Posts: 7,752
Threads: 686
Joined: Jun 2011
I'm shopping for a 12v pure sine wave inverter- something in the 3000 watt (continuous) range.
I'm not interested in spending thousands of dollars but I don't want $150 junk either. I recently saw a cheap 5,000 watt PSW inverter that somehow only weighed 6 pounds. That either defies the laws of physics or it's a 900 watt inverter with a misleading label.
Posts: 14,122
Threads: 424
Joined: Aug 2012
I'm not aware of any middle ground between "$thousands" and "junk from China Inc."
That said: I would look at Samlex, especially since Outback doesn't make anything that runs 3KW at 12V.
Posts: 7,752
Threads: 686
Joined: Jun 2011
Thanks for the recommendation. I've been coveting a Samlex inverter but the price point with only a 2 year warranty scares me. I have a cheap MSW inverter that has been running strong for over 8 years. I'm hoping to find that middle ground somewhere and add a big dose of luck.
Posts: 14,122
Threads: 424
Joined: Aug 2012
Outback FP1 + NC200 battery bank = totally worth it.
Posts: 358
Threads: 68
Joined: Nov 2011
Good luck finding one under $1000. This was the best I could find and it's only 2 year warranty. Full disclosure, it did fail after a year but they sent another one immediately and it's been working since, which was about 2 years ago. I don't think you can compare products purchased years ago with what's available today, which is mostly Chinese made crap (sorry Chinese people, but it's true). Trying to find something that's made to last is very difficult these days.
https://www.amazon.com/Go-Power-GP-SW300...B0015353XU
Posts: 358
Threads: 68
Joined: Nov 2011
Which is not to say the Go Power inverter isn't Chinese made. They were made in Canada up to a few years ago, but then moved to China, to my horror.
Posts: 14,122
Threads: 424
Joined: Aug 2012
made in Canada up to a few years ago
"designed in Canada" means it's an old Xantrex; these are good inverters no matter who actually manufactures them.
I've seen the Xantrex 1750+ 12V MSW with at least three different brand names; both of mine still work almost 10 years later. Definitely a good choice if you're into 12V and MSW, they claim 3KW surge, will start a fridge or circular saw. Found on eBay for $200.
Outback FXR series are more expensive, but non-vented (!) and works as a high-rate charger -- try pricing some high-rate chargers before deciding that the FXR is "too expensive".
Posts: 2,484
Threads: 10
Joined: Feb 2008
I've got a 48 volt system with a 3,800 watt inverter and I use 00 cable. I just don't see staying at 12 volts for anything over 1,000 watts.
How will you be using this inverter? Are you making a sort of UPS for all or part of your home loads, reefer and the like? I know it's some bucks but I lived fairly happily for a while with eight Costco golf cart batteries ($1,000) and a 2,700 watt re-purposed UPS.
Posts: 2,484
Threads: 10
Joined: Feb 2008
I am pleased with the Schneider SW 4048 inverter that I have. It cost around $1,600. Pure sine wave, 7,000 watt surge capacity, built-in charger, can feed generator power through it to loads and charge at the same time.
Posts: 358
Threads: 68
Joined: Nov 2011
quote:
Originally posted by kalakoa
made in Canada up to a few years ago
"designed in Canada" means it's an old Xantrex; these are good inverters no matter who actually manufactures them.
I'm not sure about that. I think quality of components used to build them are at least as important. Cheap ones usually work, when you unbox them, but then fail shortly after.
