6 Best Off-Grid Solar Inverters 2024

Choosing the right off-grid solar inverter can be a daunting task. There are so many solar inverters to choose from and factors to take into consideration, each one offers its own unique set of features and benefits. 

To make the decision easier, we’ve put together a list of the best off grid solar inverters on the market today, reviewed by wattage. Whether you’re looking for an inexpensive option or something that can handle a lot of power, we’ve got you covered.

Inverter kW	Inverter Type	Price
<1 kw	MorningStar SureSine 300	Check Price
1-2 kW	Renogy 2000W Pure Sine Wave Inverter 12V DC to 120V AC	Check Price
2-4 kW	Renogy 3000W Pure Sine Wave Inverter 12V DC to 120V AC	Check Price
4-8 kW	Schneider Conext XW PRO 6.8kw Inverter/Charger, 6800W 48V DC120/240V AC	Check Price
8-16 kW	SUNGOLDPOWER 12000W 48V Solar Hybrid Inverter	Check Price
8-16 kW	Growatt SPF 12000T DVM -MPV Solar Inverter and Charger	Check Price

What does a Off Grid Solar Inverter do?

An off grid inverter manages the flow of power throughout your off-grid system.

An off-grid solar inverter is a device that converts direct current (DC) from the solar panels via the battery bank into usable alternating current (AC) for use in RVs, campers, off-grid homes, cabins, sheds, marine use etc.

They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but all function in the same way, by feeding the DC power generated by the solar panels via the  into solar lithium batteries or whatever battery type you happen to be using. 

For clarity, grid-tied solar inverters function the same except that they do not feed power into batteries, but into the Grid system, where they then use that power to run your appliances. Any excess energy is then sent to the grid for credit.

Sizing your Off Grid System

When sizing an off grid system, it is important to estimate the power requirements of the appliances that will be powered by the system, for both summer and winter. The wattage of each appliance can be found on its label, and the voltage of the system should be considered when choosing appliances.

Solar energy exposure should be considered as a factor, location, climate, orientation and shade and during poor weather, what back up power options have you in place, such as a solar generator.

Calculate the sum of the wattage of all appliances, as well as lights, to determine how much power you’d require if everything was on and running simultaneously.

It is recommended to install a inverter with a higher wattage than your appliances are producing because, if you need to expand your system in the future by adding more solar panels, this will allow you to do so. It is also financially beneficial, if you have to upgrade every time you expand your system.

As a reference, your Inverter choice can be made easier by using the following guidelines:

Pure Sine Wave v Modified Sine Wave

To complicate matters further, solar inverters come as either pure sine wave or modified sine wave, differences are explained below.

Pure sine wave solar inverters produce power with almost no distortion and operate even less wastefully than modified sine wave inverters. Pure sine wave inverters make high-quality power, likely due to their lower susceptibility to the power grid’s power problems. Modified sine wave inverters are less expensive but do not make high-quality power.

A modified sine wave solar inverter can cause to problems with certain appliances. Motors, pumps, and compressors are generally operated at a higher temperature and wear out more quickly. Certain machines, like computers, can be damaged or not properly work. A modified sine wave inverter can also cause undesirable noise on audio/video equipment or reduced image and sound quality for some TVs.

So as not to be too negative towards the the modified sine wave inverter, they do provide an affordable and perfectly adequate option for many mobile power applications, however, to avoid any potential issues it is recommended to use a Pure sine wave solar inverter.

What to Look out for when selecting a Solar Inverter

Below are a list of the most important points to consider when purchasing a Solar Inverter:

1. Efficiency. Look for efficiency of 95%. How much power will the Solar Inverter input to your off grid home, RV etc. when it is operating in perfect conditions. A good peak efficiency is between 94 -96%.
2. Temperature Rating. Solar Inverters are sensitive to extreme heat, so pay attention when considering installing anywhere it could be exposed to extreme temperatures.
3. Surge Capacity. What short term overload can the solar inverter handle? Off Grid Solar Inverters have a Surge Load rating. Appliances such as a water pump or AC unit has an initial power surge of up to 2/3 times the nominal power when initially turned on.
4. Warranty Look for 3-5 years warranty for peace of mind.
5. UL Listings (US purchased inverters). Make sure the solar inverter has a UL Listing and Certificate. For home solar inverters UL1741 and UL458 for smaller inverters eg for use on RVs and Boats.
6. Manufacturer. Be sure to check the history and reputation of each manufacturer. It is best to pay more to purchase from a reputable manufacturer that produces quality product than buy cheap and have the product fail with no or little aftersales support.
7. The Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) rating of 5% is a recommended level of power quality and will be found on any reputable off grid solar inverter specification data.

Review Of The Best Off Grid Solar Inverters

The recommended solar inverters listed below, are reviewed on a application basis, starting with the smallest wattage inverter to the biggest.

Remember it is always worth considering getting a solar inverter with greater capacity than you currently need, more so if you intend expanding your system in the future.

Best Small Off Grid Solar Inverter <1kW

Suitable to run small appliances such as a computer, lights, fans etc in your small home, RV etc.

Best Off Grid Solar Inverter for Cabins, RVs and Marine 1 -2 kW

Suitable to run most standard appliances, including Fridges and TVs etc.

Best Off Grid Solar Inverter for Small Off Grid Homes, Boats, RVs. 2-4 Kw

Suitable to run most standard appliances, including Fridges, Induction cook tops and TVs and AC units.

Best Off Grid Solar Inverter for Most Off Grid Homes. 4-8 Kw

Suitable to run all major appliances, including AC and Well pumps.

Best Off Grid Solar Inverter for Large Off Grid Homes, Farms and Small Commercial Buildings. 8-16 Kw

Widely used for home, cabin, office, RV, trailer, boat etc.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is important to do your research before purchasing an off grid solar inverter. There are many different options available, and it is important to get a model that will suit your needs.

Be sure to take into account the wattage of the inverter, as well as any other features that are important to you. By following the guidelines in this review, you can be sure to find the perfect off grid solar inverter for your home.