Best Off-Grid Inverter That You Can Buy Right Now

Are you looking for a new off-grid inverter but aren’t sure what the best one is? Perhaps you are about to realize your dream and move to an off-grid life but don’t know which inverter you need?

Or maybe you are curious and want to know more? Whatever your reason might be, we have the answer for you! 

Quick Comparison

We know how difficult it can be to find an off-grid inverter that fits your needs. You dream of cutting ties to the electric grid and living a life relying only on the power of the sun, but you seem to be stopped at every turn. 

No matter how hard you try or how much you search, you just can’t find an off-grid inverter to power your home and help you lead a more sustainable life. You wonder if perhaps your dream was never meant to come true and resign yourself to a life free of renewable energy and off-grid inverters. 

Well, no more! Today, we are here with all the answers you need. Keep reading to find the best off-grid inverter for you! We also have a handy buyer’s guide that can help you navigate the murky world of off-grid inverters and find the best option. Get ready to take your life off the grid and rely on solar power!

Read More: 11 Tips for Living Without Electricity (Survive & Thrive Off-Grid)

Best Off-Grid Inverter

Let’s get straight into it! Below we have a list of the best off-grid inverters on the market that we have tried and tested. We have tried to include a range that will appeal to most budgets and needs. Just keep on reading and find your new inverter today. 

First up, we have this inverter from Renogy! Using pure sine waves, this 3000W inverter is a powerful little beauty that is compatible with a wide range of batteries. At a reasonable price, this could be the inverter for you! 

The inverter has a continuous power rating of 3,000W, although they also offer this model in a 1,000W or 2,000W option if you prefer.

The solar power inverter is ready for 12V Gel, AGM, Lithium-iron, Flooded, and Sealed Lead Acid batteries, making it a wonderful choice for those looking for an inverter for their RV! You can take this inverter with you and finally live your dream of an off-grid adventure! 

It’s not too large an inverter, but might be a little heavy for some users, weighing 63.5 pounds. However, for an inverter of this size and capacity, the weight isn’t too heavy! So how powerful is it?

Well, it has a conversion efficiency higher than 90%, an adjustable 50/60Hz output, and it can provide up to 9,000W of surge power with ease! It’s a fantastic option for those looking to power appliances from refrigerators to AC units and lights.

It is worth noting that some customers found it a little difficult to run their AC unit and other appliances simultaneously with the inverter. Be sure to check the wattage on your appliances to be sure that the inverter can provide you with the power that you need. 

Thanks to the sine wave technology used, you get high-quality power sent to your appliances that is the equivalent of AC power. So even though you are living off the grid, you would never know!

And it’s even suitable to use with sensitive electronic devices like your phone and laptop, so you don’t need to worry. We were able to charge our phones without them becoming damaged or having any issues along the way! 

Speaking of worry-free use, the inverter comes with plenty of protection! Your devices are protected thanks to the pure sine wave technology, but there is also protection for yourself too.

That’s right, this inverter comes with lots of added safety features that will prevent overvoltage, under-voltage, overheating, and protect you from any short circuit issues! You can use the inverter with your appliances and leave your worries about safety at the door. 

What’s more, the inverter is incredibly easy to use! It features an LCD display panel where you can see the status of your inverter and adjust the programmable options. You can customize over twenty features including the voltage range and battery charging current.

It’s super easy to use and comes with a remote control and main display panel too. It’s never been easier to use an inverter, so what are you waiting for, grab the Renogy inverter today!  

Pros:

• Reasonably priced – suitable for a range of budgets 
• Added safety features – keep you and your devices safe at all times 
• Easy to use – stay in the loop with the inverter and make changes with ease 
• Excellent battery compatibility – makes it the ideal purchase for those with RVs

Cons:

• On the heavier side 
• Some limitations with the power when running an AC unit. 

Next, we have this wonderful inverter from Magnum. Their Energy sine inverter is a little pricey, but we think it’s worth it! The lightweight inverter weighs 60lbs and is a decent size too, making it easy for you to install and maneuver when needed. 

What sets it apart from other inverters on the market is how powerful it is! At 4,400W, this inverter has 94% capacity and a maximum operating altitude of 4,570 meters. You don’t need to worry about traveling high or installing it in an attic, it can handle the height! 

What’s great about this inverter is its range from 36 to 64V Direct Current (VDC) and its output frequency of 60Hz. You don’t need to worry about your sensitive electrics, or powering any of your devices, there is plenty of power to go around! 

