Inverter wired directly to solar panel

Can you connect an AC inverter directly to a solar panel? Let's find out! In this video I connect a 500 watt inverter directly to a 50 watt solar panel. The panels open circuit voltage is around 20 volts.
This is simply a proof of concept / 'can it be done' scenario. In real life you'd want to ensure you use a charge controller and battery. See my other videos for example setups.
In the video I mention using a small battery connected directly to the solar panel and then the inverter connected to the battery. Essentially making the small battery work like a capacitor. This should work fine provided you're pulling power out of the inverter while the panel is dumping it's power into the battery. But in most circumstances you should not connect a solar panel directly to a battery and instead should be using a charge controller which will regulate the voltage to a safer level for the battery.
I'm sorry for the piece of wood that can be seen to the right of the screen throughout the video. Because of technical issues, noisy traffic and general interruptions; I ended up shooting this video about 6 times. After melting in the sun for a couple of hours, I decided to just settle with this and edit it as best as possible!
SUPPORT ME: If you enjoyed this video, please remember to give a LIKE and click here to subscribe to my channel - kzbin.info_c...

[@GadgetAddict]

Check out this video about a solar briefcase without charge controller or battery.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fKnTqnWdaLCgfMk

[@brinamarie9525]

Wow you're just full of good information. Thanks for sharing.

[@johnwardill8327]

Gadget Addict I have been

[@Ttechcraft]

What kind of inverter you used

[@nanjewabetondi8567]

A well presented case. No messing about and straight to what viewers want to hear. 👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿

[@PeterScargill]

Hah! I did that in Spain... to explain - I have a 250w panel in our summer home in Southern Spain - an area (Andalusia) where you can pretty much guarantee sun all summer - unlike where I am now back in the Northeast of England where you can pretty much guarantee the opposite. The very first thing I did on setting the panel up, was to play with my new 12v invertor - but what I did was to put a step-down buck converter onto the solar panel - mine is 24v and chucks out a lot more than that obviously as it is for charging 24v batteries.... the step down produced 12v which I fed into my 500w invertor which looks remarkably like yours... I have to say it worked a treat...and recovered well from any passing clouds. Today I have a pair of deep discharge batteries (100ah, 12v) in series on that rig which runs all year around lighting up the outside of the place - and also powering a couple of FriendlyArm Nano (with little hard drives) constantly - but those initial experiments without the battery were lots of fun. Aliexpress do cheap step-down units very cheap that will handle 15 amps.

[@DRCE777]

Great explanation dude. I've been wondering about this for a while now, thanks.

[@erikbreaman9124]

Most inverters have a volt cap around 21V and a fuse that matches it's input current cap. Then they typically have a

[@GGN-92]

Thanks for these very clear explanations. Take care of yourself.

[@huckleberry8079]

Put a meter on the solar panel output while the inverter is under load. You will see that the panel is not putting out 20 volts, it is now down to around 13-14 volts which is safe for the inverter. Solar panels have a rating called VMP which is the point at which it can produce the most power in watts.

[@GadgetAddict]

Yup, that's true, there will be a voltage drop when the load is connected.

[@nelsonchu1431]

just watching the power and ground wire dangling so close to each other gets me nervous

[@GadgetAddict]

+Nelson Chu I like to live on the edge sometimes ;)

[@markbryanochavez1871]

your right he is careless person, simi mono ...

[@behemothinferno]

Some inverters have DC inputs directly from solar panels but I would highly advise one not to connect it up to where the DC battery input is supposed be. At least use a buck converter to convert that 20V DC into 12-13 V DC as that's what the inverter is expecting to receive that way there's no risk of damaging your unit.

[@andrewhale4508]

Good video, short and to the point.....but would have been interesting to see how the voltage into the inverter changed as different loads were plug in.

[@jeromewhelan6723]

Good point! I was hoping he would use his voltmeter to observe the loaded voltage out of the solar panel.

[@allstarpawn396]

You need a buffer of some sort. most inverters have capacitors inside and on a 12v inverter they are likely only rated to 16volts. Open load your solar panels is likely 18-21 volts. It wont take but several minutes to let out the magic smoke. The only time the inverter will see safe voltage is under enough load. as soon as you unplug your light, it becomes unsafe again. I know from experience after destroying a 300w automotive inverter.

