You've convinced me. I have ordered a Phoenix converter and will use it for my lights, and critical SMALL loads. Thanks for all your input! DanLet's play with the numbers:
250VA Victron Phoenix publishes 88% efficient, uses less than 3 watts in idle mode (ECO) and be bought for less than $100.
60 watts of AC lighting would need ~ 70 watts from the battery assuming an inverter efficiency of 85%
Assuming lights run 6 hours/day so 18 hrs. of inverter in ECO mode.
10 watts x 6 hours = 60 watt hours “wasted”
plus
18 hrs/day x 3 watts = 54 watt hours “wasted”
~114 watt hours wasted per day. Give or take that’s 25 extra watts of PV (feel feel to double check all that)