Offgrid Solar Inverter Buyer's Guide for Beginners

[@WillProwse]

0:27 Working Voltage Range 0:50 Wattage Rating 1:36 AC Output Connection 2:26 Modified Sine Wave Versus Pure Sine Wave 4:02 Measuring the Waveform 5:38 Common Sizing Considerations 6:52 Inverter Grounding Discussion 8:28 Remote Switch Discussion 9:02 Idle Consumption Comparison and Terminology 11:02 DIY Idle Consumption Measuring Procedure 11:42 Inverter Overall Conversion Efficiency 12:45 Inverter Battery Input Comparison 13:16 Inverter Conductor Sizing and Safety Considerations 13:57 Common Inverter Safety Features Including OCPD, LVD and HVD 15:39 Inverter Cooling System and Mounting Considerations 18:05 Battery Input Capacitor Charging I removed a section about low and high frequency inverter discussion because it was too rushed to summarize the difference. So I'll make another video discussing the differences. *Does off-grid solar confuse you?* Check out my DIY friendly website for solar system packages and product recommendations, and so much more! www.mobile-solarpower.com *Join our DIY solar community* #1 largest solar forum on the internet for beginners and professionals alike: www.diysolarforum.com *Check out my Book* Best-selling and beginner-friendly guide to 12V off-grid solar! amzn.to/2Aj4dX4 If DIY is not for you, but you love solar and need an offgrid system, check out Tesla Energy! They will price out a system and get your house offgrid: ts.la/william57509 *My DIY Solar Equipment Recommendations (Constantly updated! Check here first):* 12V/48V Lithium Solar Batteries: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solar-batteries.html Complete Solar System Component Directory: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solarcomponents.html Complete 48V System Blueprint: www.mobile-solarpower.com/48v-complete-system-blueprint.html Plug-N-Play System Recommendations: www.mobile-solarpower.com/full-size-systems.html Complete "Add to Cart" 48V System Kits: www.mobile-solarpower.com/complete-48v-solar-kits.html DIY Friendly Air Conditioner/ Heat Pumps: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solar-friendly-air-conditioners.html *My Favorite Online Stores for DIY Solar Products:* *Signature Solar* Offgrid One-Stop-Shop. Best Value 48V LiFePO4, Victron and Offgrid Specific Heat Pumps: www.signaturesolar.com/?ref=h-cvbzfahsek *Current Connected* SOK, Victron, Mr.Cool Heatpumps and High Quality Components. Fantastic customer support: currentconnected.com/?ref=wp *Litime* My favorite 12V budget battery!: www.litime.com/?ref=XBIA62RFcalHns *Epoch Batteries* My favorite high-quality 12V battery: www.epochbatteries.com/products/12v-460ah-lifepo4-battery-ip67-heated-bluetooth-victron-comms?rfsn=7352625.50494d *Renogy* A classic 12V solar store that has been around for ages! DC to DC Chargers and more! renogy.sjv.io/n1VjXx *Rich Solar* Renogy's biggest competitor! Similar products, but at a better price: richsolar.com/?ref=h-cvbzfahsek *Battery Hookup* Cheap cell deals bit.ly/2mIxSqt 5% off code: diysolar *Contact Information:* I am NOT available for personal solar system consult! If you wish to contact me, this is my direct email: [e-mail] Join the forum at diysolarforum.com/ if you wish to hang out with myself and others and talk about solar *FTC Disclosure Statement and Disclaimers:* Every video includes some form of paid promotion or sponsorship. Some links on this youtube channel may be affiliate links. We may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these. My videos are for educational purposes only. Information is subject to change/update at any time. Electricity is DANGEROUS and can kill. Be smart and use common sense :) DIY Solar Power with Will Prowse is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, An affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com

[@ShaneFromSA]

Any chance you can do a build with a really nice Victron inverter, MPPT and GX device just to give us your thoughts on a fully integrated system like that? Pros, Cons and benefits.

[@gi7892]

I realize it is kind of nerding out, but I look forward to the high/low frequency inverter video. I also really appreciate discussion of grounding.

[@tiaan1587]

Can you please do a review of the growatt spf -5000-es?

[@dyslectische]

Bro. Kan je make a way door boat DIY set ? We have one problem what we not can find a good solution That is the alternate problem. A boat have a other low rpm alternate and a lot use a old alternate system from the 80/90. And some one the use the charge alternate from a out bourd engine what use spoelsystem like a motorcycle alternate systeem.. I hope you can vind a solution for that . So I can set you link of KZbin on the zeilforum of ouw Dutch country . Thanks

[@j.goebbels2134]

Hi Will, in your last livestream you were asking what vids to make. You should get a cheap sailboat (you can get a give-away at a marina for

[@George.Andrews.]

Well done . No wazup. No lets get into it. No stupid arm waving . No stupid music or anything annoying. Good information. Thumbs up from George.

[@99lilyana]

How can this young fellow be so darn smart? Very grateful to you Will.

[@vernevens1598]

He hasn't done his research otherwise he would understand that none of them are a good buy because they will need to be replaced at least yearly, saving you zero dollars and costing you to stay off grid. Been there.

