Which split phase solar inverter for a 48 V battery gives the most for the money?
If you want a split phase solar inverter for a 48 V battery bank, the best value here is the 6000XP Off-Grid Inverter at 3.16 W/$, ranked #1 of 6. It costs $1,898.27 at A1 SolarStore. Every pick was chosen for a 48 V battery and a solar input listed by the maker.
The continuous ratings listed here are 6000 W, 8000 W, 9000 W, 11400 W, 12000 W and 15000 W. The MN15-12KW-AIO Hybrid Inverter/Charger lists 10000 W of continuous AC output on battery only and 11400 W of continuous AC output. On battery only, the Limitless 15K-2P-N Hybrid Inverter lists 12000 W of continuous AC output.
Model names are not ratings, so use the listed continuous output. Watts per dollar is continuous output divided by price. The figure says nothing about solar input, cold weather limits or how long the warranty runs.
The 12kPV Hybrid Inverter comes second at 2.63 W/$, which makes it #2 of 6.
| Product | Best current price | Watts per dollar | Value rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| EG4 Electronics 6000XP Off-Grid Inverter | $1,898.27 at A1 SolarStore | 3.16 W/$ | #1 of 6 |
| EG4 Electronics 12kPV Hybrid Inverter | $3,036.50 at A1 SolarStore | 2.63 W/$ | #2 of 6 |
| EG4 Electronics 18kPV Hybrid Inverter | $4,747.52 at A1 SolarStore | 2.53 W/$ | #3 of 6 |
| Sol-Ark Limitless 15K-2P-N Hybrid Inverter | $6,099.15 at A1 SolarStore | 2.46 W/$ | #4 of 6 |
| MidNite Power MN15-12KW-AIO Hybrid Inverter/Charger | $5,650.23 at A1 SolarStore | 2.02 W/$ | #5 of 6 |
| Sol-Ark Limitless 12K-2P-N Hybrid Inverter | $4,699.50 at A1 SolarStore | 1.92 W/$ | #6 of 6 |
What does the 6000XP Off-Grid Inverter offer at $1,898.27?
For $1,898.27, the 6000XP Off-Grid Inverter lists 6000 W of continuous output and up to 8000 W of solar input. EG4 Electronics rates its surge at 12000 W for 3.5 s. The recommended maximum PV array is 10000 W, and it has 2 MPPT inputs.
The case is rated IP20, and the unit is rated for 0 C to 45 C. It weighs 52.9 lb, which puts it in the heavy (over 50 lb) class. It lists up to 16 units in parallel and takes lead-acid or lithium batteries.
The warranty is 5 years.
Strengths
- Large-load output: 2000 W or more of continuous AC output
- UPS switchover speed: 20 ms or less
Gaps
- Weight class: heavy (over 50 lb)
Which grid features does the 12kPV Hybrid Inverter list?
The 12kPV Hybrid Inverter is a hybrid model, and EG4 Electronics says yes to grid sell-back. It gives 8000 W of continuous output for $3,036.50, and the case is rated NEMA 4X. It accepts up to 12000 W of solar, with a recommended array of up to 15000 W.
Surge is 16000 W for 0.5 s. If you run motors, check both the surge power and how long it lasts. Its CEC efficiency is 96.4 %, and the warranty is 10 years.
It is rated to run from -25 C to 60 C. It weighs 110 lb.
Strengths
- Large-load output: 2000 W or more of continuous AC output
- UPS switchover speed: 20 ms or less
Gaps
- Weight class: heavy (over 50 lb)
How much solar can the 18kPV Hybrid Inverter take?
The 18kPV Hybrid Inverter takes up to 18000 W of solar, with a recommended array of up to 21000 W. It has 3 MPPT inputs. Each MPPT input tracks its own set of panels.
Continuous output is 12000 W, and EG4 Electronics lists 15500 W of surge for 300 s. The CEC efficiency is 96.9 %, and battery charge current tops out at 250 A. At $4,747.52 it ranks #3 of 6 on value, at 2.53 W/$.
Plan the mounting with care, since it weighs 121 lb and stands 34.3 in tall.
Strengths
- Large-load output: 2000 W or more of continuous AC output
- UPS switchover speed: 20 ms or less
Gaps
- Weight class: heavy (over 50 lb)
How much power can the Limitless 15K-2P-N Hybrid Inverter deliver?
For continuous AC output, the Limitless 15K-2P-N Hybrid Inverter lists 15000 W. Its 15000 W is more than the 12000 W of the 18kPV Hybrid Inverter. Solar input goes up to 19500 W, and the recommended array reaches 23400 W.
Sol-Ark lists a switchover of 5 ms or less. Its listed battery type is lithium. If you already own a lead-acid bank, check the battery list before you buy any inverter.
The price is $6,099.15, which works out to 2.46 W/$ and a rank of #4 of 6. It is heavy, too, at 135 lb.
Strengths
- Large-load output: 2000 W or more of continuous AC output
- UPS switchover speed: 20 ms or less
Gaps
- Weight class: heavy (over 50 lb)
What MPPT range does the MN15-12KW-AIO Hybrid Inverter/Charger list?
The MN15-12KW-AIO Hybrid Inverter/Charger lists an MPPT range from 70 V to 550 V. Check the MPPT voltage range against your string voltage. MidNite Power rates the max PV input voltage at 600 V and lists 3 MPPT inputs.
It works with lithium or lead-acid batteries and charges them at up to 210 A. It is 9.52 in deep and 37.4 in tall. The case is NEMA 3R, and it weighs 101.85 lb.
Its value is 2.02 W/$, ranked #5 of 6, at a price of $5,650.23.
Strengths
- Large-load output: 2000 W or more of continuous AC output
- UPS switchover speed: 20 ms or less
Gaps
- Weight class: heavy (over 50 lb)
How fast does the Limitless 12K-2P-N Hybrid Inverter switch over?
Sol-Ark lists a switchover of 4 ms or less for the Limitless 12K-2P-N Hybrid Inverter. It ranks #6 of 6 on value at 1.92 W/$. If you run computers or network gear, switchover time is worth checking on any inverter.
It costs $4,699.50 and gives 9000 W of continuous output. It takes up to 12000 W of solar input. At 78 lb, it is lighter than the 135 lb Limitless 15K-2P-N Hybrid Inverter.
Its listed battery type is lithium, too. The case is rated IP65 / NEMA 3R, and the warranty runs 10 years.
Strengths
- Large-load output: 2000 W or more of continuous AC output
- UPS switchover speed: 20 ms or less
Gaps
- Weight class: heavy (over 50 lb)
How should you choose between these inverters?
Start with the largest load you must run at the same time, then pick an inverter whose continuous rating covers it with room to spare. Next, size the solar side: your array should fit inside the input power and voltage limits the maker lists. Check which battery types are supported before you buy.
Match the case rating to where you will mount it. Every inverter here gives 240 V split phase output from a 48 V battery bank. The makers say yes to grid sell-back on the 12kPV Hybrid Inverter, the 18kPV Hybrid Inverter and the MN15-12KW-AIO Hybrid Inverter/Charger.
If you plan to sell power back, check the maker's sell-back listing first. Finally, compare warranty length, and check the listed weight against your mounting plan.