200-watt Solar Panel-What Inverter Size (watts) to Use?

With the energy generated by an off-grid solar panel, you can power a range of low-power appliances in your RV, boat, or on a camping trip.

To run appliances that use AC power (115V), you’ll need a power inverter.

If you’ve got a 200-watt solar kit, what size of inverter should you use with the solar panel to run the AC appliances?

Read on to find out what size of the inverter (watts) you can use and how to select a suitable size to run your AC appliances reliably.

What Size of Inverter (watts) for 200-watt Solar Panel?

The inverter size (watts) that you use depends on the combined power consumption of the AC appliances you plan to run, and not the solar panel rating (watts).

That said, you’ll likely find pure sine-wave or modified sine-wave inverters ranging from 600 watts to 3,000 watts bundled with a 200-watt solar panel kit.

Note: Make sure to connect the off-grid inverter to the battery, taking care not to reverse the polarity of the inverter cable connections.

Connect the positive wire of the inverter to the battery’s positive terminal and the negative wire (red) to the battery’s negative terminal.

Do not connect the inverter to the solar panel!

Not sure what size of inverter to use for your appliances?

You can access the off-grid solar system calculator.

In the calculator spreadsheet, list the appliances you plan to run and their corresponding power consumption values (watts) to automatically work out an indicative inverter size (watts) to use.

If the inverter size (watts) bundled with the solar kit cannot run the appliance then the inverter overload alarm will be activated.

For example, a fridge with a continuous power draw of 200 watts may not run reliably with a 600-watt inverter.

Upgrade to a large-capacity inverter.

Best Inverter to Use with a 200-Watt Solar Panel

This depends on the power consumption of the AC appliances.

A good rating to consider for your kit (subject to the power consumption of the appliance) is 1,000 watts.

Consider upgrading to a 1500-watt inverter or larger.

12V or 24V rated Inverter

Make sure the voltage rating of the inverter matches the battery bank voltage.

For example, using a 24-volt battery bank? Then only connect the 24V version of the inverter.

Pure sinewave or Modified Sinewave Inverter

If you’re running sensitive medical equipment like a CPAP machine or appliances that use motors such as a fridge, microwave, washing machine, power tools or a dishwasher then go for a pure sine wave inverter for the appliances to run smoothly and cooler.

If in doubt, consult the appliance user manual or manufacturer.

Otherwise, a good quality modified sine-wave inverter can run other common household appliances reliably.

Signs an Inverter May be Undersized

An appliance with a large current draw at or higher than the inverter can handle will cause it to shut down with an overload alarm!

Do You Always Need an Inverter?

You do not need an inverter If the appliances use 12V or 24V DC power.

Examples of appliances that may be designed to use DC power are LED lights, fans, or pumps.

Always check the power requirements of the appliance you plan to use to determine if it uses AC or DC power.

Can you switch out or use a larger amperage inverter? You may be able to use an inverter as large as 3,000 watts.

Make sure its voltage matches that of the battery bank.

How to Size an Inverter for a 200-watt Solar Panel

The inverter size (watts) should be able to handle both the combined continuous and surge power ratings of the AC appliances.

Match the inverter DC voltage rating (12V or 24V) to that of the battery bank.

Use this free downloadable calculator to easily work out the inverter size to use.

To use the calculator, list the appliances you plan to run and their corresponding power consumption values (watts).

The calculator will then automatically work out for you the minimum inverter size to use.

Closing Thoughts

Keep the following in mind when selecting an inverter to work with the 200-watt solar kit.

Inverter size (watts): The inverter size (watts) should be able to handle both the combined continuous and surge power rating of the AC appliances.

Inverter DC voltage rating: Match the inverter DC voltage rating (12V or 24V) to that of the battery bank.

Pure sinewave or Modified Sinewave Inverter. For sensitive medical equipment or appliances with motors, use a pure sine wave inverter.

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