[@jjg1501]

@@vernevens1598 we can all see youre bitter and are not providing any useful information. not sure what the point in that is but you do you boo.

[@vernevens1598]

@@jjg1501 And you go ahead and believe every thing that the liars tell you, don't forget to lube up.

[@AstralProbes]

​@@vernevens1598 🤡

[@42StevoStyle]

Im glad you are no longer homeless and are helping people with your knowledge great job buddy keep it up I will be watching your videos in the future

[@philiporourke7896]

He was houseless, never homeless.

[@kkobeissi]

What serves highlighting tough times in a human life? Why someone's feelings is always threatened by someone's success.

[@JaRa911]

So he went from homeless to having an amazing workshop? Hmmmm

[@jerrytalley802]

He just said I WAS HOMELESS, so? Still great channel, love how helpful him and his channel are, thanks Will!

[@waynez1025]

So good to see a smart young guy like him. Very impressive, articulate, intelligent, he has presence, likable and good looks. I can’t imagine what would have happened for him to be homeless. Nice video by the way and thank you.

[@skinwalker_]

I live in London, no chance of going off grid so why do I love watching your videos? You are such an easy going teacher and I love learning about how going off grid with solar works with your style of explaining. I’m sorry you had to experience being homeless it must have been terrifying and I’m glad that you sharing your talents is making a real difference to people and yourself.

[@jar407]

way things are going you might need a battery backup system for rolling blackouts

[@JohnDoe-pv2iu]

I am currently adding Solar panels to a battery/inverter power supply. I have a large diesel generator that I have charged my batteries with but want the Solar now. I have only had one hurricane event but 3 major ice storm outages(I live in Georgia). I used to just run the generator and build a fire in the fireplace. Now I can run the generator to get the refrigerator and freezer cold, charge batteries and run some electric heat. I then shut the generator off at night and have battery power through the night. That was pretty good with the ice storms but the power outage from the hurricane taught me that I want to run some AC too. I want to at least be able to run a window unit all night for some comfortable sleep. Nice video! Ya'll Take Care and be safe, John

[@bullbutter9699]

Y’all were trained to be passive by ruthless sadistic kings - good boy off ya go - no offense lol

[@mechanicalliteracyproject2508]

Do you watch Robert Murray Smith? He's on your side of the pond and does a lot with alternative power generation.

[@setorliguddah]

There's always epping forest to test out your off grid capability and plans😂

[@malenaedwards9886]

I am so impressed by your knowledge and your ability to explain ...... bravo young man ! I’m a woman in my mid sixties and you are my go to instructor for all our solar needs....Thank you ! Keep up the good work !

[@garybonz]

Will, thanks for taking the time to explain this info, not just this video but for all of them. I have lived offgrid for 14 yrs and am a retired Helicopter Tech, and by default the local "solar guy" (victim) people call when they have problems with their systems. I end up teaching most of them about their components too, and want to tell you how good of a teacher you really are. You speak well and aren't affraid to tell us your opinion and why, and in plain english, which is nice because I can let them get it strait from you. THANKS !

[@trevortrevortsr2]

I have seldom seen such a flawless fluid delivery.

[@garfish307]

Would you say it was a “Flawless Victory”?

[@trevortrevortsr2]

@@garfish307I've been viewing Will's channel since he was struggling in an old RV and was first tinkering with solar - it's amazing how he's evolved - I must be one of the thousands he has enlightened along on the journey

[@Liferoad371]

My friend has a Mod. sign wave inverter to run her off gride system and I tried to explain to her why things burned out in her house. You made it so simple to understand.

[@redshedllc9054]

Man a few months ago I didn’t know anything about solar and have learned so much from you ! Thanks will and wait what you were homeless !? Wow ! Your so genuine and nice n polite ! I’ve been homeless myself and have a business now but that is very inspired brother !!! Thanks !

[@bucsboy78]

He lived in a rv for awhile. I was the same Jacob. I learned fast. This man has been a big help for me

[@stevenk-brooks6852]

This guy knows his stuff. Unlike so many "content providers," who have self-serving motivations (to sell you something) it is quite clear that he is focused on providing complete and accurate information so that his viewers can make their own best decisions. I am very grateful.

[@davidadams421]

The best masterclass on DIY-level inverters on the Internet. Outstanding, Will.

[@WillProwse]

Thanks David!!

[@gilmontes8603]

How much buget in total in order to operate a 3,000 watts inverter

[@reynardtuua5638]

The BEST! I spent an entire week from the first video to the latest. Thank you Will!

[@ApakukiNayacakalou]

Couldn't agree more!

[@gssrustenburg]

@DIY Solar Power with Will Prowse Hi I bought a axpert hybrid inverter. My supplier recommends bonding of output neutral to earth. Will that not damage the mosfets on inverter?

[@ranjanty]

this is a ShoutOut to Giandel! I bought the PS-3000AR inverter using Will's link. After using it for over a year on my small 800W system it stopped working. I contacted the company and they sent me a new inverter plus cables. I was so glad they stood behind their product.

