question about solar power!

[hierony]

The ID plate on the freezer says it draws 5 amps, so that'd make for about 600 watts; I'd need better tools to give a more definitive answer. Some sheets suggest it'll be running at 80-100 watts anywhere from 25% to 45% of the time, temp & setting dependent.

But with startup surges, it might last anywhere from <1s to 15 seconds or so. Most inverters go by their continuous rating but usually have a 'peak' rating double that. A well-designed inverter will probably have a 1s rating, a 5s rating, and a 30s peak rating (some variability on those intervals) listed in the specs. What you're fighting there is heat buildup in the transistors--the quality of the transistors, the quality of the heat sink, ambient temp, the design safety factor all factor in there. Too much current->too much heat and you let the magic smoke out... But high current for a second or two will usually be alright as long as corners weren't cut in the making.

The short of it--get a good quality inverter from a reputable maker, not the cheap $20 knock-offs that won't meet their own specifications, if they even give you specifications. You'll also get better quality electricity (better for motors, better for electronics). Get an oscilloscope and look at the output of your inverters vs your house mains and you'll see what I mean.