What Pure Sine Wave Inverter Is Needed

Question:

Im tryin to fine mytotal watts hour useage in my rv to see what size of a pure sine inventer i need.Ihave 1050 watts solar panels also have 615 amps in my batts bank. thanks

asked by: Palmer

Expert Reply:

To calculate power consumption simply multiply wattage by the number of hours it is being used. Remember to consider type of current, AC or DC. The number of watts is equal to amps multiplied by volts. Your battery bank is rated in Amp Hours, AH. If you have a lithium chemistry battery you can use almost the entire charge before voltage drops below a usable range. If you have a battery bank that is lead acid chemistry, including those labeled as AGM or Gel, you can use at best half of your charge before you consider the battery to be depleted. Draining the battery below that range of a "deep discharge" will cause damage to the battery. So consider that your usable range for lead acid to actually be the total listed AH.

I recommend the 2,000 Watt Progressive Dynamics Pure Sine Wave Inverter w/ Transfer Switch, # PD64FR. I like that this option has the integrated transfer switch that automatically changes from inverter to shore power when you hook up at the campground. Many people will add this component at an extra cost but this unit has it already built-in. There is a 1,800 watt version of this inverter available, # PD44FR and a 1,000 watt under part number # PD34FR. I prefer the 2,000 watt unit as will easily handle your current battery bank's AH that you listed but provide still be a viable unit if you decide to upgrade your battery bank and increase capacity.

I have included a product review and installation video below.

expert reply by: Michael R