[@ericdelevinquiere9902]

To the point, no bs and definitely user friendly! Love how you are electrifying the community.

[@WickedIllusion1]

I see what you did there... lol

[@buffalobill3504]

Just became interested in off grid power sources for our travel trailer. I'm old but relatively smart, but I need this stuff explained clearly and from the basic concept through the application. I've watched a couple of your vlogs so far and you do an extraordinary job. Appreciate what you do and will ultimately watch everything I can.

[@AskIveSolar]

This video is gonna crush just like your micro generators video. Helpful for YEARS to come.

[@douglundy5755]

he has one on micro generators? Thanks I gotta see this.

[@jonathangubler3462]

I sell solar, and anyone who tells me they would rather save money and install it themself i always recommend they watch will videos! He is a SOLAR GENIUS!

[@maxfastest]

Your Ability to convey the Information in simple and plain language is phenomenal ! Every video i watch makes me feel like I'm getting a master Education and I already know a lot about Electricity ! Thank you so much for sharing your time and knowledge !

[@KmanJeeper]

I just ordered a GoWISE 2000W pure sine inverter after watching your video. I also ordered my third copy of your book. I have one copy at camp, I bought one copy for my son and this third for home. The GoWISE will be replacing a Renogy 2000W pure sine that failed. I temporarily installed a 1500W modified sine wave inverter, what a noisy bugger. The GoWISE unit is going on a small Renogy 400W system with a 40 amp MPPT Rover charge controller and two 12V 155AH V Max batteries. Thanks again for your informative videos!!

[@charlesventer]

It's difficult to express how much I appreciate your effort with sharing this information. Your videos are extremely useful. Thank you so so much!

[@gsanning]

Will. I just wanted to take a second to thank you for your willingness to take the time to share the knowledge you have gained through hard work and experience.

[@thomasbarlow4223]

Got super lucky and got my 3kw Comcast work van inverter for pretty much free. Dude who sold me the van thought it was broken. Just had to change a fuse on the PCB!

[@voltworksofficial]

So lucky. In fact, your luck comes from your talent.

[@MrElvisr27]

I love this guy. Parents must be so proud. Keep doing your thing dude.

[@leonhue722]

You just continue to strip the mystery out of solar energy empowering the ignorant to understand fully the science and technology of solar power. Thanks again Will for delivering such informative and entertaining tutorials. From Leon in Capetown South Africa.

[@davidmcknight5850]

Just recently started watching your channel. Sorry to hear you were homeless for awhile. You seems very knowledgeable and I just ordered a component system for a garden shed. Wanted to let you know I am putting trust in you and your knowledge.

[@jrwalker448]

I bought your book and used it to design my solar system for my skoolie. It's filled with everything needed to build an off grid system. Thanks for all your effort in helping with much needed information and making it easy to read.

[@alimajallow]

How much is the book I really need this

[@dennissecor8092]

I'm amazed that you mentioned, you were homeless, I'm into the van life, and live in my 01 express conversion van, that's why I watch your videos, I want to learn how to use solar, to charge my, agm, house battery, I only have one, so far, but plan on having 2

[@tanja8907]

Will I'm so happy for your success, been watching you for a few years now. It's so awesome how far you've come, all to your hard work and eagerness to learn. Thanks fo all you're doing, I'm fairly good at solar now because of you.

[@vincyman80]

I could listen to this guy everyday with his guiding.

[@bobanzikic779]

From complicated to pure simplicity just like magic. Thanks a lot Will. Now I can stop banging my head against the wall , trying to understand it all . Definitely will be looking out for other video's you have and future one's.👍

[@jonclinton484]

Wait, what?!? You spent time being homeless? I must say from what I've seen in the many videos I've watched you have made one helluva turn around. All your success is definitely warranted!

[@prof.crastinator]

I’ve learned to make pure copper “washers” for connecting my inverters- helps when size is a bit off and makes a bigger surface area for contact. I just cut down copper bar stock (1/8”) and drill exact size hole as connection.

[@charlesrichards5389]

They sell copper washers for cheap at Harbor Freight.

[@Happy_Zulu]

Im ready to write an exam about inverters after this video. Geez. Super impressed at the detail and clarity of delivery.

[@grahammutton1964]

The mist has cleared. Thank you Will for a fantastic and well presented information session. 10/10.

[@dwight2812]

so glad I found your channel I only need an inverter for my fridge and coffee pot.... but I had a modified sine wave. I just installed the GoWise 2000 ..... so my full size refrigerator will continue to operate efficiently for many years..... thx again Will for your clarity

[@BenSukys]

Great video, just a note about the GFCI receptacles. You don't need to ground them (they often come with a "no equipment ground" sticker for ungrounded applications). They work by comparing the current in and out, and if there is a mismatch (ie current flowing through someone to ground) then they trip.

[@tonypower5625]

It will be hard to trip the GFCi in an ungrounded setup as for a mobile home. You can have the hot side touching metal...if you touch the metal...it will be very hard for the current going through you to find his path to the source...hence you will not be zapped. In old home with two prone receptacle...the GFCi can indeed protect you.