[@jcr65566]

Thank for posting I agree Solar panels are for to powerful to go directly in to any small 12 v inverter there rated 12 v 1 amp but As soon as the current hits 21 volts it blow the fuse in side the inverter. put it though two deep cycle battery's rated at 250AH 12V should do the job.

[@FrostyBud777]

John Steel IV 1 second ago they say you can disconnect the battery backup. connect wire from solar output of charge controller directly to inverter, and power things. I have seen it done. it's awesome, they said it was by mistake as the wire from the charge controller (C.C.) and inverter where conect to same terminal and when terminal was removed for working on system , it still stayed on.

[@electronicsNmore]

Just as long as you turn on the inverter with the load connected, the 20V output from the solar panel will not be an issue. That 20V will immediately drop lower due to the load.

[@TheAnantaSesa]

Depends on the load vs the panel wattage. Imagine a huge array at 20 v. A dinky CFL isn't going to drop the voltage much.

[@Critical-Thinker895]

Great now I can have a light at night ... oh wait ...

[@franklynvilla2614]

My man u just gave me the best idea

[@olenamcquagge7777]

You can always wire something 12 VDC directly to the panel, it will work as long as the load is not greater than the panel.

[@pauls0416]

I posted a message nearly a year ago about using a buck converter to step down the voltage going to an inverter. I have an update. For many months, I've been doing just that. I have 500 watts from two panels in my backyard and the voltage under load is just over 30V. I have a 24V inverter whose upper limit is 30V. Since it's JUST on the borderline, I use a high current buck converter to regulate to 29.5V. I found that the 24V pure sine wave inverter I have will actually draw LESS amps for a given load if I give it more volts. This has been working flawlessly for me. I don't mind that the inverter shuts off if a cloud shades it too much. It's rare enough during my experiments that I don't have to reset it very often. I play around with electronics during the day and will not use a battery unless I absolutely have to. My house is separately powered by more solar panels on the roof with net metering.

[@pauls0416]

Oh, since the buck converter is barely stepping down the voltage (and sometimes not at all), it doesn't get the slightest bit warm and the efficiency is about 100% for all practical purposes. It's really only there as a failsafe so the inverter doesn't whine and shut down.

[@freetrailer4poor]

Is it possible to have the inverter auto-restart. Thus, if a cloud goes overhead or it gets dark, the inverter just restarts when sun shines again.

[@gravityisweak]

I was thinking of doing a sort of passive skylight for my dark house. I'd like to connect it to 12v led fixtures that dim and brighten along with the sun. Do you think I would be able to use only solar panels and a charge controller at 12v to make that happen? No need for an inverter.

[@Mat-dz7hh]

regardless of it being okay to connect an inverter directly to solar cells, the question has been answered; for, inevitably some rookie will ask, and, moreover, there exists a thing that is "A Priory knowledge" Liked the video

[@parameswaranharisan489]

real nice friend thankyou for video keep upload new videos

[@jonathant.6562]

While browsing through Ace Hardware, i came across a powerbank that can be charged either through socket or solar, since the pack itself has solar panels. I think that would be video since solar powerbanks are not yet known in the country. 😊

[@kieferonline]

Cool idea! Seems like a good setup to have in an emergency.

[@thra5herxb12s]

This can only be done with certain inverters as most will detect overvoltage and cut out but I have tried it with a few different inverters and it does work but most people that use solar panels have batteries and charge controllers so they can carry on using the system after dark. Good video though.

[@Restore2761]

You should add voltage regulator between panel and inverter to give constant 12v

[@jaysonwallker1648]

Agreed, but the current would be too high. Maybe an SCR?

[@Restore2761]

@@jaysonwallker1648 there are adjustable voltage and ampere module available in market

[@jaysonwallker1648]

@@Restore2761 I've seen some on AliExpress, wondered if they were any good.

[@st8kout961]

I wanted to add that inverters have a max input voltage and will shut down when it's reached. For a 12v system, the max can be as low as 15v on cheaper inverters, but some batteries like trojan batteries require 14.8v from the charge controller to fully charge. So even though the inverter specs may say 15v, in real life it could be lower and your inverter will keep shutting down during the day. If you lower the charge controller voltage then your batteries might not get fully charged, which will shorten their life. Quality inverters will have a higher maximum input of around 17v. So for an RV, go with name brands like Magnum and Outback.

[@Zanderman2000]

You can use step down voltage regulator to give exactly 12v to inverter. Those regulators can transform 8-40v to 12v for example.

