How big should a solar inverter be?

Getting the inverter size right depends on two key factors: Inverters work most efficiently when operating near their maximum capacity and are typically sized to be roughly the same size as your solar panels. Inverters are usually sized lower than the kilowatt peak (kWp) of the solar array because solar panels rarely achieve peak power.

Why is sizing a solar inverter important?

It’s an essential part of any home battery or solar installation. Sizing your inverter correctly ensures that no electricity is wasted and maximum efficiency is achieved. Undersized inverters waste energy and wear out faster. If your inverter is too small, excess solar power is lost, and the unit degrades more quickly.

What is a recommended inverter power range?

By inputting your panel's rated power and number of panels, the calculator produces a recommended inverter power range that aligns with 80-100% of your system’s total DC capacity. This approach ensures that your inverter is neither under-sized—risking energy losses and performance issues—nor over-sized, which can lead to unnecessary costs.

How does the inverter size calculator work?

Our Inverter Size Calculator simplifies this task by accurately estimating the recommended inverter capacity based on your solar panel power and quantity. By inputting your panel's rated power and number of panels, the calculator produces a recommended inverter power range that aligns with 80-100% of your system’s total DC capacity.

How much power does an inverter need?

For example, if your total running wattage is 2200W and your surge wattage adds another 400W, your total power requirement is 2600W. Inverters typically operate at an efficiency of around 85%-95%. To ensure your inverter can handle your total load, divide your total power consumption by the inverter’s efficiency.

How do you calculate battery capacity in an off-grid solar inverter?

In an off-grid solar inverter setup, battery storage plays a vital role. The size of your inverter batteries bank depends on the capacity and your total energy consumption. To calculate inverter battery capacity, use the following formula: Battery Capacity (Ah) = Total Daily Energy Consumption (Wh) ÷ Battery Voltage (V)