You don’t need to worry about running your plasma TVs, radios, phones, or other devices. This inverter can power them without causing any damage! You also get lots of ports and a remote port, allowing you to charge a range of devices with waste. 

It’s incredibly easy to use too, so you don’t need to worry about confusing instructions. There is also an LED indicator that allows you to quickly check on the progress of your devices and the inverter. 

Magnum’s inverter is incredibly easy to store too. It can be mounted to a wall, shelf, or attached to Magnums full-size or mini panels. It even comes with a mounted switch that allows you to do this and observe your inverter from a distance.

We found it super easy to mount the inverter when installing it, it only took us a few minutes to do! 

What’s great about this inverter is how durable it is. It features an aluminum base and cover that not only reduces noise levels but helps against corrosion too! The cover sets it apart from other inverters on the market and makes it a fine option to choose from. 

It is also incredibly accessible thanks to the large access cover and 360-degree terminals on the DC covers. The AC access cover also features a terminal screw block that protects the inverter and your device from any debris or elements. 

The inverter can maintain 4,400W with ease, offering you plenty of power for your appliances. But there is a downside. The inverter cannot work at temperatures higher than 70 degrees celsius and below -40 degrees celsius.

While it is unlikely that your home will have these extreme temperatures, it is worth being aware of. Those that live in areas with extreme temperatures, particularly harsh winters will want to make sure that their inverter is in a well-insulated area of their home to avoid this being an issue. 

If you are after some clean and reliable power for your devices, and a chance to live off the grid, then why not give Magnum’s inverter a try today?

Pros:

• Lightweight – easy to maneuver and install 
• Powerful – 94% capacity allows you to support appliance surges with ease 
• Safe for sensitive electronics – allows you to run TVs and charge mobile devices worry-free
• Incredibly durable – is sure to stand the test of time 

Con:

• Expensive 
• Difficulty working in extreme temperatures 

For those that crave a lightweight inverter, we have the perfect option for you! This inverter from AIMS is one of the lightest out there, weighing just 0.01lbs! You will be able to lift and maneuver this with ease! It’s ideal for those after an inverter for camping, RV use, or just want a lightweight inverter for around the house. 

The powerful 10,000W inverter uses modified sine power and can power many heavy-duty appliances like pumps, power tools, refrigerators, and more. It can even boost up to 20,000W as a surge when required, how often do you see such power in a lightweight device? 

What we love most about this inverter is how portable and compact it is. It fitted into our RV with no problems at all. We also found we could take it camping and had plenty of power for our devices and any appliances that we wanted to use.

As it is a modified sine inverter, you will need to keep an eye on more sensitive devices like your mobile phones and laptops. We haven’t had any issues with it yet, but it’s better to be safe than sorry! 

AIMS inverter is incredibly easy to use and features plenty of outlets that you can use to plug in your appliances easily. There’s even a direct connect terminal block on the front of the inverter, making it even easier to use. There are also LED monitoring lights that allow you to check on the progress of your appliances and the inverter. 

What’s great about this inverter is the number of safety features on it! You will never need to worry when using this inverter about anything happening. There is protection for high and low voltages along with a high-temperature overload, which ensures that should anything go wrong. You are protected. 

You also don’t need to worry about any overheating issues either, as the inverter is fitted with a cooling fan that will kick in should things start to get a little hot. You won’t need to worry about the inverter feeling hot to the touch or radiating any extra heat, simply turn it on and you are good to go! 

It is also super quiet compared to a generator and emits no fumes. It is a safe way to power your home, RV, or take with you camping. You don’t need to worry about it generating too much noise and interrupting your beauty sleep either! 

While there is a lower output quality compared to the pure sine wave inverters on the list, we still think it is a fine choice to make. You can enjoy a lightweight inverter with plenty of power at a reasonable price, what more could you want? It’s worth giving this AIMS inverter a try today.

Pros:

• Lightweight – easy to move around and install 
• High power capacity – able to run your appliances and devices with ease 
• Portable and compact – can be stored in smaller spaces without any worry 
• Volt and amp meter – allow you to monitor your consumption and battery voltage with ease 

Cons:

• Lower power output quality compared to others on the list

For those after a powerful device, then take a look at Solinba’s inverter. Offering 4KW of power, you can charge your devices and appliances with ease.

What we love about it is how powerful it is, it can surge up to 12,000W of power for roughly 15 to 20 seconds. That’s plenty of time to get your appliances up and running!