[@samslamkalota659]

Can it work better if you connect MPPT charge controller in between the panel inverter?

[@Nachtmusiks]

you saved my arse. Thanks mate !!

[@GadgetAddict]

I did? How? lol

[@ASkyeMall]

Thanks for sharing. Best wishes

[@baliuag28]

thanks alot phil😊

[@pvchandran9007]

I LIKE TOO MUCH VEDIOS ABOUT SOLOAR SYSTEMS ❤

[@eminsecundo2634]

subscribed, interesting channel, i think i will learn a thing here cause im not good at electronic i can only assemble an extension cord and you can do the asian squat quite comfortably (the way i see it).

[@richardgray115]

I have a camping solar panel which is foldup rated at 100w. I have tried to connect dc small motors to the output before & nothing works. Then i read in the instructions that it will only ever work to charge a battery, not to run anything directly. So i was pleasantly surprised by your findings here!

[@GadgetAddict]

That's very strange. Do you remember the brand and model? It's possible that they've built some kind of controller into the panel and that's why you're not getting any output unless you attach a battery. In fact many charge controllers won't output any power unless a battery is connected because one of the output terminals is usually direct from the battery and then the other is switched by the controller.

[@richardgray115]

Cannot remember the make, but yes it does have an integrated mppt charge controller mounted on the back. As we have super duper sun here in Australia, it can at times generate more than 100 w. I have a rated 2250w solar 12 panel array on my house roof, & one sunny day it was producing 2650w, way above rated capacity.

[@Cdoory]

Richard Gray , work for a motor, you must connect a big capacity of inverter that enough for water pump

[@Anhidema]

If I connect buck boost converter in between will it operate steady ? Or it's based on how much amps we get input? I think solar amp would not be enough for inverter to run if we connect more than 200 watt load . So for this needs at least 20 amps 12 v battery through the charge controller to have steady and powerful output . But again it's a game of electronic so you have to build all cleverly with correct schematics and measurements .

[@gravityisweak]

Great video! I was thinking of doing a sort of passive skylight for my dark house. I'd like to connect it to 12v led fixtures that dim and brighten along with the sun. Do you think I would be able to use only solar panels and a charge controller at 12v to make that happen? No need for an inverter.

[@FloryJohann]

Drop the charge controller and use a dc to dc converter. You can find 12 volt screw in LED bulbs for 12 volts with an E27 or E26 socket/ regular american or european sized socket. You hook it up like this. solar panel to dc to dc converter and then to your bulbs. Notice you have to adjust the out put voltage befoe you you hook your bulbs up.

[@nizamersoftware]

I connect 380 volts PV string to my 6.2kw solar hybrid inverter , and run the whole house without even connecting the batteries and even without connecting the grid. single source solar, and running the whole house. Of course, you can enjoy heavy surge loads. mine gives me 1600w surge load from the solar only in sunny day and peak hours.

[@ahoyskid]

Handy idea if you already have a maxed out hybird inverter with battery. Can use this method to decrease self usage during high sun. Reduce the load or alow the hybrid charger to kick in when it detects excess from this simple setup then will return to grid or better case, the hybrid inverter will divert to an Eddie if for example the battery is already full? Am I right??

[@mikeallen8724]

great information. would using a charge controller be a better idea. I want to charge a battery on an ebike/etrike. I could charge the battery from the controller or wire an inverter into the load and then plug the battery charger into that.

[@GetCTOwned]

I am about to do exactly this with a folding Dokio 300w panel into a small Bestek Pure Sine inverter in order to power a 160w DeWalt fast charger. I am however going to put a 12v DC-DC converter in between the panel and the inverter to give me a steady 12v supply rather than the 18 coming off the panel.

[@lastonrichman3033]

very impressive

[@gelinadesilah112]

Can solar panel 10w and the battery is 12v is compatible?plaining to charge my phone .thank u for answering .

[@gbengaoyede2877]

Pls is a charge controller designed to work with solar panels only or anu form of power supply like d one from step down transformer and rectifier

[@alinjinu9090]

Great job

[@firashejazi2869]

good work

[@turbodan78]

The volts you measured of the dollar panel are open volts, you get most of that but not all

[@endwalkvideos8562]

without battery but witrh salivating : v

[@bestelectricsaving]

cool stuff... gonna purchase one of this this week... hmm.. what brand of solar panel are you using?

