ah (amps hours).
To ensure the battery is not fully drained, you will need a battery size of at least double the amps hour rating, so a 666Ah or 700Ah battery. If you are using a lithium battery such as the Kcvolro 12V 100Ah, you can discharge up to 80% and it has guaranteed 7000+ cycles. AGM, gel, and FLA batteries run best when recharged at 50% levels, so you would need to double the size of the battery. So, for a 2000W inverter, you would need a 1000Ah 12V battery.
What Appliances Can Run off an Inverter?
An inverter can power a wide range of appliances, including:
- Refrigerators and freezers
- Lights
- Televisions
- Computers and laptops
- Fans
- Air conditioners
- Electric cookers and ovens
- Washing machines
- Water pumps
- Power tools
Can an Inverter Be Too Big for a Battery?
An inverter can be too big for a battery in the sense that the inverter’s capacity exceeds the capacity of the battery, resulting in the battery being unable to supply the power needed to run the inverter. In this scenario, the inverter would not be able to function properly and the battery would be drained quickly.
It’s important to match the inverter’s capacity with the battery’s capacity. The inverter’s capacity should not exceed the battery’s capacity.
It’s also important to keep in mind that the size of the battery bank should be designed to provide a minimum of 50% discharge before recharging. This is to prolong the life of the batteries.
For example, if the battery capacity is 200Ah, the inverter capacity should not exceed 2000 watts (200 x 12) for a 12V battery, or 4000 watts for a 24V battery.
What Is the Best Battery to Use with an Inverter?
The best battery to use with an inverter depends on several factors, including the intended use, the size of the inverter, and the budget. Some of the most common types of batteries used with inverters are:
- Lead-Acid batteries: These batteries are the most common type used in inverter systems. They are relatively inexpensive, have a long lifespan, and are widely available. They come in two types, sealed lead acid and flooded lead acid.
- Lithium-Ion batteries: These batteries are becoming increasingly popular in inverter systems. They have a longer lifespan than lead-acid batteries, are more efficient, and require less maintenance. They are more expensive than lead-acid batteries, but they can be more cost-effective over time due to their longer lifespan.
- Nickel-Cadmium batteries: These batteries are less common than lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries, but they are known for their high reliability and long lifespan. They are more expensive than lead-acid batteries, but they are more efficient and require less maintenance.