[@francisstorry6753]

Great! They say if the learner hasn’t learned the teacher hasn’t taught. I’m learning a lot from you! Thnx

[@kswis]

Absolutely great information. I always assumed inverters were more or less amplifiers but I did not realize how truly close they are! I have a 3k watt mono amp that uses dual input 1/0 gauge input. At higher ohm load 4 - 5 ohm it's 91% efficient but I also have a expensive class a/b stereo amplifier that is extremely inefficient however it has an very low distortion output of .001% thd but at best its 55% efficient. The extremely expensive rockford Fosgate mono amp was 94% and was called a class b/d. It has a very regulated power supply though and sounds excellent. And your so right! Use a transistor to charge the caps in any power load! It's far easier on the equipment. Thanks for another great video Mr. Will

[@piercehawke8021]

More pertinent questions answered than I knew existed; I suspected the PSW is better but, didn't know the main reasons, the largest PSW inverter I can afford, again it now makes sense to my 20th Century analog mind, etc

[@marysstilllearning5803]

Will you have helped me so much, I have unofficially adopted you as my oldest grandson, lmao, Thank you so much for everything you do, you do not realize how much your simple step by step instructions have helped me, im a carpenter, electric has never been a friend, you have made it so this old lady can set up her own solar system I have some electricity now thanks to you YOUR AWESOME,

[@GeoFry3]

To help keep you costs under control, go a head and buy you 2000-3000 inverter and break up your loads just like you would in a house. Need more capacity add a second 2-3k inverter on a second circuit. You won't be out as much up front and WHEN it breaks on you only 1 circuit will go down instead of your entire structure/vehicle. Great video as usual.

[@nigelclements8889]

This is, without doubt or fear of contradiction, the finest tutorial, on any topic, I have followed on youtube. It is delivered in an interesting style, clear and lucid. I am new to this subject but I gained confidence that with reference to more of your videos I shall suceed in building a system for my house in the Western Italian Alps once I return there. Grateful thanks!

[@angelw.magenst6554]

OUTSTANDING JOB EXPLAINING COMPLEX STUFF IN SIMPLE, UNDERSTANDABLE WORDS. THANK YOU.

[@martinlittlewood2188]

Many thanks for a very informative video. However I have some differences with some points you make. This is based on my experience of living totally off grid for many years. I would advise to choose the most efficient inverter possible, with the lowest zero load consumption. This will save you the cost of additional panels and batteries. (I saved enough by changing my inverter to run a normal household fridge). However, the larger the inverter, the larger the zero load consumption, so I would advise against buying a significantly oversized inverter. I have been living with a 1500w inverter for many years without any regrets. Of course there are some appliances I can't run, but there is nothing I really miss. Thanks again for your great videos!

[@soniamarshall9293]

I know nothing just interested in getting a simple solar generator and panels. I came across your channel and just can't get away from listening to your knowledge even if not understanding this stuff but you sure have a way of teaching!

[@wiseeegalll]

Yes! My husband and I tuned in to your last live stream and asked for this exact video! Thank you for this! 🙏

[@BrianCarey-sg9rf]

Love your videos I was homeless for 10 years so solar fascinated me and the fact that you brought yourself back up .

[@terajarvie4368]

I just found you and have been binge watching all of your videos! I'm getting ready to take on a project and would love to be as independent as I can as I do it. You are absolutely amazing at explaining and being so honest!!! Thank you so much good to see you still putting out videos!!!! Helps you are smart plus cute! 😁

[@trucknfish9704]

Make sure to get his book an if your like me read it 3 times before starting your solar adventure.. I bought the book after I started my solar power system. A little after thought.

[@terajarvie4368]

@@trucknfish9704 Yes I definitely will be getting his book! I'm excited for the knowledge and to support him making more videos for us! Thank you for the reminder!

[@blessingsjoelssen2499]

Before I say anything, I want to say I'm sorry to hear that you were homeless, no human being deserves to go through that... I wanna thank you for your video, very educational and I live in a country where power isn't stable, I'll now make a good decision, thanks to you Sir...!!

[@alskjflaksjdflakjdf]

Awesome video, I learned a few things I did not know. If you ever re-record this, I was hoping you'd give examples of inductive loads vs non-inductive, like fridges and AC units vs electronics and hot water heaters. The layperson just getting started may not know the difference. Regardless, thank you for putting this together!