The inverter is compatible with a range of batteries including Open Lead Acid, Gel, AGM2, and Sealed. You won’t need to worry about not being able to use this with your RV or other batteries.

The 3-stage battery charging feature is a fantastic one that those with RV batteries that need charging will love. 

It charges the batteries with ease too and the indicator light allows you to quickly check the progress as you pass. 

When using the inverter, we couldn’t get over how easy it is to use! The display panel allows you to check on the progress with ease, and there are plenty of ports that allow you to connect devices and appliances with ease.

It is even safe to use with your sensitive devices, so you can charge your phones and laptops with ease. 

There are also lots of safety features that allow you to use the inverter without any worries. You can enjoy short circuit protection, overheating protection, overloading protection, and plenty of other safety features that will keep you safe while you use the inverter.  

What we love about the inverter is the cooling fans on there that prevent any overheating issues. The fans are also fairly quiet too, meaning you won’t be interrupted by the inverter while you sleep.

The inverter also features wheels and a handle which makes it super easy to move around! Even if you struggle to lift the inverter, you can still move it around your home or RV with ease. 

There is lots to love with this generator. The pure sine power is safe and reliable to use with devices, there’s plenty of surge power to go around, and lots of USB ports to take advantage of! While it is one of the pricier options on the list today, if you have the budget, it’s worth investing in! 

Pros:

• Safety features – ensure that you are protected from overheating, overloading, or any short circuit issues
• Easy to use – LCD screen allows you to check your progress with ease 
• Powerful – it can generate triple the surge power to get heavy-duty appliances started 
• USB ports – allows for easy charging of your devices and appliances 

Cons:

• Expensive 

Finally, we have this reliable inverter from WZRELB. At an affordable price, this inverter is perfect for those on a budget or new to the world of off-grid inverters. If you are looking to dip your toe into the world of inverters, then this is a fine place to start. 

We found it simple to set up and use, especially with the LED display that allows you to check on the progress of your device with ease. It can be a little tricky for first-time inverter users to get to grips with but have some patience and you are sure to get to grips with it!

Don’t forget to make use of the user manual too as this can be a fantastic way to answer any queries quickly and easily.

Running at 2,000W, you can expect reliable power from this inverter while you live off the grid. Why not join thousands of users and put your trust in this DC to AC converter? You can even enjoy a peak surge of 4,000W which will help to get your appliances up and running. 

There’s a temperature-controlled fan too, which ensures that your inverter won’t overheat and keeps it running smoothly! You can also enjoy a quiet operation of the fan and efficient use. 

The common comment about this inverter is how efficient it is! You can expect the energy to be directed to your appliances and devices for a smooth and easy operation. It’s also safe to use with sensitive devices and comes with plenty of ports that allow you to connect things to it with ease. 

While it might take some getting used to, we think it’s a fine inverter, and at such a low price, it’s worth giving it a try! 

Pros:

• Affordable – suitable for a range of budgets 
• Cooling fan – helps to prevent overheating and keep the inverter running smoothly 
• Easy to check progress – LED display allows you to glance at the progress and make amends where needed
• Replacement battery cable and fuse – allows you to make any repairs with ease 

Cons:

• Not as easy to use as other inverters 

Buyer’s Guide 

Not too sure what you need from your off-grid inverter? Let our buyer’s guide help you there and show you some of the key features you should be looking for! 

What Type?

When it comes to purchasing an off-grid inverter, you will first need to decide what type of inverter you want. There are three types you can choose from, a Pure Sine Wave, a Modified Sine Wave, and a Square Wave.

These three types differ in terms of quality output power, compatibility, and price. Let’s take a closer look to help you differentiate between them.

Sine Wave Inverter

First up is the Sine Wave inverter. A sine wave is what you typically get from a generator and your local utility company where rotating AC machinery generates the sine wave. It is a natural product of this rotation and can be used in inverters.

A sine wave inverter is a fine choice as all the equipment sold on the market these days is designed for a sine wave. 

This means that your inverter is likely to work with any other equipment that you have. It is still worth double-checking the compatibility before making your purchase to avoid any issues! Some appliances like microwaves and motors will only work on full output when connected to sine wave power.

Other appliances like light dimmers, battery chargers, and bread makers won’t work unless they are connected to a sine wave. If you intend to use your inverter to run any of these devices, then you will need a sine wave inverter. 

It is worth noting that sine inverters tend to be the most expensive inverters, sometimes costing up to triple the price of other inverters! Be sure to check that your budget can afford this when looking for a new inverter. 

