Power inverters are a flexible accessory with an increasing number of applications as shown in the examples below. Their basic function is to convert battery power to mains type power so as to run electrical appliances. Their independence from grid power makes them extremely versatile and makes possible the liberty of using electrical appliances designed for mains power almost anywhere.
How to Choose the Right Power Inverters For Your Home Needs
- What is an inverter?
Inverters are devices that convert direct current (DC) voltage from photovoltaic cells into alternating current (AC) voltage.
- Why do you need an inverter?
Inverters are necessary components of any photovoltaic systems where the load is an alternating current (AC) rather than a direct current (DC). PV modules produce electricity in the form of DC voltage. This electricity is then stored in a battery in that form. Most household applications require AC voltage. This device will allow you to convert your electricity so it’ll be useful for your household appliances, or for any devices that require AC voltage as against DC voltage.
- Are inverters efficient?
Today, inverters have can have efficiencies greater than 90%. They are highly cost-effective for those looking to use them for situations requiring AC voltage.
What to take into consideration when choosing an inverter:
Usage – what application will you be using the inverter for (off grid, or grid-tie)?
Size of your PV System – The inverter should match the size of your PV power system or appliance you need it for. If you have a 2,500W PV system and must make a choice from a 2,000W inverter or a 3,000W inverter, you should go the next size up and get the 3,000W inverter.
However, if you need an inverter for specific needs such as an appliance, and don’t know the power rating but know the amperage, an easy formula is:
Amperes * 120 V = Watts
For example, if you’ve got a simple 5 ampere appliance that requires AC voltage, then you’d need a 600 W inverter.
Manufacturer – Some well known manufacturers are Luminous, V-Guard, and Genus.
Sine-wave – Currently, modified sine wave converters dominate the market and are useful for most purposes requiring AC voltage. However, certain equipment, such as laser printers, may require the better quality of power offered by a real wave converter. When choosing between the two, consider the equipment that the inverters will be supplying.
3 Best Power Inverters In India 2021 Reviews
Genus Proton Q Plus 640W Sinewave Inverter
Genus Proton Q Plus Sinewave Inverter comes with advanced DSP technology that offers pure sign wave means you get the purest form of power that is required for your appliances. It also ensures the safety of your appliances. This is a compact power inverter so it offers easy installation and safer to use. Genus inverters feature clear and easy to understand graphical LED and LCD displays for monitoring battery charge, mains status, charging mode, etc.
The design and the size of the inverter are perfect so it can fit anywhere in your home and there’s no effect of climate on the power inverter. The switchover is the best in class. After a power cut, it takes a fraction of a second and ensures connected appliances like computers keep getting uninterrupted power without the systems rebooting due to a power failure.
It comes with UPS Mode and a Wide UPS Mode. There’s a dedicated switch to change the mode of the inverter. You can select UPS mode for sensitive appliances like TVs, computers, scanners or switch to Wide UPS mode in remote areas.
- Sure Sign wave technology.
- Wide voltage range.
- Works with all batteries.
- Durable in all conditions.
- Power factor: 0.8.
- Input Voltage Range (UPS Mode): 180 VAC – 265 VAC ± 5 VAC.
- Input Voltage Range (Normal): 100 VAC – 280 VAC ± 15 VAC.
- Output Voltage regulation: 200 VAC ± 10%.
- Output frequency: 50 Hz ± 0.5 Hz.
- Overload protection: Provided at >100% with Auto Reset.
- Short circuit protection: Provided at >300% with Manual Reset.
- Change Over UPS mode: Less than 12 milliseconds.
- Change Over Normal mode: Less than 50 milliseconds.
- 2-year warranty.
V-Guard Prime 800W Digital Inverter
V-Guard Prime Digital Inverter is one of the best heavy-duty power inverters that offers the best in class performance. The best feature of this power inverter is it has a battery topping reminder to avoid battery damage and offers interrupted performance. It is compatible with any battery within 80-230AH.
It is capable to runs LCD/LED TV (Up to 49), mixer grinder (up to 600 W), water pump(0.5 HP Monobloc), inverter refrigerator(Up to 260 L), Room Cooler (Upto 200W), Kitchen Chimney (Upto 1000 m3/hr), exhaust fans, air purifier, water purifier, music system, wi-fi router, etc. It is also equipped with a special switch option for inverter refrigerator compatibility. There’s also a dedicated switch to change the mode UPS mode and Normal mode.
