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Inverter Chargers

Inverter chargers and all-in-one solar inverters compared by continuous watts, charger amps, built-in MPPT input, transfer function and stated protections.

What to compare in inverter chargers

An inverter charger combines AC output and battery charging in one box, so the two halves of the spec sheet carry equal weight.

  • Inverter output: Continuous watts and surge watts are listed apart. Match the continuous figure to your biggest steady load and look at surge for motors.
  • Charger current: The stated charge amps show how quickly the bank refills from AC. Check that the figure suits your battery's stated charge limit.
  • Waveform: Pure sine wave is named on the listing. Modified sine units behave differently with sensitive electronics and some motors.
  • Shore power pass-through: Some units pass shore power through automatically. Check the listed switchover time if you plan to feed a computer.
  • Battery support: Look for named LiFePO4, AGM and gel profiles, since the charger half must suit your chemistry.
  • System voltage: Pick 12V, 24V or 48V to match your bank. Permanent hookups are a job for a licensed electrician.

Treat the unit as two products in one. If the inverter half fits but the charger half is too slow or lacks your chemistry, a separate charger may serve better, and the listings say how each half performs. Confirm that the listed continuous watts, charger amps and battery profiles all describe the same mode of operation.

Guides to read first