What does the MidNite Solar Little Rosie offer on paper?
MidNite Solar rates the Little Rosie at 4500 W of continuous AC output, with a surge of 6750 W for 5 s. The other key figures in a MidNite Solar Little Rosie inverter review are its 48 V battery voltage and its 120 V single-phase output. Its full model name is Little Rosie MNLR4548RE Inverter/Charger.
On the site's rules, it counts as 2000 W or more of continuous AC output. When sizing any inverter, add up the steady load of everything that runs at once and compare it with the continuous rating, then check motor starts against the surge rating.
| Power and capacity | |
|---|---|
| Continuous AC output | 4500 W |
| Surge output | 6750 W |
| UPS switchover (max) | 4 ms |
| Size and moving it | |
| Length | 20.25 in |
| Width | 9 in |
| Height | 6 in |
| Weight | 15 lb |
| Product | Best current price | Watts per dollar | Value rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| MidNite Solar Little Rosie MNLR4548RE Inverter/Charger | $1,709.36 at A1 SolarStore | 2.63 W/$ | #4 of 5 |
| OutBack Power VFXR3648A Inverter/Charger | $2,527.44 at A1 SolarStore | 1.42 W/$ | #5 of 5 |
 Renogy 3500W 48V Solar Inverter Charger | $769.99 at Renogy | 4.55 W/$ | #3 of 5 |
 Renogy 3000W 12V Pure Sine Wave Inverter | $414.99 at Renogy | 7.23 W/$ | #1 of 5 |
 Renogy 3000W 12V Pure Sine Wave Inverter with UPS Transfer Switch | $461.99 at Renogy | 6.49 W/$ | #2 of 5 |
How big and heavy is the Little Rosie?
MidNite Solar lists the Little Rosie at 15 lb. Its case measures 20.25 in long, 9 in wide and 6 in high. That weight puts it in the easy to carry (under 30 lb) class.
For contrast, the OutBack Power VFXR3648A Inverter/Charger weighs 61 lb. That puts it in the heavy (over 50 lb) class. A heavier inverter is harder to lift and position, so check the weight before you plan the install.
What are the Little Rosie's battery charging limits?
MidNite Solar rates the maximum battery charge current at 60 A. The listed battery voltage window runs from 40 V to 63 V.
Check the battery maker's charge limit before you set the charge current.
What happens to its loads in a power outage?
MidNite Solar lists a maximum UPS switchover time of 4 ms. That is inside the site's band of 20 ms or less for UPS switchover speed.
Buyers who keep computers or network gear on an inverter/charger should compare switchover times before they buy.
What temperatures is the Little Rosie rated for?
MidNite Solar rates its operating range from -20 C to 60 C. The OutBack Power VFXR3648A Inverter/Charger has a listed range that starts lower, at -40 C against -20 C for the Little Rosie, and both top out at 60 C.
Compare the low end of any listed range with the coldest spot where the unit will sit.
How much does the Little Rosie cost for the watts you get?
The Little Rosie gives 2.63 W/$, which ranks #4 of 5 on value among the products in this article. It is $1,709.36 at A1 SolarStore.
The OutBack Power VFXR3648A Inverter/Charger, at #5 of 5 and 1.42 W/$, is the only model ranked below the Little Rosie's #4 of 5. Watts per dollar does not account for surge, size or weight.
Where does the OutBack Power inverter/charger differ from the Little Rosie?
OutBack Power rates the VFXR3648A Inverter/Charger at 3600 W continuous, below the 4500 W of the Little Rosie. Its surge is 5400 W for 5 s, against 6750 W for the Little Rosie. It weighs 61 lb, and its case is 16.25 in long, 8.25 in wide and 13 in high.
At $2,527.44 at A1 SolarStore, it costs more than the Little Rosie at $1,709.36. OutBack Power lists a CEC efficiency of 91 %, a warranty of 5 years and up to 10 units in parallel. Its listed battery types are flooded, gel, AGM, lithium-ion or flow.
OutBack Power lists certifications of UL1741, CSA C22.2 No. 107.1, UL1778, and a NEMA type 1 enclosure. OutBack Power lists generator input as yes. Its top charge current is 45 A, against 60 A for the Little Rosie.
Why look at Renogy's solar inverter charger instead?
The Renogy 3500W 48V Solar Inverter Charger is $769.99 at Renogy, against $1,709.36 for the Little Rosie at A1 SolarStore. Its value figure is 4.55 W/$, for a rank of #3 of 5. Renogy rates it at 3500 W continuous on a 48 V battery, the same 48 V battery voltage as the Little Rosie.
It weighs 23.8 lb, which still counts as easy to carry (under 30 lb). Renogy lists generator input as yes and an IP20 enclosure.
Which model here gives the most watts per dollar?
The Renogy 3000W 12V Pure Sine Wave Inverter gives the most, at 7.23 W/$ and #1 of 5. It is $414.99 at Renogy and weighs 12.5 lb. Unlike the Little Rosie, which lists a 48 V nominal battery voltage, it runs on a 12 V battery.
Renogy rates it at 3000 W continuous with a 6000 W surge. That surge is rated for 1 s, against 5 s for the Little Rosie.
What extra comes with the UPS transfer switch version?
By name, the Renogy 3000W 12V Pure Sine Wave Inverter with UPS Transfer Switch adds a UPS transfer switch, and Renogy rates its 6000 W surge for 2 s, against 1 s on the version without one. It is $461.99 at Renogy, with a value of 6.49 W/$ and a rank of #2 of 5.
It weighs 14.8 lb, with a 3000 W continuous rating and a 12 V battery voltage. Check the maker's switchover time for any UPS model.