I'm currently relying on a 26-year-old solar system for my off-grid house, but it's been struggling due to its age. Luckily, I have 12 solar panels in good condition and just received a one-year-old Renogy 3000W Sine Wave inverter along with 4 gel batteries and a charge controller from a friend. I'm trying to figure out if this setup would be sufficient to power my home, which is occupied by just myself and possibly one other person. My major appliances—fridge and stove—are both propane. I use LED lights, do about 2-3 loads of laundry each week, and I work from home with Starlink always on alongside my computer and monitors. During the hot summer days, I occasionally use window AC units, but I'm okay with running those on a generator if needed. I'm also anticipating that I might need to purchase additional batteries. I'm unsure if this inverter will meet my power requirements.
3 Answers
Nope, a 3000W Renogy inverter won’t cut it for a house. Just so you know, while it claims to have a 3000W capacity, it’s really only 1500W for continuous load with a surge capability of 3000W. You'll struggle with things like microwaves, toaster ovens, and AC units. You can handle lights, TVs, and charging devices, though. It’s pretty limited for more demanding appliances.
It’s not just about the 3000W rating. Even if the inverter can peak at 5000W, for a house, it’s still gonna be too small. I use a 3000W inverter for my work setup—two computers, three monitors, lights, and a portable AC—and it barely does the job. I recommend listing everything you plan to use, checking your power needs carefully, and planning for at least a 6kW system, ideally even more like 10-12kW.
If you already have experience with a smaller off-grid system, the Renogy should work fine for your current needs. I prefer larger inverters, but for your usage, it might be okay. Just keep in mind that upgrading to lithium iron phosphate batteries would be a great investment when you're ready!
I’ve seen some YouTube videos where people claim they can run AC units on similar models. What’s the deal with that?