Modified Sine Wave

Next, we have the modified sine wave inverter, which is similar to a square wave, but with an extra step added in! A modified sine wave inverter tends to work with most equipment, although its efficiency and power can be reduced over time.

Large motors like refrigerators, fans, and pumps will need more power from the inverter and use about 20% of the power. 

This is due to the higher frequencies required to power these devices. It means that those on high frequencies will not be able to use the inverter, like fluorescent lighting.

If you use a modified sine wave inverter to power these you might notice that your lights will not be as bright, or they will make a humming or buzzing sound. 

You might also find issues using this inverter with appliances that have electronic timers and digital clocks. These appliances tend to get their timings from the line of power. As they usually get 60Hz cycles per second and divide it down to one second, the clock can run as normal.

But as the modified sine wave is rougher and noisier than the pure sine wave we looked at earlier, your clocks might run faster or not at all. 

You might also find that bread makers and other appliances that use 60Hz might not work at all. Usually, appliances that require electronic temperature controls will struggle with a modified sine wave inverter. In these cases, it is best to opt for a sine wave inverter to run these appliances. 

Read More: Pure Sine Wave Inverter vs Modified

Square Wave

Finally, we have the square wave inverter, which is the cheapest of them all. These inverters are difficult to find as there aren’t too many on the market, but if you are on a budget, it’s worth keeping an eye out for them.

Square inverters can run simple things like tools with universal motors, and that’s about it! 

They are quite limited in what they can do, which is why they are a little difficult to find these days. Still, they are worth mentioning in case you want an inverter just for those universal motors.

It can be hard to find a square wave inverter, but for those up for the challenge, you can find them lurking in the corners of the web! 

What Watt Do I Need? 

Once you have decided which type of inverter is best for you, it’s time to turn your attention to the watt or size inverter that you need.

The wattage or power size of the inverter will be clearly stated on the specifications of the inverter so you can quickly check and decide if it is the right one for you. 

You will also want to check the appliances and equipment that you wish to run on the inverter to ensure that it has the power to do this.

Check the wattage of each item you want to run and add them up. You will want an inverter to have enough wattage to power the appliances at the same time. If it does not you won’t be able to run say your microwave and lights at the same time. 

Inverters come in sizes from 50W to a huge 50,000W. Usually, we don’t see units larger than 11,000W used in homes or other PV systems. When deciding which size is right for you, you will need to check the maximum surge and how long it lasts.

For those that aren’t sure, the surge is the maximum power an inverter can supply for a short time, ranging from a few seconds to fifteen minutes.

Appliances with large electric motors will need a higher startup surge to get them up and running, before the power they need drops down. Refrigerators and pumps are the most common appliances that need this high surge power. 

When looking at inverters, the surge rating will come with the number of watts it can surge to and for how long it can maintain that power.

The capacity for this does vary from inverter to inverter, so be sure to check it for every inverter you look at. Usually, you will want a 3-15 second surge rating that will cover 99% of all appliances. 

Usually, the inverters with the lowest surge ratings are high-speed electronic switching inverters, one of the most common types. These will come with a 25% to 50% maximum overload and apply to virtually all affordable inverters in the 50W to 50,000W range. 

Those with the highest ratings tend to be transformer-based, low-frequency switchers. These inverters can handle a surge of up to 300% in short periods of time.

They also tend to be smaller and lighter units, but they tend to have a lower surge or peak capacity thanks to the smaller transformer. 

We recommend checking the appliances you want to run to see what surge they need before making your decision. While a high-frequency switching inverter won’t have a higher capacity like a transformer-based inverter, the lower price point tends to sway many customers. 

Read More: How Many kWh Does A Solar Panel Produce In A Day?

How Heavy?

Along with the size and power of the inverter, you will also want to consider its weight. You don’t want an inverter that will be too heavy for you to move around and install. You also don’t want an inverter that could break any mounting brackets you place it on. 

The weight of the inverter should be listed in the product description, allowing you to check it easily and find the best inverter for you.

There are plenty of light and compact inverters out there, especially high-frequency switching inverters. These also tend to be cheaper too than the larger and heavier inverters on the market. 

Along with the weight, be sure to check the dimensions of the inverter. You will want to ensure that you have plenty of space for the off-grid inverter. Measure the inverter to ensure that it will fit in the desired space, the last thing you want is to be hit by any nasty surprises when it arrives. 

