Inverter Chargers Compared: Which Gives the Most Watts per Dollar?

Which charger inverter gives the most watts per dollar?

If you want the most power for your money, the charger inverter with the most watts per dollar of the picks here is the FlexBOSS21 Hybrid Inverter from EG4 Electronics, ranked #1 of 8. It sells for $4,435.59 at A1 SolarStore. Every pick has a built-in battery charger listed by the maker.

The FlexBOSS18 Hybrid Inverter comes next at 3.32 W/$, rank #2 of 8. Sol-Ark's 5K-1P-N Hybrid Inverter holds #3 of 8 at 3.20 W/$. Watts per dollar is only part of the story, so read the size, weight and battery limits as well.

How much power does the FlexBOSS21 Hybrid Inverter deliver?

EG4 Electronics rates the FlexBOSS21 Hybrid Inverter at 16000 W of continuous AC output and 24000 W of surge for 0.5 s. On battery alone, the output is 12000 W. EG4 Electronics rates its maximum charge current at 250 A, with a nominal battery voltage of 51.2 V.

For solar, it has 3 MPPT inputs and a recommended array of up to 21000 W. EG4 Electronics states that it starts an AC unit rated at 5 tons. CEC efficiency is 97 %, and the maker lists a maximum of 16 parallel units.

The unit weighs 121 lb, which puts it in the heavy (over 50 lb) class. EG4 Electronics gives it a warranty of 10 years. Plan the mounting spot, and the help you need to lift it, before a heavy unit arrives at your door.

What does the FlexBOSS18 Hybrid Inverter offer at its price?

The FlexBOSS18 Hybrid Inverter costs $3,919.55 at A1 SolarStore and gives 13000 W of continuous output. Its charger tops out at 208 A, and surge reaches 20000 W. It has 2 MPPT inputs and a recommended array of 18000 W.

The case is 22.28 in wide and 30.43 in tall, and it weighs 115 lb. Size an inverter to the total of the loads you run at once, with some headroom, since a unit sized too close to your loads leaves no room to grow. EG4 Electronics rates it NEMA 4X, with a switchover time of 20 ms at most.

What does the 5K-1P-N Hybrid Inverter offer at 120 V?

Sol-Ark lists the 5K-1P-N Hybrid Inverter at 120 V on a single phase. It sells for $1,499.92 at A1 SolarStore and gives 4800 W of continuous output. Sol-Ark lists lithium or lead-acid battery types, with charging at up to 120 A.

Switchover takes 5 ms at most. Sol-Ark lists an operating range of -40 C to 60 C, in an IP65 / NEMA 3R case. Check whether your service panel needs split-phase power before you buy.

At 53 lb, it lands in the heavy (over 50 lb) class.

How much surge does the 6000XP Off-Grid Inverter handle?

The 6000XP Off-Grid Inverter has a surge rating of 12000 W, and EG4 Electronics says it holds that for 3.5 s. Continuous output is 6000 W at 240 V, on split phase. Solar input tops out at 8000 W across 2 MPPT inputs.

Does it have a generator input? EG4 Electronics states yes. It costs $1,898.27 at A1 SolarStore, which works out to 3.16 W/$ and rank #4 of 8. The rated range is 0 C to 45 C, and the case is rated IP20.

Its warranty is 5 years.

How big is the 30K-3P-208V Commercial Hybrid Inverter?

The 30K-3P-208V Commercial Hybrid Inverter weighs 176 lb and stands 35.2 in tall. It is a three-phase unit with 30000 W of continuous output at 208 V. Sol-Ark lists lithium-ion batteries at 300 V nominal for it.

Its 4 MPPT inputs take a recommended array of up to 39000 W. At $10,899.33 at A1 SolarStore, it ranks #5 of 8 on value with 2.75 W/$. Confirm the service type at your site before you price a commercial unit.

How does the 12kPV Hybrid Inverter handle solar?

The 12kPV Hybrid Inverter takes up to 12000 W of solar input, with a recommended array of 15000 W. PV input can reach 600 V, and MPPT tracking runs from 120 V to 500 V. AC output is 8000 W continuous, with 16000 W of surge.

It works with lead-acid or lithium batteries, charged at up to 167 A. A1 SolarStore lists it at $3,036.50, which works out to 2.63 W/$ and rank #6 of 8. EG4 Electronics backs it with a warranty of 10 years.

Where does the Little Rosie MNLR4548RE Inverter/Charger fit?

The Little Rosie from MidNite Solar weighs 15 lb, which counts as easy to carry (under 30 lb). The case is 20.25 in long, 9 in wide and 6 in tall. It puts out 4500 W continuous at 120 V, single phase, with 6750 W of surge for 5 s.

MidNite Solar rates switchover at 4 ms at most and maximum charge current at 60 A, with a nominal battery voltage of 48 V. A1 SolarStore has it at $1,709.36, good for 2.63 W/$ and rank #7 of 8. A lighter unit is easier to lift into place.

What do you get from the Limitless 18K-2P-LV Hybrid Inverter?

Sol-Ark rates the Limitless 18K-2P-LV Hybrid Inverter at 18000 W continuous and 36000 W of surge for 10 s. It charges at up to 350 A on a 48 V battery bank. Solar input reaches 28800 W, and the recommended array is 32400 W across 3 MPPT inputs.

Its listed price of $6,999.32 at A1 SolarStore puts it at #8 of 8 on value, with 2.57 W/$. The warranty term is 10 years, and the unit weighs 137 lb.

How do you choose the right inverter charger?

Start with the voltage and phase your home or site uses. Then add up the loads you run at the same time, and pick a continuous rating above that total. If you start large motors, check the surge rating as well as watts per dollar.

Match the battery voltage to the bank you own or plan to buy. If you will add panels later, leave room in the solar input rating. Check the enclosure rating against where you plan to mount the unit.

For the most watts per dollar, the FlexBOSS21 Hybrid Inverter ranks #1 of 8 at 3.61 W/$. Weight sits at 15 lb on the Little Rosie, in the easy to carry (under 30 lb) class.