[@GadgetAddict]

Sebastian Sandiego The panel used in this video is from CDRKING. I have panels from a few different sources. Don't forge that this is purely a test scenario. In a real life long term setup you'd need a charge controller and battery :)

[@david2000]

Do you know if in the market there is an equipment that can do it?, because the energy pass directly from panel to 220v. Normally: Panel -------------> Solar Charger Controller ----------> Inverter ---------------> 220v

[@TheAnantaSesa]

I have an mppt with one set of outputs to battery another output to a load. Common ground just positive is isolated to keep from draining the battery while it's being charged. It failed over time though due to some kind of abuse I put it through leaving it outside and ripping the wires out of the flimsy connectors. Why are so many charge controllers made so flimsy?!

[@FloryJohann]

So corporations can make more profits

[@rahabruth]

hi. thanks for sharing this video, really gave me idea. but quick question, how many solar watts should I buy to run an electric fan & a light? any chance to store the save solar energy - coz not all the time there is sun since rainy season is coming

[@GadgetAddict]

Typically you'd have one or more solar panels, a solar charge controller and one or more batteries to store the power. The size and number of the panels and the battery will dictate how much power can be generated and how much can be stored. Typically, LED lighting will not consume much power. As for the fan, it depends if you use an inverter + AC fan or just buy a 12V DC fan which will be more power efficient. Ultimately a 50-100W setup would probably serve you well for that :)

[@rahabruth]

+Gadget Addict thank you. . already started checking solar panels at cdrking. btw, they should give you credit on that 😊😊

[@tunahankaratay1523]

83 dislike deep cycle battery producers

[@anthonypapa8676]

I watch a lot of your videos. I have a general Solar question for you. I have a gable fan in the attic that pulls out the hot air. Can I put a micro inverter and wire it right to that fan? I wouldnt need a backup battery system because it only runs in the daytime. Please if you can help me with any thoughts on this?

[@GadgetAddict]

Anthony Papa Yup I don't see why not. You should check the fan, it might be a DC fan and only require some voltage regulation instead of an inverter.

[@danahorton1202]

a golf cart 24/36 v to 12 v adapter will do the trick for a bit but they tend to heat up if left unattended . i suggest only using this will keeping under watch and only using for small things in a quick use... like a quick charge on a laptop or something like that... keep monitoring it and when the quick charge is done disconnect and dont burn your fingers on the converter. do not use this as a long time system. this is not for running your drill, plasma tv fridge or pc all day heed the warning

[@MrMoises27]

You need a charge controller conected to the solar panel and the other end the inverter in order to protect the load from high voltage.

[@FrostyBud777]

they say you can disconnect the battery backup. connect wire from solar output of charge controller directly to inverter, and power things. I have seen it done. it's awesome, they said it was by mistake as the wire from the charge controller (C.C.) and inverter where conect to same terminal and when terminal was removed for working on system , it still stayed on.

[@eddiedrummer7484]

Connect a solar panel......direct to a dcmotor , with a pulley, and a belt , connected to a car alternator. Provides strong 12v power with amps behind it. Make sure motor goes more than 1800 rpm and can move to the alternator.

[@samiryadav9775]

Very nice videos sir

[@arunsbamboo6319]

Hi bro I want information about how much watts panels required for dc motor with 300 watts 24v directly to run the motor

[@ramzeneger]

Thank you for sharing this. I am based in San Francisco but I have a house in Dipolog City. I am setting up a 210 kw a month month solar system. I need some guidance and maybe you can help me. I know that solar panels with cdr-king is good that changed my mind about buying it here in the US and shipping to the Philippines because that is just throwing away money. Is there a way you can sent me like an schematic about setting up the system and which appliance or gadgets to buy here in the US rather than in P.I.? Thank you very much.

[@Cat87Q8]

Please i have a question so if my inverter is handling input viltage up to 22v-25v so the solar size can be 20 or less if more it will shutt ?????

[@SamioTounsi]

Pls make tutorial on electricity lifehack that will make "tipid" on the electricity . Advices and things or gadgets that will make save electricity aside the solar. specially to a person like me who loves aircon hehe. Hope you get me

[@SamioTounsi]

Full episodes on electricity life hack in Philippines

[@preontamitra762]

Hi bro I'm from Bangladesh . tell me such types of process is safe for long time back up at day

[@atlasvibes969]

what happens if you connect a non grid tie inverter aka normal direct inverter to the power outlet?

