Hey, everyone! I've been a part of this community and following off-grid setups for a while now, but I'm diving into grid-tied systems and would love your input. I'm aiming for a compact 5 kW inverter/charger paired with a 5 kWh battery that can alternate between utility and battery power. The key here is that I won't be installing solar panels, so I'm not interested in sending power back to the grid.
This idea sparked after a battery in my APC UPS failed, and instead of just replacing it, I thought it would be smarter to invest in a single battery and a small inverter. My plan is to qualify for the federal credit before it expires, cut down on high Time of Use prices since I'm in California, and have a backup in case of utility outages. It's a strategic move!
I've been searching for affordable inverters around the $1000 range but haven't found many options. I read about someone using an off-grid 5 kW SunGold Power inverter tied to the grid, but I'm unsure how that would work and whether it's safe. Would that inverter be able to handle both legs of my panel? Also, I need a 120v output for my 2-ton air conditioner, which could complicate things. Planning on starting with one 5 kWh battery - do you think that's feasible? Any recommendations or advice? Thanks for bearing with my lengthy post!
1 Answer
From what I've gathered, the inverter you're referring to likely provides a single 120V output. If you're looking for a split-phase 120/240V to power your entire setup, you might want to consider routing your more critical loads through a dedicated inverter that connects to a sub-panel. Check this out for reference: [Panel Link](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Square-D-Homeline-100-Amp-6-Space-12-Circuit-Outdoor-Main-Lug-Electrical-Panel-HOM612L100RBCP-HOM612L100RBCP/100143240) for options on breaker boxes.
Thanks for the insight! I'd really prefer to avoid circuit prioritization since I have about 16 circuits to manage. Do you think either the [RichSolar Nova 6000w](https://offgridstores.com/products/rich-solar-nova-8k-pv-hybrid-inverter-48v-120-240v-split?variant=41256467431476&_gsid=XPfXuP5mekLX&utm_source=chatgpt.com) or the [SunGold Power 8KW 48V](https://sungoldpower.com/collections/power-inverter/products/8kw-off-grid-solar-inverter-ul1741) would meet my needs? I noticed they both come with built-in WiFi, which is a plus. Any thoughts on reliability or features from other brands? I'm also weighing the ROI on these, especially given the current electricity rates.