One versus few inverters

[gimpex]

Just a thought and a question.

What would the advantages / disadvantages be using a few smaller inverters for various electrical circuits versus one big inverter for all circuits.

So for example , if I had a 1000w inverter for the lights circuit. Then a 2000w inverter for the plugs circuit ( or two ). And so on ...

One advantage of a few is that if it breaks the other circuits still function.
Another advantage is that this could be built up over time instead of a one time significant investment.

I guess cost would be a disadvantage if 2 x 1000w inverters cost more than 1 x 2000w inverter.

Any thoughts on efficiency and consumption ?

I guess it would be no problem to hook up a few inverters to one battery bank ?

Look forward to your thoughts.

[Sunny Solar]

Firstly there is no limit to the number of inverters that can be connected to a battery/ies at same time.. Providing of course the battery /ies can support them all.
Using 2 inverters is good in many ways... Some combination like 500w for lights 2000 w for all else.. This has advantage if you are not needing to use the 2000w inverter you can turn it off Inverters work most efficiently at between 70 to 90% loaded.
Problem if you using say 3 inverters you are having them all draw power for operation even if nothing connected is turned on.

[gimpex]

Thanks.

I wasn't aware that 70 -90 % range is the most efficient. Will look into that.

[Sunking]

Depends on what manufacture and models you are talking about. There are some very good ones that are very efficient even on the low power output end. Bu tlast thing you want to do is buy a couple like a 1000 and 2000 watt model that are inefficient on the low power end and operate any of them at low power.

[Sunny Solar]

Sunking is right and wrong. Right there are a few efficient 1000 and 2000 w inverters at low power BUT they are still far more wasteful if only used to provide low power. Aprox examples a 2000 w inverter will have a self draw of about 1.8a a 500w inverter about 400mv.

For most people a 300w inverter is adequate for lighting in a house. self draw about 200ma

Self draw is important on a smallish battery and panel system.... 1.8a x24 =43 ahr per day 200ma x24 = 4.8 ahr per day.

43 ahr is going to need a 200w x 12v panel for 3 hrs.. and would reduce a 100 ahr battery to almost 50%.

Try to only have turned on a 1000 or 2000w inverter as you need it...

[gimpex]

Thanks sunny solar. Good point.

This makes finding the right size inverter important , as opposed to getting the big one " just in case".

[SunEagle]

Thanks sunny solar. Good point.

This makes finding the right size inverter important , as opposed to getting the big one " just in case".

A large (2000 watt & >) inverter can come in handy depending on what you are trying to run but I would only use one that is connected to my car or truck battery while the engine is running. Otherwise it will quickly drain a standard or even a deep discharge battery quickly.

Better to go with multiple small wattage inverters sized for the specific load. Also remember that some loads (electronics and motors) do not like Modified Sine Wave inverters so you need to have a Pure Sine Wave instead.

[gimpex]

Yep , decided to go with pure sine wave inverters across the board.... more expensive but no issues what to plug in where