[@SeanMcCullen-e1q]

Inductive is like any AC motors that operate off of armatures and windings and motors. 4 types of devices rated from most useful to use Modified Sine Wave inverters with. Types 2-4 are induction as they use derived voltages on coils to move magnets or voltage applied armatures to move voltage applied windings on the exterior (aka alternators). 1. Electronics that take in energy and dissipate through heat, resistors, or charging objects, aka, heater, cooling systems, or batteries. The only stunt to these devices is the rapid voltage drops and spikes of a square or MSW inverter causes excess heat; oversize these chargers for your phones, computers and other small DC heating devices (swapping transformers and higher capacity capacitors will rid any small problems with equipment). 2. DC Motors, excess heat is produced from the MSW inverter forms, however it operates mostly alright just less efficient (slower + more heat). 3. AC Motors with magnets, suffers very similarly to DC Motors. 4. AC Electric full induction only motors (alternators in the case of generator energy but, in the case of applying mechanical forces these are called electric induction motors). Both the armature and the windings suffer the voltage drops caused by MSW and the result is they won't even start most of the time, if they do, they will be damaged or destroyed very quickly. The larger the motor will range in as few hours to a few weeks (not HP magnitude, rather the excess extra wiring on top of specific HP will denote durability, aka 45lbs 1hp will out last 15lbs 1hp motor.

[@Writ3r_Dude]

I had a square wave inverter for a short time back around 1996 or 1997. Back then, modified sine wave was just becoming the new standard for RVers and puresine was the cadillac, nice if you could buy the best of the best along with your imported caviar. My. but how times have changed.

[@McTroyd]

Great video Will! The only suggestion I'd make is to topically address precisely what an "inductive load" is. For that matter, inductive loads & capacitive loads could probably be a video on their own. For those reading this and wondering, an inductive load contains/electrically acts like a coil of wire. (Examples would be electric motors, and electric heaters.) Modified sine wave inverters have high frequency harmonics that are dissipated as heat in an inductive load; that's where the heat Will mentioned comes from. If you've ever heard the term "coil whine," that's also an artifact of square and modified sine waves, and it can be really annoying if you can hear the high frequencies. Since I brought it up, a capacitive load contains/acts like a small high-current power bank. (Examples would be just about any charger you can lay hands on, or LED lighting drivers.) By design, these tend to filter the power as it comes in, and so are less susceptible to those high-frequency harmonics. So, if you're looking at charging a phone or laptop, maybe running LED lights, or a TV, a modified sine wave inverter would be just fine. Pretty much anything else really should be hooked to a pure sine inverter.

[@aicram62]

You can check out Jeremy Fielding videos if you need to know what an inductive load is I'm a beginner and I wouldn't come to too much of will prowse until after I finished Jeremy Fielding

[@josepeixoto3384]

now the doubt: you say ---electric heaters.) Modified sine wave inverters have high frequency harmonics that are dissipated as heat in an inductive load;--- question: does it matter? we want heat anuway,it's a heater; thanks (i wanna buy the cheapest inverter that does the job--don't care about coil wine,if it does not back-damage the inverter)

[@heroesandzeros7802]

An inductive load is a motor, a transformer, a choke, anything that uses a coil of wire. A capacitive load uses capacitors. A resistive load is an electric heater element, furnace, clothes dryer. Appliances are usually a combination of all these things. Newer TVs are mostly resistive and some capacitance, very little inductive. Electric space heaters are mostly resistive with some inductive for the fan motor. A blender is mostly inductive. Not sure of anything that is totally capacitive. Inductive and capacitance have what is called reactance, look it up. There is no such thing as resistive reactance.

[@heroesandzeros7802]

@@josepeixoto3384 You do not want anything electronic to be a heater, electronic components do not like heat and will change values and burn up.

[@orawancarlile6192]

Thanks so much, for making this video. I am an old retired woman but still wanting to learn and have been following you and learning more from you than in a classroom. LOL

[@HyperJoe]

I was glad to see You referenced a Mike Holt Video as a go to guide, I've been in the Commercial Electrical Trade 35+ years and Mike has always been my place to go to for knowledge and for any questions concerning NEC and particularly Grounding, the best resource I've ever found, good job, great Video Will.. 👍🤠

[@VdubSPAZ]

I don't know if anybody else covered it before but if you've ever wondered why the chains are on the bottom of an ambulance dragging the ground non-stop that is because that is a ground reference that is to ensure that they have the ability to discharge to the ground via the chains to the concrete or whatever surface they're on.... Things you never knew and now you do

[@MrYayoperez]

Thanks a lot Wil!!!!! I can't wait til I start building my house. I want to go totally OFF GRID! The electricity is very expensive where I will build the house (plus, there are frequent blackouts). I have been following your instructional videos for a long time and greatly appreciate your continued desire to share. God bless you Will!!!!!

[@a.h.h9647]

one of the best videos I have seen on youtube explaining critical off-grid points that we need to educate ourself before buying, thanks lot man you helped me to be on the right track

[@Steveuploads]

