What does the Sol-Ark 12K-2P-N offer on paper?
Sol-Ark lists 9000 W of continuous AC output for the Sol-Ark Limitless 12K-2P-N Hybrid Inverter. It is a hybrid unit with split phase output at 240 V. Sol-Ark lists a max solar input of 12000 W and a recommended PV array of up to 13000 W.
Sol-Ark lists a 48 V nominal battery voltage and lithium as the battery type. Sol-Ark gives a CEC efficiency of 96.5 % and a warranty of 10 years. Sol-Ark rates it for up to 9 units in parallel.
Size an inverter by the loads you expect to run at the same time, not by the biggest number on the box.
| Power and capacity | |
|---|---|
| Continuous AC output | 9000 W |
| UPS switchover (max) | 4 ms |
| Solar charging | |
| Max solar input | 12000 W |
| Size and moving it | |
| Width | 17.7 in |
| Height | 29.5 in |
| Weight | 78 lb |
| Temperature and warranty | |
| Warranty | 10 years |
| Product | Best current price | Watts per dollar | Value rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sol-Ark Limitless 12K-2P-N Hybrid Inverter | $4,699.50 at A1 SolarStore | 1.92 W/$ | #5 of 5 |
| EG4 Electronics 12kPV Hybrid Inverter | $3,036.50 at A1 SolarStore | 2.63 W/$ | #2 of 5 |
| MidNite Power MN15-12KW-AIO Hybrid Inverter/Charger | $5,650.23 at A1 SolarStore | 2.02 W/$ | #4 of 5 |
| EG4 Electronics 6000XP Off-Grid Inverter | $1,898.27 at A1 SolarStore | 3.16 W/$ | #1 of 5 |
| EG4 Electronics 18kPV Hybrid Inverter | $4,747.52 at A1 SolarStore | 2.53 W/$ | #3 of 5 |
How big and heavy is the Sol-Ark?
Sol-Ark lists a weight of 78 lb. That puts it in the heavy (over 50 lb) weight class. The case is 29.5 in tall, 17.7 in wide and 10 in deep.
The enclosure rating Sol-Ark specifies is IP65 / NEMA 3R. Sol-Ark lists an operating range from -25 C to 55 C. If the unit will sit outdoors or in a hot garage, compare enclosure ratings and temperature limits before you choose.
Which solar and battery inputs does it take?
Sol-Ark lists 2 MPPT inputs with a range of 175 V to 425 V. Its rated PV input voltage max is 500 V, per Sol-Ark. On the battery side, Sol-Ark rates charge and discharge current at up to 185 A each.
Sol-Ark gives a battery voltage range of 43 V to 63 V. Have your installer plan panel strings so they stay inside the listed voltage limits.
How fast does the Sol-Ark switch over to battery?
Sol-Ark lists a UPS switchover of 4 ms at most. If switchover time matters to you, compare the listed maximums.
Is the Sol-Ark good value at A1 SolarStore?
Not next to these rivals: it ranks #5 of 5 on value in this article. The current new price at A1 SolarStore is $4,699.50, which works out to 1.92 W/$. The EG4 Electronics 6000XP Off-Grid Inverter ranks #1 of 5 at 3.16 W/$.
Second place goes to the EG4 Electronics 12kPV Hybrid Inverter, which ranks #2 of 5 at 2.63 W/$. Watts per dollar leaves out features and build, so weigh it next to what you actually need.
Where is the Sol-Ark strongest?
Its clearest lead is the UPS switchover: Sol-Ark lists 4 ms at most, against 15 ms for the EG4 Electronics 6000XP Off-Grid Inverter and 20 ms for the 12kPV Hybrid Inverter, the 18kPV Hybrid Inverter and the MidNite. Among the hybrid models, it is also the lightest at 78 lb, against 101.85 lb for the MidNite, 110 lb for the EG4 Electronics 12kPV Hybrid Inverter and 121 lb for the 18kPV Hybrid Inverter.