[@donaldbadeaux5455]

depends on watage of pannel, and size of inverter...

[@GadgetAddict]

+Donald Badeaux Yup. Not a recommended practice, just a test :)

[@qcdavis2388]

Great presentation ! maybe you can answer the following:I have (x3) 305 watt 24V solar panels option (1) run in parallel or (2) Series? 36.9 volts each @ 8.94 amps each from solar array, Wired to a MPPT 80A C. Controller using (x4) Trojan RE T105 6 Volt DC Golf Cart Batteries. Ran in either Parallel or in Series? into power inverter. Option (A) Cobra 12v 2500 watt inverter Modified Sine WaveOption (B) Aims 24v 1500w Pure Sine WaveCan I use Option A being the panels are 24v but the inverter is 12v (Mppt 80A ) Or will it only work with Option (B) with a 24 volt. Would there be a safe way as to not burn up the 12v inverter inline with the without frying the 12v inverter ?.Any advise is much appreciated !

[@dublinvids5146]

Is there no way to have a rechargeable battery between the panel and the inverter? I use in an 12v to 240v inverter in my Prius but the petrol will charge the rechargeable battery and store it until plug something into the inverter and draw power from the 12v battery. Can this not be done with solar?

[@randysandyten4620]

wow that was good

[@asmrtalkinganimalshypnotiz3239]

How do you connect if you have M4 connectors? Strip the wires?

[@xguyzerx]

very helpful! :)

[@nomokvil2044]

Nice tip! :)

[@Lxgiwyl23]

Hi Gadget Addict can I ask for the title of your background music? my sister loves to hear that when I played your video. :D Thanks! :)

[@jackmachaiek2586]

what if your inverter took 20 -30 volts would it be safe

[@Me-zw5pw]

Missouri Solar makes an inverter that is meant to attach directly to a solar panel :)

[@conceptofeverything8793]

What if I were to use a discharged 24V battery in between as a shock absorber?

[@antoniourata7195]

Did you but that from cdr-king?

[@kilabot69ers]

thats nice boss.

[@arman8729]

Thanks mate

[@butchgsimolde]

i like the idea of mr. hough. but since the the battery is connected to the solar panel , is it posible to add a switch that will trip off incase the battery s full charge & vice versa

[@GadgetAddict]

It would really be better to just use a solar charge controller which will properly regulate the charging voltage and protect against overcharging.

[@butchgsimolde]

your idea is much better

[@endwalkvideos8562]

how many panels do we need to got wortking any basic frigde? and its secure for the fridge ?

[@david020218]

What you going to do when the sun goes down

[@baliuag28]

phil how to compute battery hour for how long it charge at solar??? and how to compute the usage time of the battery depend on watts i consume?

[@GadgetAddict]

I won't go into the exact science about it because it's a huge topic that's better covered elsewhere online. But I'll give you some real basic 'scrap of paper' calculations you can do. You want to work out how many watt-hours your battery is. Multiply the voltage by amp-hours. So for my motolite 100 ah battery, its 12x100 = 1200 watt hours. That means I could run a 20 watt load (small dc fan) for 60 hours. Or I could run a 100 watt load (desktop computer with lcd) for 12 hours. But then you don't ever want to run your battery down past 50%, so actually half those numbers (fan for 30 hours, desktop computer for 6 hours). If you have a 100 watt solar panel and it pushes out 100 watts for 5 hours, you're storing 500 watt hours into your battery over that 5 hour period. But of course with varying sun conditions, losses in your charge controller etc, you might only be pushing in 80 watts at a time. If we looked specifically at your 10 watt panel and imagined you had a 7ah 12v battery, that battery would be 84 watt hours. So your solar panel would need around 8 hours of perfect conditions to fully charge the battery from flat (although it should never be flat since you don't want to let it run down below 50%, so it should be around 4 hours!)

[@bufftammy735]

Could put a resister to drop it to 12v

[@tomrock1881]

Thanks alot

[@cheikhtidianeniang6755]

very interesting; can you run a fan with this system

[@GadgetAddict]

You can, but you would want to use a pure sine wave inverter to maintain the life of your fan, instead of a modified sine wave inverter. This is only a proof of concept. You should add a charge controller and battery.

