How Can I Size a DC to AC Power Inverter for a Solar Charger?
- 1). Find the idle current value of the inverter in the product information. This is the amount of energy the inverter will use when it is activated, and is generally provided in amps. To find the idle current load in watts, multiply the idle current amps by the DC voltage of the inverter.
- 2). Calculate the maximum electricity requirements of your home by adding together the energy consumption of your appliances and light fixtures in watts. Light bulbs will have the wattage stamped at the tip or base of the bulb. For all other appliances, estimated power consumption charts are available from many alternative energy companies. The total power consumption of all your appliances and lights, plus the idle current value of the inverter, is your peak power requirement.
- 3). Add together the electricity requirements of all your appliances which are constantly or almost constantly running, such as the refrigerator, computer, answering machine and smoke detectors. Be sure to take into account appliances that draw power even when switched off, such as televisions and thermostats. The total power consumption of these appliances in watts, plus one-third of your light fixtures, is your idle power requirement.
- 4). Choose an inverter that will meet or slightly exceed your maximum power consumption requirements. When examining efficiency curves, choose an inverter that will run most efficiently just above your idle power requirement.