Where does the Sol-Ark fall short?
Its PV input voltage max is 500 V, while the EG4 Electronics 12kPV Hybrid Inverter, the 18kPV Hybrid Inverter and the MidNite each list 600 V. Its recommended PV array of up to 13000 W is also smaller than the 15000 W listed for the 12kPV Hybrid Inverter and the MidNite, or the 21000 W for the 18kPV Hybrid Inverter.
For batteries, Sol-Ark lists lithium, while EG4 Electronics lists lead-acid or lithium for its models here and MidNite Power lists lithium or lead-acid. Reusing an older battery bank? Check its chemistry first.
Who should buy the Sol-Ark?
Buyers who want a hybrid with 9000 W of continuous output and a listed switchover maximum of 4 ms should look at it. Value shoppers have better picks, since it ranks #5 of 5.
Buyers who expect to add panels later should look closely at the recommended array size and the input voltage limit.
Why pick the 12kPV Hybrid Inverter instead?
One reason is price: the EG4 Electronics 12kPV Hybrid Inverter costs $3,036.50 at A1 SolarStore, against $4,699.50 for the Sol-Ark. That earns it #2 of 5 on value, where the Sol-Ark sits at #5 of 5. EG4 Electronics also lists a PV input voltage max of 600 V and a recommended array of up to 15000 W, against 500 V and 13000 W for the Sol-Ark.
Max solar input is the same on both, at 12000 W. The trade is output, weight and switchover: EG4 Electronics rates it for 8000 W of continuous output, below the 9000 W of the Sol-Ark. It is heavier, at 110 lb against 78 lb for the Sol-Ark.
Its listed switchover maximum is 20 ms, against 4 ms for the Sol-Ark.
What does the MidNite add over the Sol-Ark?
More output: MidNite Power rates the MN15-12KW-AIO Hybrid Inverter/Charger for 11400 W of continuous AC output, above the 9000 W of the Sol-Ark. MidNite Power lists 10000 W of continuous output on battery alone. It has 3 MPPT inputs to the 2 on the Sol-Ark, with a range of 70 V to 550 V.
Battery charge current reaches 210 A, against 185 A for the Sol-Ark. The cost is higher, at $5,650.23 at A1 SolarStore against $4,699.50, and it ranks #4 of 5 at 2.02 W/$. It is also heavier and taller, at 101.85 lb and 37.4 in, against 78 lb and 29.5 in for the Sol-Ark.
Is the 6000XP Off-Grid Inverter the budget pick?
Yes, on value: the EG4 Electronics 6000XP Off-Grid Inverter costs $1,898.27 at A1 SolarStore and ranks #1 of 5 at 3.16 W/$. The trade is size: it is rated for 6000 W of continuous output and 8000 W of max solar input, against 9000 W and 12000 W for the Sol-Ark. It weighs 52.9 lb and is rated for up to 16 units in parallel.
Its warranty is 5 years, while the Sol-Ark carries 10 years. The listed operating range of 0 C to 45 C is narrower than the -25 C to 55 C of the Sol-Ark.
How much more solar does the 18kPV Hybrid Inverter take?
EG4 Electronics lists 18000 W of max solar input for the 18kPV Hybrid Inverter, against 12000 W for the Sol-Ark. Its continuous output of 12000 W is the highest here, above 11400 W for the MidNite, 9000 W for the Sol-Ark, 8000 W for the 12kPV Hybrid Inverter and 6000 W for the 6000XP Off-Grid Inverter. The price is close, at $4,747.52 at A1 SolarStore against $4,699.50.
On watts per dollar it ranks #3 of 5 at 2.53 W/$. It is the heaviest here at 121 lb, against 101.85 lb for the MidNite, 110 lb for the 12kPV Hybrid Inverter, 78 lb for the Sol-Ark and 52.9 lb for the 6000XP Off-Grid Inverter. Size the array to your site first, then check the max solar input and recommended array limit of the inverter.