[@JoshuaG]

Can i use voltage regulator to get the voltage going into the inverter stable ?

[@richardanderson5424]

I think you could use a 7812 regulator with a 10microFarad cap between input and earth (0v or Ground) and the same between output and earth (0V or Ground). You will also need to make sure that the inverter doesn’t draw too much current to lower the solar panel voltage to less than 14Volts. These regulators can run hot so you should use a heat sink when u you use them. That’s what I would do anyway.

[@dvideos1849]

Why don't you just use step down converter to lower the voltage to 12 and you're good to go!

[@_klent]

Add a buck converter and low voltage disconnect device. Solar Panel -> Buck Converter (14V DC) -> Low Voltage Disconnect -> Inverter.

[@JohnSmith-td6dn]

Can you run through a crappy battery just to absorb the excess without caring if the battery actually charges properly. I want to run the equipment for a little Hydroponic garden only during daylight hours. Paying for expensive batteries seems excessive.

[@GadgetAddict]

+John Smith yes that's basically how I would do it. But add a cheapo charge controller too.

[@FloryJohann]

A solar panel or solar panels and a '' crappy '' battery can lead to a fire and or a explosion and may create toxic fumes from that '' crappy " or damaged battery. Don't do it, bad advice .... without fusing the system properly and without a charge controller, which without it can overheat batteries. Did you ever had a overheated runaway battery that made you to evacuate your whole family from your house even though the battery was outside the house? It is no fun, I seen many fires, explosion and chemical smoke from '' crappy '' batteries at work. Why take a chance with your family or property to get damaged or hurt or even killed. All a crappy battery would do is overheating and boiling the acid when power is applied.

[@Gram-Banglar83]

How to set brother Solar on charger bike? Make a video

[@UmerAli-yk5nu]

hello can 110 volts 750 watts ship ac run on solar panel and 2000 watts inverter?

[@joggautube123]

to get over the voltage issue, could the solar panel use a charge regulator? then output form the charge regulator power the bulb?

[@teknowlogychannel370]

use voltage stabilizer

[@iloveataturk6444]

People can make own inverter or stepUp converter for solar panel and then specificallly charge electiric car while parking or camping, evry old upsCharger have inverter this is useFull💡🤓

[@number030khan]

Nice

[@binaryglitch64]

I'd still use a buck converter to limit the volts and amps to protect your inverter.

[@Angelica.Altman08]

id like to watch your video clip, because my dad was planning to buy solar panel in cdr king. i want to catch up more videos how does it really works the product of cdr king solar panels... thanks..

[@GadgetAddict]

If you subscribe to my channel and check out my other videos, you'll see I have a few that show cdrking solar panels :) My experience with them is actually very good. The aluminium frame isn't as good as more expensive panels but the power generated is as good or better.

[@yandiagussupriadi9062]

Is that save?

[@Dc_tech386]

The inverter won’t do any harm to the panel the penal will more likely to burn the inverter up mppt or one stage of inverter just that it can handle high voltage

[@kamrulporos9300]

Is this solar panel output 12volt dc? Because inverter wired connected 12 volt DC line

[@faithsanchez4956]

How about connecting the Inverter to a solar charger/controller that connects to a solar panel.. I think it will work much well than a direct inverter - panel alone..

[@GadgetAddict]

+Faith Sanchez many charge controllers won't do anything without s battery connected. I guess you could connect the inverter where the battery is meant to go but I imagine it would turn off due to irregular feedback.

[@stephenannan9345]

Can you use solar panel to charge a Car battery?

[@weswes8185]

Would a 24 volt inverter be better

[@ghulamsabar2630]

please tell about solar panel what`s watt of panel

[@SquallDNA]

nice "dabbing"

[@pauls0416]

You can use a buck converter to safely run a 12v inverter from a solar panel. Some of them can be VERY high efficiency. The problem is the other thing this guy said: the reliability of the voltage, Undervoltage can also be a problem. When the panel is shaded, damage to the inverter (or any sensitive electronics you're powering) can result. The only truly safe way to do it is, like he said, to use a battery.

[@GadgetAddict]

Christmas Eve For sure you'd want to use a battery. But in a worse case emergency scenario, you could get by without one. Even if you regulate the power down to ~12V, if the voltage drops, many inverters will turn off and lock up until manually having their power cycle. I've seen people work around this with a few electronic components (relay based) to automatically reset the inverter after a low voltage drop.