For those with no inverter remote switch panel included in the unit make your own by pulling the rectangular switch out of the inverter, i can pull mine with my finger nails nearly. Extend the two wire to your desired location and fit another switch in series with the one you just pulled out. I will be putting those two wires into the auxiliary signal switches of my ATS Auto transfer switch that swaps to back up power( inverter power) in a power loss situation and then swaps back when city power returns. If i didn’t remote the inverter power on switch and just left it on waiting for a power fail then the battery would be feeding it standing by but also my SOUER FPC-500BL 24v-220v PSW inverter has a system of slow cooling fan or high cooling fan , if switched on the fan is running 24/7 either fast or slow even if nothing is plugged in so draining your battery !! My remote switch connection at the ATS will prevent the inverter running while city power is present. ** Edit ** Don't do this !! It is dangerous for the inverter !! I did this and lengthened the 2 wire with a cable. I connected the wires into my ATS supply change over devices no volts contacts. As so as I did this and operated the ATS device my inverter failed. I mentioned this story on a Solar Forum and a guy came back saying he had had the same issue where a solar company did the same thing to larger inverter and that inverter blew and the same thing happened to him when a small relay was placed in the inverter to stop the internal inverter volts leaving the inverter. I replaced my blown inverter for a Souer FPC-1000B which has temp controlled fans but still is warm if on but fans don't run. Maybe a high amount DC rated triac switch is the answer that holds off the DC to the inveeter.

[@robertwinton2649]

I thank you deeply for the information you are sharing with me the modified sign inverters that I have been using have lasted me 15 years and are still functioning simply because I never got beyond LED lighting I have never ran electronics on modified sign and I have never exceeded one third of the continuous rating of the modified sign inverters and now what you have explained to me definitely confirms why the modified sign has lasted me so long with no trouble keeping the load to a bare minimum and running for hours the modified signs don't even get warm simply because the energy I'm pulling is so minute I have yet to purchase a true sign when I do it will definitely go 6,000 or better on continuous rating only simply because I will not exceed 1/3 of the continuous rating just to help keep the inverter cool you have been very educational to me and I thank you keep up the good work I'm very proud of you sincerely off grid only

[@zodszoo]

Thanks Will, I didn't realize the cable that came with my inverter might not be pure copper wires. I'll correct that.

[@jacodippenaar1523]

I have actually stoped and watched the ground link video. That's super interesting 👍🏻

[@mauricetbm]

Your videos are so easy to understand 🙌🏼 Thank you! A true master makes complicated things sound simple.

[@Diwan-ji-BajanaKalan]

I'm so amazed the way you explain each and every details for all the products without being bias. and KUDOS to you hard work. You deserve this success.

[@thom1218]

High frequence vs. low frequency design should be included in this video - your 6kW unit on the end is a low-frequency design sungold (Aims brand clone) inverter. Low frequency inverters have a massive/heavy transformer in them that allow them to surge much much higher and longer than the more cheaply built high frequency inverters. However LF designs tend to be less efficient and idle at a higher power draw. High price != low idle power draw.

[@mattdehope7517]

Just in case anyone hasn't commented yet, you can make any inverter have a remote turn on. You just need to open up the inverter and extend the wires for the built-in turn on switch. Then use whatever switch you please to activate your inverter

[@techhead10000]

The more I watch your videos the more I realize this is borderline diy. I have a low voltage background and I have trouble keeping up with you sometimes. Thank you for your insight and ability to explain. The spark thing at the end was funny. I wonder how many people have messed their pants with the spark.

[@thastinger345]

Cotek makes nice stuff, I've had a 3000W 48V PSW inverter of theirs in use on my off-grid system for a little more than 10 years now, same inverter the whole time, never a single issue with it.

[@arkansasoutpost]

They look expensive, but a 10-year lifespan is nothing to sneeze at.

[@radiok2ua]

Lots of good tips here, Will, including safety. Nice job.

[@zed9zed]

I wish all instructional videos were as concise and well delivered as this one!

[@well_letters]

Will, excellent video as always; however, I wish you would have mentioned neutral-ground bonding more and how some brands, like Giandel, don't support it. This is a big problem if you're using a transfer switch and trying to be neutral-ground bound when off-grid and not neutral-ground bound in the trailer when you are on shore

[@stephenmason5682]

Wow! The first and only time I've understood this technology! Great video! From the UK!!

[@blindvegan]

As usual amazing information putting other so-called experts to shame and good call on proper grounding and specially for van life I lived in a van for quite a few years and a trick I learned being an electrical engineer in the steel industry is a very inexpensive grounding strap, I first tried it because some of our more high powered Fork trucks had to be grounded because of the rubber tires and it was nothing more than a simple strap right in the center underneath the vehicle dragging on the ground

[@dannycoffman9325]

What kind of inverter are you using young man

[@icaninmyvan8812]

I've watched other videos to try to understand how inverters work so I can possibly set up a system in the future. I currently use a Jackery, it was easy. You explained it so well, I truly have a better understanding. Thank you for 1) explaining in an easy to understand manner and 2) not talking down to your audience. This really helped me and I didn't know anything about anything until now. Thank you!

[@nancychace8619]

Epic! Excellent explanation. Has a few gaps for the total beginner but I was able to follow along. I'm not sure how my situation would fit in as I am only looking for a basic power station. This must be for larger systems, but very good to learn about. Years ago, there was a guy who wrote auto repair manuals for "the complete idiot". He started out with VWs. Any total beginner who knew nothing could do a complete engine breakdown with this book. Lol - I traveled across the country with the darned thing - it saved my backside! You could do something like this for solar systems. Much needed! Good luck to you 🙂

[@mehrankhoshnevisan]

I love the way you organized the topic. The way you talk even is the best comprehencible for guys like me. Thanks

[@yitowee]

Awesome video, I struggled for many years with this topic and I'm happy to see you've covered almost everything about inverters. I'd love to learn more about those grid tie inverters as well, please make a video about that! Many thanks!

