Going Green?
You Need a Good Power Inverter!

Sunpentown 1000W Power Generator

Planning on going green? You'll need a good power inverter if you have DC powered computers or other electronics. In fact, when it comes to selecting the right power system, it doesn't matter whether you opt for traditional or alternative energy sources if you don't have a good power inverter. It will mean the difference between efficient and correct vs. inefficient and inept functioning of all your appliances and electronics.

Efficiency is probably one of the major reasons why you're going green and/or opting for living off the grid. Financial reasons do figure into the equation, as does the desire to become separated from the government or corporate owned and operated utility companies. Efficiency and monetary savings do go hand-in-hand when it comes to your power supply. If you fail to ensure that your power source and power system, including the battery inverter are efficient, as well as replace any appliances that are not efficient, you will not achieve significant economic savings.

Your choice of power system is important. Whether it delivers AC or DC current is also of significance. The same applies as to whether your appliances, electronic equipment and other power-run devices are AC or DC. It's all about compatibility. If the system provides DC power to an AC system, you will need an inverter.


What is an Inverter?

An inverter is an electronic mechanical device. Its purpose is to alter the incoming DC (direct current) into AC (alternate current). It's capable of converting the DC stored in batteries into the AC required by the various devices through a process involving transforming, filtering and changing from one level to the next (stepping voltages). The more processing that occurs, the cleaner the energy produced will be. Yet, if you increase the processing, you also decrease the efficiency of the conversion.

What you need to do is to find a DC to AC inverter that is both efficient and produces clean energy. It must also meet the power demands of your home.


Basic Types of Inverters

There are many different types of inverters. These include:

  • Rotary inverter – utilizes DC energy to drive a DC motor which, in turn, powers an AC generator
  • Electronic inverters – come in 2 types: high frequency switching units and transformer-based units
  • Inter-tie inverters or synchronous inverters – synchronize power between the main power grid and your home production system
  • Battery charging inverters – these may also contain a DC source battery charge controller

When it comes down to purchasing an inverter, you can choose to opt for a package deal. Do make sure, however, that the complete power distribution system you buy contains the right inverter for your needs.


What to Look For in an Inverter

It's necessary to consider the size, shape and power of your inverter. You must, however, consider these factors in relation to the size of your battery bank (group of batteries). When selecting the right inverter look at the following factors:

  • Maximum continuous load
  • Maximum surge load
  • Input battery voltage
  • The output voltage required
  • Whether the inverter needed is static or synchronous


Conclusion

If you have a DC power system and AC-based appliances and electronics, you'll require a power inverter. In some instances, such as DC computers, the inverter is built into the product. In general, if you're going green or plan to live off the grid, you'll need to purchase an inverter. It's possible to buy an all-inclusive package. If this is your choice, make sure the system contains the right inverter for your household demands.


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