I'm just getting started with solar power and I'm looking to set up my garden lights and a water fountain from my shed. Currently, I have a 100W solar panel from Renogy and a 10A charge controller. I also have a 12V, 80Ah battery. I'm thinking about getting either a 1000W or 2000W Renogy inverter but I'm unsure which one to go for. Will one solar panel and one battery be enough to utilize a 2000W inverter, or should I stick with a 1000W model? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
2 Answers
There are mixed reviews on Renogy's inverters specifically; I came across a cheaper option from MWXNE that's pure sine wave and works great. Just make sure to calculate wattage for all devices properly. And remember, inefficiencies will make your usage and recharge times longer than you expect. It might be smarter to start with fewer high-watt devices until you can expand your solar setup!
Before deciding on the inverter size, take a look at how much power your garden lights and fountain pump actually use. For instance, if those lights use about 15W each and the fountain requires around 80W, that's a total of 110W. You might not need such a big inverter for that unless you plan to add more devices. Also, keep in mind how much power your battery can handle and how long you want it to run everything. A smaller inverter could be sufficient if your total power usage is low.
Yeah, breaking down your power needs is key. The total load will really guide your inverter choice!
Good call on checking alternatives! MWXNE sounds like it could save you some cash too.