- Pure Sign wave output.
- High-performance selection switch.
- Uninterrupted performance.
- Battery Gravity Builder.
- Battery Topping reminder.
- Mute Buzzer option.
- Visual and audio indicators.
- Provides complete protection for your appliances.
- Dual-mode operation (UPS and Normal mode).
- 2-year warranty.
Luminous Zolt 756W Sine Wave Inverter
Luminous Zolt 756W Sine Wave Inverter is powered by a 32-bit DSP processor means it has learning capability. The learning capability helps the power inverter to understand charge batteries, calculate backup and charging time. It also packs an alarm management system that warns you of short-circuits, wrong wiring, battery overcharged, overloads, and low battery.
This inverter offers Pure Sign Wave output for noiseless functionality and safety of sensitive appliances. It comes with an Intuitive LCD Display that shows charging time, Battey type, Eco/UPS mode, backup time, system fault, and low battery. Consideration: Power Watt considered – LED TV 40”- 75W, Fan 1200mm – 80W, Refrigerator – 200W, AC 1.5 Tonne – 2000W. Recommended running load should be at 75% of peak load.
- Equipped with external MCB.
- Safety alarms.
- Bypass switch.
- Eco/UPS mode.
- Battery water level reminder.
- Safety alarm.
- Supports wide battery range, i.e. Flat Plate, Tubular & VRLA (SMF).
- 2-year warranty.
The Importance of Sine Wave Power Inverters
Power inverters vary consistently with the wattage capacity so it’s important to choose inverters that suit individual requirements. These devices produce three forms of wave signal which include the Square Wave signal, the Modified Square Wave signal, and the Pure sine wave inverters.
Significance of sine wave Inverters
These power inverters are mainly used to convert DC to AC. With the help of these inverters, it’s possible to run various electrical appliances in your home when there’s a power outage. However, there are different types of sine wave inverter available in the markets today. It’s essential to choose the correct sort of power inverter so that it’s easy to operate the electrical appliances quite effortlessly.
One of the best advantages of selecting the correct type of inverter is that these devices are capable of producing AC electricity similar to the electric power supplied by the local power supplier. Although these power devices are quite expensive, it’s very efficient and can be used for a wide variety of purposes.
Most of the home appliances function well with the use of sine wave inverters. Coffee makers, computers, refrigerators, inkjet printers, music systems, and so forth function effectively with the use of this power inverter. Compared to the other power inverters, this exemplary power inverter is quite expensive because it includes expensive components.
Most of the people value more highly to use sine wave power inverters because it produces less noise compared to the other power inverters. It’s also more efficient, reliable and stable compared to the square wave signal power inverters.
Read also: V Guard Stabilizer For TV Smart Home Appliances
So What Exactly is a Power Inverter?
Power inverters are electrical devices that can power household appliances that run on 240V AC from a 12V DC battery or vehicle that has a 12V system. They convert 12V DC battery power to 220/240V AC mains power and as you can imagine have a large range of applications and uses. Inverters are compact and often lightweight making them an ideal source of portable mains power for those on the move who need to power electrical equipment while away from mains power.
There are two different types of inverters, modified sine wave power inverters, and true sine wave power inverters. The difference between the two is how closely they replicate mains power. A modified wave inverter produces a far choppier AC wave and a true or pure sine wave inverter will create almost perfect AC mains power.
Conclusion: Best Power Inverter In India
Power cuts are a regular feature in our country and though you remain hopeful that things will change in the near future, some alternative is required till then to fill the gap between the power supply and its increasing demand. Power inverters are a useful option to relieve the inconvenience of power cuts for every household. However, to achieve cost-effective utilization, it’s essential to choose the inverter with great care.
Our recommendation from the list is Luminous Zolt 756W Sine Wave Inverter, it is the best all-rounder power inverter and it comes at a reasonable price if we understand its features and specifications as mentioned above. All the products which are listed above are the best. So, it’s up to your choice in selecting among them, as per your requirement. Do you have still any doubt about purchasing the power inverter? Then must share your experience with us in the below comment box.