[@ceeweedsl]

About the advice to just get the largest inverter possible to future-proof: It does depend on your other limitations, especially in a van, for instance. Beyond cost, which is a huge factor, there is the idle consumption. I think that, with high dollar exceptions noted by Will, larger inverters will naturally have more idle current overhead so they deplete your battery more even if capacity is not needed. Also larger means thicker cables that are harder to wire in sometimes. In my case I have limited battery and limited space in my little van so I hardwired a smaller 500VA Victron I could get into the space and has very little overhead. This powers the daily stuff, but I'm not a big energy user. When I need to run a power tool, I pull out the 2000 watt inverter and plug it into an Anderson I have coming out right next to the battery for temporary use. This works best in my case.

[@funsizedi88]

As an electrical apprentice wanting to build my own system, you have saved me research time and bugging my teachers to death. Lol. Thanks!

[@Icehso140]

48 volt battery or four 12 volt batteries in series. Telephone backup systems are wired 48 volts DC with as small as 2 volt batts in series. Cheaper to buy and if one batt goes bad, cheaper to replace. Good video and explanation.

[@XoomLenz]

Hi Will. I've been watching for quite a while and actually built my own little 280AH battery and solar system for our camper with your videos. Much thanks! However, I wanted you to know about the Krieger 1100 Watt 12V Power Inverter. After a bone-head move on my part, I blew the internal fuses. Realizing what I had done, I opened it up and discovered the fuses were permanently soldered to the board! After some re-soldering, I was able to put some aftermarket inline fuses in the system and it works great. Just wanted you and your customers to know about this weakness in the Krieger 1100 Watt 12V Power Inverter. Again, thanks for your hard work and great videos.

[@voltworksofficial]

The Krieger fuse is welded on the circuit board, and the contact is relatively firm, but it is not convenient to replace. Now most inverters are installed on the fuse holder, which is convenient to replace.

[@BradGryphonn]

16:25 I have designed (in my head, not yet built) an enclosure for my ute to house the inverter, DC/DC charger, and regulator etc. I'll have an air intake at the base of th enclosure and an exhaust vent at the top. When driving, air will flow through the intake and provide 'forced-air' type cooling. When stationary I'll be using a couple of computer fans to ensure air-flow. I'm hoping that'll work. I've had an interest in solar power since the early 80s but have never built my own system. I'm finally pulling together everything I've learned, and am learning even more through channels like yours. My first experience with solar power was a 'commune' of sorts up in the rainforests of Far North Queensland. They had a few solar panels connected to four car batteries. The power generated was enough to run some lights at night and the radio so we could listen to The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy on a Friday night. The back up power was provided by a vintage, single cylinder long stroke diesel engine connected to a car generator via one of those old belts. The engine stood about seven-feet tall

[@devmich99]

Efficiency also highly depends on load. Most inverters do have a sweet spot (highest efficiency), which is typically not at the highest output but somewhere at around 30% of the rated output power. It also depends toroidal transformers vs. e-core transformers. The latter has a much lower efficiency. Another thing to notice is that the inverter and battery needs to be matched. You can't run a 6kW inverter from a single 100Ah battery even if that's a lithium.

[@a64738]

You can run a 6kw inverter perfectly fine from a 100Ah battery as long as you are not using more power on the inverter then the battery can deliver... A 6kw inverter uses close to the same of a 0,1kw inverter if both are running a 60w light bulb for example and will use only a little more then 60w in total not 6000w even if it is a 6000w inverter. I till be a waste to use a 6kw inverter on a 100Ah battery that can not deliver the amps needed to run it at full power but you can still run it without any problems as long as you do not draw to much power from the inverter.

[@devmich99]

@@a64738 I should have said that you can't run a 6kw load properly from a 100Ah battery, even if that's technically possible. However, running a 60W load from a 6kw inverter is anything but efficient and just a waste.

[@deang5622]

Don't mix up Ah with kW. Totally different things. kW is a measurement of power. Ah is a measure of energy, and represents the storage capacity, and this is NOT amps.

[@sailor67duilio27]

thank you. I follow your classes, I'm an amateur as I live off grid, this helps me immensely.

[@budmartin3344]

Great video. I hope you will do part 2 about the HF and LF inverter types and how to read the Power surge spec of the HF and LF inverter.

[@jasonbrown467]

i want a split phase inverter and i was looking at some hf units, but the dang standby power consumption is so high, the one i was looking at was almost 200 watts standby at 48 volts and if you put a 100 watt load on it it will pull that 200 plus the 100 which means 300 watts lol and no matter what it always pulls 200 watts. that is 4.8kwh per 24 hour cycle just to sit there and be on, thats 1/5 of my battery bank

[@gurustu4458]

I wish I found your channel months ago, I am super happy to have found that now. I seldomly subscribe to KZbin channels and I’ve never hit the subscribe button so fast. My own research only took me so far. Thank you so much for making all of these videos they answer every single question I have. I was also homeless for a long time to so it is very inspiring to see how far you have come. Thanks again man!! You rock!

