I'm very curious if anyone knows what some of the most efficient (lowest idle current draw) split phase 120/240 all in one single unit inverters might be around the 5KW size? I'm not really finding many options that don't require a lot of other pieces.
Most efficient split phase all in one single unit inverter?
- Thread starter gibran
- Start date
Off grid.
Exactly what I'm trying to avoid! If only Victron made an all in one 120/240 unit for North America. Seems like it would be a big market for them.
Samlex EVO 4248SP https://samlexamerica.com/evo-4248sp-split-phase-inverter-charger/
MichaelK
Solar Wizard
Instead of an AiO, I have a XW+6848 inverter mated to a Midnight200 controller. Puts out split-phase AC with excellent surge capacity. Background idle draw is ~30W.
Thanks. Are these the only two components needed or is there some sort of power distribution box and or shunt type device needed?
Is it an all in one or does it need an MPP solar charge controller?
MichaelK
Solar Wizard
Yes, I included this power panel, for holding all the breakers. Not absolutely a requirement, but made my installation a lot easier.
Thanks. I don't see a spec listed for idle current draw. Only an inverter efficiency of >85%.
Vigo
Solar Addict
That is pricey but looks nice. Doesn't have an internal solar controller though, which adds expense. I wonder if the 'solar input' terminals do anything besides jump across the inside of the case and hook straight to the battery circuit.
My experience so far has been that idle consumption is a non-issue in terms of powering my house. It is cheaper to expand your battery and solar capacity by the daily difference from a 60w load vs a 30w load, than it is to buy the more expensive inverter with the 30w load, and if you do great but you now also have less solar and less battery for the same amount of money. By the time you NEED 5kw of inverter power to power something, that 2-digit watt number of idle draw becomes a drop in the bucket in the big picture. That's my opinion, anyway. I leave 2x growatt 5000s on 24/7 pulling ~120w 'idle' even though that is probably 30% of my overnight 'load' on average. I just don't care.
Lt.Dan
Solar Wizard
SolArks 12k is the highest I've seen at 60w idle and 96.5% efficient.
I generally see around 25 watts.
Wow, that seems shockingly low given that even the high frequency Growatt 5000ES non split phase 230v uses something like 50 watts if I recall. Stated efficiency is only listed at >85% for that inverter.
Vigo
Solar Addict
I think it is closer to 60w, and if you are using an autotransformer with them, that has its own small idle draw (which i forgot about in my last post) so my 2x 5k plus the transformer is probably 130w+. Which is about what my fridge uses when the compressor is on. ?
?
chess-equality
Solar Enthusiast
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- May 21, 2022
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- 500
Suddenly, all of these threads about low idle
chess-equality
Solar Enthusiast
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Seems even more relevant to me now since we are without power due to the hurricane and I’m currently counting every watt used. For instance, a small fridge I’m running is currently using about 120 watts…about the same amount my inverter is using!
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