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.

[Jafo]

Originally Posted by hierony

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.

My smaller inverter is a quality one, but not a pure sine inverter. I found that running the electric through a surge strip is fine enough for my computers, flat screen monitor and other equipment. I have never had a problem with "dirty" power. I have also never had an issue with charging batteries with it, as long as I run it through the power strip. I have no idea why it matters, but I am not the only one to report this. Pure sine inverters are pretty pricey and I have yet to see the need for one.

My larger inverter is a Harbor Freight special. It doesn't get used very often. When I run the shop vac or a saw or anything else that needs a lot of power I use it. It has worked perfect for that stuff, but I would not rely on it for constant use. It is a 2000 watt/4000 peak inverter.

My dad was in radio biz from the gitgo. He had a ham set up. dah-di dah-dit --dah- dah dit- dah. That was 55 years ago and I still remember CQ. lol

Same thing with my father and grandfather. There were nights when I was away and I could swear that I could still hear the Morse code in my head lol.

I just have a tech license, no code required. In fact, there is no code requirement for a general license anymore. I just haven't had the time to study for the test.