Checking that the weight and size of the off-grid inverter suits your home before making your purchase will ensure a smooth installation and use of the inverter.

When it comes to installing the inverter, be sure to follow the instructions in the user manual to ensure that it is all done correctly. 

Safety Features 

Just like any device you buy, you want to ensure that it is safe to be used at home. The last thing you want to do is hurt yourself or any of your family members! When purchasing your inverter you will want to check that it comes with safety features that will offer you protection from any voltage problems. 

Electricity can be extremely dangerous, so you need to check that any inverter you purchase comes with added safety features. Look out for any of the following protection: 

• Undervoltage protection
• Overvoltage protection
• Overload protection
• Short circuit protection 
• Overheating protection 

This protection ensures that if anything goes wrong with your inverter or the devices and appliances it is connected to, you will be safe from harm. You will also want to check that any appliances or devices that you connect to your inverter are safe to use.

You don’t want to use any with poor or faulty wiring, or appliances that have previously been known to trip fuses or switches in your home. 

By regularly checking and servicing your appliances you can help to keep them well maintained and ensure that any issues can be repaired quickly. Regular checks can also help your appliances to last longer, so it is worth doing.

You can find information about servicing your appliances by checking their user manuals, or by contacting manufacturers directly. 

When purchasing your off-grid inverter, be sure to look out for safety features that will keep you and your loved ones safe while you use the inverter to power your home. 

Protection for Appliances 

Another feature to consider is the protection that your inverter can offer appliances connected to it. In some cases, the power passed to devices and appliances can harm sensitive internal components.

This mainly happens to mobile phones and laptops whose components are far more sensitive than those in larger appliances. 

If you plan to charge your phone, tablet, laptop, or other devices with these sensitive components, then check that the inverter you have selected can do that. Often, modified sine wave inverters are not suitable and you might need to spend more and opt for a pure sine wave inverter instead. 

It’s worth considering what appliances and devices that you intend to use with the inverter before making your purchase.

Most inverters will state if they can support devices with sensitive components or not. If they don’t state it, you can assume that they will not be suitable, or you can contact the manufacturer for them to confirm this. 

Either way, be sure to find an inverter that is suitable if you are after one to charge your phone! 

How Much? 

The cost of an inverter varies considerably, meaning you could have a bargain inverter, or splash the cash for a high-end off-grid inverter. Here, the choice is yours.

We recommend considering your budget carefully before making your decision. Consider how often you will be using the inverter, and how much power you need it to generate. 

If this inverter is how you plan to power your home then you will want it to be a high-quality one, meaning it might be a tad expensive. But if it is going to last you for several years, it might be an investment worth making.

However, if the inverter is going to be used sporadically, then you can save some money and opt for a cheaper option. 

Whichever you decide to do, be sure that the off-grid inverter is appropriate for your budget. There is no point stretching yourself too thin and purchasing an inverter that you can’t afford.

Stick to the budget and be sure to keep an eye out for any sales or deals that could allow you to get the inverter at a lower price. 

FAQs

• How Do I Install An Off-Grid Inverter?

  Off-grid solar inverters are super easy to install! It is best to follow the instructions stated in the user manual, as how to install them can vary from brand to brand. Thankfully, most user manuals these days are easy to read and understand, meaning your inverter should be set up in no time!

  If you do run into any issues, we recommend contacting the manufacturer for support or checking out some online tutorials. Often these tutorials can be super helpful, just be sure you are watching the right tutorial for your inverter!

• How Do I Look After My Inverter?

  To offer the best care and maintenance to your off-grid inverter you will want to keep it dry at all times. Keep it out of the rain or any moisture to ensure that the internal components do not get damaged.

  The user manual for your inverter will also come packed with tips on how to take care of your system and keep it well maintained. Be sure to read through the information in your manual and stick to a regular maintenance routine. This is one of the best ways to ensure that your off-grid inverter stands the test of time. After all, you want to get your money’s worth, don’t you?

• How Long Is The Warranty Period?

  To find out the warranty period for your off-grid inverter, you will want to check your user manual or the warranty information that comes with your inverter. Each brand offers a different warranty period length, making it difficult to give one answer to this question!

  Some inverters will come with a one-year warranty, although it is not uncommon to find inverters with five-year warranties. When purchasing your inverter, be sure to check the warranty period to ensure that it is long enough for you. It is also worth checking to see if your warranty can be extended or if your inverter can be covered by any home insurance or coverage plan.