[@lisantica842]

I always learn so much from you, thank you Will!

[@danieltorana7565]

Hey Brother thanks so much for ur content in less then 10 minutes I was told what all the other wanna be ‘techs’ couldn’t or didn’t want to tell me… Inverter efficiency. Ur a champion Blessings Daniel 👍😊✝️😄😎

[@garymann7352]

Would you do a video on RV LARGE lithium battery bank? 500 amp hours +. Thanks!

[@kevkev5935]

This was one of the best vids I've seen on this topic. I've been on the fence back and forth about buying a mod vs pure and so you sold me on the pure for sure. Buy once cry once.

[@davef.2811]

First-class presentation as always, Will. Thanks.

[@wilsonlalo4033]

I'm new to the sola Industry and this guidelines kinda helpful to me, thanks watching from Papua New Guinea

[@FirstSuiGeneris]

_Great information, maybe you could cover fusing the inverter too?_

[@SolarSailor1967]

In another video, Will sized a fuse for an inverter with Ohms Law. Ex: With a 12VDC inverter rated at 1000W what size fuse do you need? Using Ohms Law (P=E x I where p=power in watts, E=volts, I=amps) change the equation to amps : I=P ÷ E. 1000W ÷ 12V = 83.33 Amps max current. He said that generally 25% is added to the fuse. 83.3 x 25%= 20.8. So you add 20.8 amps giving you 104.1 amp fuse. He said a 100 amp fuse would be good enough. Look at his basic tutorials on building basic systems if my explanation is bad.

[@voltworksofficial]

1000W inverter,100A fuse , 2000W inverter,200A fuse , 3000W inverter,300A fuse ,

[@claywebb8199]

Will, a lot of your viewers would be in the boating community and it would be worth mentioning to them that inverters suitable for that environment have to be marine certified so they buy one that doesn’t have the ground and neutral permanently bonded. If they use one of these and there is stray current issues it will destroy their underwater metals in short order and also be potentially lethal to anyone swimming nearby. Maybe some of the ones you recommend in the links are suitable but it’s not made clear if they are. Other than that - great vid, the best I’ve seen. 👍

[@bryce6914]

I was hoping you would talk about battery sizing for various size inverters.

[@bettylenora2793]

Love your videos, I am watching every one in order to learn how to set up my system and I have never, ever thought about doing my own solar!! Thank you!!

[@TheZrpilot]

Will, More info please on the pre-charge resistor. How many ohms and wattage capacity do you use?

[@Tumbleweed5150]

A link to Will's favorite would be welcome! :)

[@DagonNaxos]

What he's using is probably a 5 ohm, 10W or 20W ceramic resistor. The purpose of using it is to more gradually charge the capacitors in the inverter when you initially hook the inverter up to the battery for the first time. If he doesn't use it, the capacitors (which are large) will suck as much amperage out of the batteries as they can until the caps are full. This happens only in a few seconds, but will cause a big spark on a large inverter like the ones he has on the table. It can also damage a BMS in a LiFePO4 battery if you don't use the resistor on initial connection. So, in short, to more gradually ramp up the charging of the capacitors in the inverter, he's choking off some of that in rush current i.e. "resisting it" with the ceramic resistor. Think of it like gradually turning on a faucet to full open instead of opening it up fully right away and causing the water to splash all over the sink. One word of caution: the resistor will get warm/hot in your hand if you use too small of a resistor, so don't try it with a cheapo carbon or film type resistor or a small one, like a 1/4W one. It'll go pop. Always use a big, beefy ceramic one like he has. They're cheap. Also, you'll only need to do this when disconnecting the inverter from the battery and leave it off of the battery for 15 or 20 min and then reattaching it to the battery. If you keep the inverter connected to the battery, you'll be fine.

[@johnberto8861]

Thank you, I could listen to you all day long. thank you.

[@dylanc9275]

Lo vs high frequency? Surge rating over time some are rated for milliseconds and others are rated for 30 seconds. Weight . Efficiency at a rated load.(aka most invertes like to run at 50%load)

[@WillProwse]

Yes making separate video about that. I deleted those clips from this video because I didn't want to glaze over it.

[@dylanc9275]

@@WillProwse 👍

[@qwiklok]

Brilliant MASTERCLASS if there ever was one. Like him, I've made my share of mistakes: gensets, panels, wiring, inverters. Messy. I've learned by them. What I'm hearing here is so good. I guess mistakes teach us a great deal, are a real asset because it forces us to learn high quality stuff AND we know WHAT to look for in training. It separates the genuine from the 90% snake oil or expert wannabes . My mistakes taught me ro easily sniff out and find the very very best teachers. Thus is the best, hands down. Thank you from an appreciative student. Dave

[@mitchellbell713]

You did a video one year ago about solar systems for beginners. Do you still recommend the Regeneron system you discussed?