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**Mike90250** · 03-04-2016, 12:41 AM

don't buy that inverter yet !
a single battery will not power a 2000w load for very long, just a couple of minutes, less it's a bit discharged. (2Kw @ 12V = 167A) plus the standby losses of a 2Kw inverter are generally twice that of a 1Kw inverter.
Also, cheap 12V inverters are generally mod-sine inverters and will not work well with transformers, motors, or gear that uses electromagnetism in it's operation (fan, transformer in the TV set, cordless tool chargers)

**ssnova** · 03-04-2016, 01:01 AM

Too late, already bought it, haha, it was in the above section for things I already have. However, I didn't plan on using the 2000watts continuous, I kind of just got it for overhead. Also, I know it's a mod-sine wave and not a true/pure sine wave, but the price was right, and some tests showed that it was a pretty decent performer for what it was. Thanks for the headsup, I know it's not ideal, but it's what I've got, haha.. I actually did not know that the standby loss would be 2x though.

**ButchDeal** · 03-04-2016, 10:32 AM

Originally posted by ssnova

Too late, already bought it, haha, it was in the above section for things I already have. However, I didn't plan on using the 2000watts continuous, I kind of just got it for overhead. Also, I know it's a mod-sine wave and not a true/pure sine wave, but the price was right, and some tests showed that it was a pretty decent performer for what it was. Thanks for the headsup, I know it's not ideal, but it's what I've got, haha.. I actually did not know that the standby loss would be 2x though.

it isn't the standby loss that is the concern. it is the fact that this is a 2kw inverter at 12V which is dangerous. it also is capable of 4kw peak.

http://www.voltageconverters.com/itemdesc.asp?ic=KR2000

it reminds me of this shop I used to take my bike to. Two good friends, a mechanic and a painter. The painter had a nice bike and the mechanic was telling me about how it got that way. He insisted on supping up the engine ONLY, bored it out, super charger, nitros it was capable of nearly double factory power.
The very first ride within a mile of the shop, he ripped the clutch assembly and primary drive chain to shreds.

You would be far better off setting the whole system up for 24V

**ssnova** · 03-04-2016, 03:34 PM

That was something I was not aware of. However, are you implying that I can change this setup? I understand that I can run the 2 panels in a series and get 24V, and also buy another 12V AGM cell and run those in a series to get 24V... then my question is, what do I do with my inverter?

And, good analogy by the way, but to clarify, are you saying that hooking up a 2kW inverter to 12volts is the weak point? Too much draw for a 12 volt setup?

I was just building this thing to get my feet wet with Photo Voltaics.. I'd use it mildly, but if anything, once I did this, I was planning on putting it on an RV or perhaps Airstream or something.

--

Also, going with what you said about going 24v, I did see a reviewer on Amazon that made a 24V charge, but is still using the same inverter:

"I'm in the process of setting up my garage on solar. I've got x2 150 watt 12 volt panels wired in series for 24 volts then runs to my china MPPT charge controller then charges a pair of wally deep cycle 12 volt group 29dc batteries. I hooked this 2000 watt inverter to those batteries & can run my 1.5 hp air compressor for a few minutes ONLY b/c of my limited battery capacity (about 210 amps) it will bring the volts way down & the compressor struggles to push past 75 psi. If you had a bigger battery bank you could run this compressor for longer. I bought a smaller 1/3 hp compressor (300 watts) for most of my small air blowing jobs etc. I have battery operated 18 volt tools (700 ft.? lb. impact gun etc.) so I no longer rely on my bigger compressor since powering the garage on solar. It does power my 1300 watt circular saw with ease, along with garage lights, & my trickle chargers for riding mower etc. One of the buttons (to switch the outlets on) seems to of got stuck sideways so it looks a little funny but still functions. This inverter is one of the few that come with good gauge wires & they throw in a fuse. The 3 year warranty is also good. I've seen other leading brands with 2 yrs. max & as you may know most electronics fail on average within 3 years. That's why you only see warranty coverage's for only 2 years or less & not any longer. I have no complaints except for the 2 plastic buttons left of the outlets. I would not think twice about buying this inverter again. Will update in the long haul"

**ButchDeal** · 03-04-2016, 03:53 PM

Originally posted by ssnova

That was something I was not aware of. However, are you implying that I can change this setup? I understand that I can run the 2 panels in a series and get 24V, and also buy another 12V AGM cell and run those in a series to get 24V... then my question is, what do I do with my inverter?

And, good analogy by the way, but to clarify, are you saying that hooking up a 2kW inverter to 12volts is the weak point? Too much draw for a 12 volt setup?

I was just building this thing to get my feet wet with Photo Voltaics.. I'd use it mildly, but if anything, once I did this, I was planning on putting it on an RV or perhaps Airstream or something.

I would suggest returning the inverter if possible or selling it for a 24V one. The entire 12V system is weak, cables have to be huge, double the amperage going through everything vs a 24V system.
Think of it this way. say you want to pull 10A load at 120V
if you use a 48V inverter then the DC side would have a ~25a draw
if you use a 24V system then the DC side would have a 50a
if you use a 12V system then the DC side has a 100a draw

10a 120V = 1.2kw

so the wire sizes have to be larger to handle this extra draw. in your case you have to deal with more than double that as your inverter is 2/4 kw

12V systems of this size are hard to keep from exploding.

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Piecing together a simple kit...need a little help/guidance to complete it..

Piecing together a simple kit...need a little help/guidance to complete it..

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