What does the OutBack offer on paper?
OutBack Power rates the VFXR3648A Inverter/Charger, the subject of this review, at 3600 W continuous from a 48 V battery bank. It puts out 120 V on a single phase. OutBack Power rates it at 3600 VA continuous and 91 % CEC efficiency.
That puts it in the large-load group, with 2000 W or more of continuous AC output. At A1 SolarStore, it sells new for $2,527.44, and the warranty runs 5 years.
| Power and capacity | |
|---|---|
| Continuous AC output | 3600 W |
| Surge output | 5400 W |
| Size and moving it | |
| Length | 16.25 in |
| Width | 8.25 in |
| Height | 13 in |
| Weight | 61 lb |
| Temperature and warranty | |
| Warranty | 5 years |
| Product | Best current price | Watts per dollar | Value rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| MidNite Solar Little Rosie MNLR4548RE Inverter/Charger | $1,709.36 at A1 SolarStore | 2.63 W/$ | #4 of 5 |
How much surge can the OutBack handle?
OutBack Power rates its surge at 5400 W for 5 s. Motors and pumps often pull a short burst of power when they start, so compare that burst with the surge rating before you buy.
What are the OutBack size, weight and operating limits?
The VFXR3648A Inverter/Charger weighs 61 lb, which puts it in the heavy (over 50 lb) class. It measures 13 in high, 8.25 in wide and 16.25 in long. Measure the space and the cable runs before the inverter arrives.
The enclosure is rated NEMA type 1. OutBack Power lists an operating range from -40 C up to 60 C.
Which batteries can the OutBack charge, and how fast?
OutBack Power lists flooded, gel, AGM, lithium-ion or flow batteries and a 45 A charger maximum. It also lists generator input as yes.
OutBack Power lists a battery voltage range of 42 V to 68 V. Match the charge current to the maximum your battery manufacturer recommends.
Can you run more than one OutBack together?
OutBack Power lists up to 10 units in parallel. Its certifications are UL1741, CSA C22.2 No. 107.1, UL1778.
Some utilities and inspectors ask for specific listings, so check what your local rules require.
How much power per dollar does the OutBack give?
The OutBack gives 1.42 W/$ at its best current price of $2,527.44. That ranks it #5 of 5 for value in this article.
Watts per dollar counts only output power, so weigh it next to the other specs you need.
Which alternative gives the most watts per dollar?
The Renogy 3000W 12V Pure Sine Wave Inverter ranks #1 of 5, at 7.23 W/$, against 1.42 W/$ for the OutBack. It costs $414.99 at Renogy and is rated for 3000 W continuous. It runs from a 12 V battery, not the 48 V bank the OutBack uses.
Renogy rates its surge at 6000 W for 1 s, while OutBack Power rates its surge at 5400 W for 5 s. At 12.5 lb, it is easy to carry (under 30 lb).
What changes with the UPS transfer switch version?
The 3000W 12V Pure Sine Wave Inverter with UPS Transfer Switch costs $461.99 at Renogy and lists a 6000 W surge for 2 s instead of 1 s. It weighs 14.8 lb and ranks #2 of 5 with 6.49 W/$.
Like the plain model, it has a 12 V nominal battery voltage and is rated for 3000 W continuous.
Is the Renogy solar inverter charger a closer match on battery voltage?
On battery voltage, yes: the 3500W 48V Solar Inverter Charger uses a 48 V bank, the same as the OutBack. It is rated for 3500 W continuous, against 3600 W on the OutBack. Renogy sells it for $769.99, which works out to 4.55 W/$ and a rank of #3 of 5.
It weighs 23.8 lb, compared with 61 lb for the OutBack. Its enclosure is rated IP20, and Renogy lists generator input as yes.
How does the MidNite Little Rosie compare with the OutBack?
The MidNite Solar Little Rosie MNLR4548RE Inverter/Charger lists more continuous power, 4500 W against 3600 W on the OutBack. Its surge is 6750 W for 5 s, versus 5400 W on the OutBack. The Little Rosie lists a 60 A charger maximum, against 45 A for the OutBack.
MidNite Solar lists a UPS switchover of 4 ms at most. That places it in the 20 ms or less group for switchover speed. It weighs 15 lb and measures 6 in high, 9 in wide and 20.25 in long.
Its cold limit is -20 C, while the OutBack is rated down to -40 C. The Little Rosie costs $1,709.36 at A1 SolarStore, giving 2.63 W/$ and a rank of #4 of 5.