Solar energy is becoming more commonplace in homes and offices, but it’s also a great resource for energy when you’re on the move. Solar inverters that are compact and lightweight are designed specifically for ease of mobility and can help to provide clean and free energy to your next camping trip, boat excursion, or as a backup in the case of a power failure or natural disaster.
Solar inverters work with solar panels. When solar panels receive energy in the form of sunlight, they produce Direct Current or DC energy. The circuits in the cells of the solar panel collect the DC energy and use it to power items in your home. But most appliances use Alternating Current or AC energy. That’s where solar inverters come in. Solar inverters are used to change solar energy from DC to AC, making it more useful to power everything in your home from your fridge to your TV.
Solar panels used on a home require a large-scale solar inverter to convert their energy from DC to AC and feed any leftover energy back to the grid. But homes aren’t the only units powered by the sun. Solar panels are also found on mobile and RV homes, used at camping sites, on commercial and recreational boats, at outdoor job sites, and as a backup for personal use if disaster strikes and your home loses power.
The solar inverters we’ve included on our list wouldn’t be appropriate for powering the average-sized home, but they are great to use while camping, on a boat or to keep as a backup for power outages. If you need something to help power your next outdoor adventure or want to be ready in the case of an emergency, these are three solar inverters that are proven to last for hours and help keep you and your loved ones safe.
1. WZRELB DC to AC Converter
Made with extra thick PCB board to help increase load capacity, the WZRELB Power Inverter packs 3000W to power electronics in your home, office or RV.
Pros: The WZRELB Power Inverter has an easy to read digital LED display that lets you know how much power your inverter is using. The WZRELB Power Inverter can run 3000W of continuous power or 6000W at peak power. There are seven different protection systems to protect the battery and your devices.
Cons: Fans are loud.
2. Giandel 1200Watt Power Inverter
Small but powerful, the Giandel 1200Watt Power Inverter can provide 100% full continuous output power and 2400Watts peak power, with the ability to charge small electronics and get you back on the grid.
Pros: The Giandel can handle charging cell phones, small tools like drills, and bar fridges with a dual AC outlet and a USB charging port. The inverter features safety override controls, a cooling fan, and is housed in durable aluminum alloy.
Cons: The Giandel 1200Watt Power Inverter is the least powerful option on this list.
3. Pure Sine Wave Inverter
Running on a 60Hz frequency with dual US outlets and transferring 24VDC to 120VAC, the Pure Sine Wave Inverter can power small appliances for hours.
Pros: Like the WZRELB Power Inverter, the Pure Sine Wave Inverter can run 3000W of continuous power or 6000W at peak power. The Pure Sine Wave Inverter has added safety measures like true copper inductance that acts to filter the waveform and safeguards your equipment.
Cons: Fans are loud.