Description

We can recommend Victron Inverters

Victron Energy offers a wide selection of true sine-wave inverters, and at first glance, the choices can be confusing.  All this to say, you can find an inverter to suit your needs.  All of the Victron inverters offered are true sine-wave inverters. This is important because some electronics do not tolerate a modified sine-wave power source.  These inverters can be ordered for 12v, 24v or 48V battery banks. The following will give a description of each and its possible applications.

Victron inverter power is given in Volt-Amps (VA), not to be confused with Watts. Simply stated, you will need a higher VA rating for the same inverter rated in Watts. For those who like math:

Watts = VA * Power Factor or VA = Watts / Power Factor.

Most modern computers/servers should have a power factor (pf) between 0.9 – 1.0.

When selecting the inverter model, you will want to carefully examine the data sheet to correctly size your inverter to the environment and expected loads. Many factors affect what an inverter can deliver such as ambient temperature, continuous loads, and the power factor of your loads. Also, consider room for growth, purchase an inverter with at least 1.5 x more power (V/A or Watts) in addition to your present loads.

Phoenix Inverters

If you need a relatively low power (< 1000 Watts) inverter as a UPS, this is your best choice.  When selecting this inverter, you will also need one or more battery charger(s).

For larger Inverters, it makes more financial sense to choose the MultiPlus or Quattro product line.

MultiPlus Inverters

The MultiPlus Inverter/chargers from Victron have a wide range from which to select. These are more along the lines of a “line interactive” inverter. This means  they pass Grid (line current) through the Inverter while in operation. Along with supplying your connected loads, the Inverter charges your battery. These inverters can also boost or supplement for a brief time the line current by drawing from the battery bank when a larger load is introduced. The expected switch over time for the MultiPlus between power failure and the Inverter assuming all loads using the battery is 20 ms.  Typically, this is enough time for most equipment, but we have observed that some equipment may still have an issue.

Quattro Inverters

If you looking for an inverter which can seamlessly work with alternate  AC inputs such as the Grid, Generator, or two generators, then the Quattro might be what you need.  The Quattros come with two AC inputs and will automatically connect to the active source.  There are two outputs, the first is a “no break”  in the event of power loss, the Quattro will begin inverting from the battery within 20 ms.  The second output is only live when the main input (typically Grid power) is active.

PV (MPPT) (Hybrid) Inverters

And lastly, Victron offers two Inverter/charger products that incorporates an MPPT solar charge controller called the EasySolar or EasyPlus.  This is also a fully capable Inverter / charger with transfer switch.  These are only available in 230V models.  To learn more about these, click on the image or link above.

Victron has a lot of dealers worldwide, you may be able to purchase Victron equipment locally. If not, contact us and we can purchase it for you and ship almost anywhere in the world.

Our team in North Carolina has experience with Victron equipment and can help you get it all hooked up and configured correctly. Email us at power_systems@sil.org if you’d like setup help, a price quote, or if you just need help deciphering all the model numbers and choosing the right model.