MPPT Solar Inverter

Comparing 48V solar inverter in terms of efficiency is usually more efficient than 12V solar inverter.
The reasons for this are mainly the following:

1. Lower current

Lower current required for the same power output at higher voltage reduces I²R losses.

2. Less heat

Lower current produces less heat, increasing overall system efficiency.

3. Higher Power Capacity

The 48V inverter system is able to handle larger power loads, making it more suitable for larger solar installations and reducing the need for parallel connections.

4. Battery Efficiency

48V battery systems typically offer better performance and longevity than 12V systems because the voltage levels are more stable.


While a 48V solar inverter will be more efficient than a 12V solar inverter, if you need to power small equipment such as cars, small solar systems, then a 12V solar inverter may be a better, more cost-effective option.

When buying a solar inverter, it is always advisable to weigh your situation and choose the best product for you.

Should I choose a 24V or 48V inverter? We can compare the advantages and disadvantages of 24V solar inverters and 48V solar inverters in terms of efficiency, power, system, battery configuration, durability and purchase price.
nfiguration, durability and purchase price.

1. Efficiency

48V Inverter: Typically more efficient because it operates at a higher voltage, lower current, less energy loss, and higher overall system efficiency.
24V Inverter: Higher current, in a large system, there will be higher losses, thus lower efficiency.

2. Power

48V Inverter: Capable of handling higher power loads for larger solar systems. Ideal for applications that require more energy, such as large solar installations, off-grid homes and commercial uses.
24V Inverter: Suitable for smaller solar systems and applications with low power requirements, such as cabins and RVs.

3. System Design

48V Inverter: Allows the use of smaller gauge wires and fewer parallel connections, simplifying system design and reducing installation costs.
24V Inverter: Requires thicker wires and more parallel connections to handle the same power, which can complicate design and increase installation costs.

4. Battery Configuration

48V Inverter: Usually use 48V battery packs. 48V battery packs provide more stable voltage and longer life.
24V Inverter: Compatible with 24V battery packs, but managing larger battery packs at 24V will result in lower efficiency.

5. Durability
48V Inverter: Due to the lower current, less heat is generated, which improves the reliability and longevity of the inverter and other system components.
24V Inverter: Higher current generates more heat, which can reduce the life and reliability of system components.

6. Purchase Price
48V Inverter: The cost of purchasing a 48V inverter is higher than a 24V inverter, but the 48V inverter is better in the long run due to its higher efficiency and the fact that most 48V inverters contain a feed-through feature.
24V inverter: less expensive to purchase, but cost effective for small to medium sized solar systems.

If you have higher power requirements, need a more efficient solar system, and want to minimize energy loss and heat generation to keep your solar system running for a long time.
The recommended choice is 48V inverter.

If you have low power requirements and a small solar system, you need a cost-effective solution for limited applications, such as a cozy cabin.
The recommended choice is 24V inverter.

Determining the number of solar panels required for a 48V solar inverter depends most of all on two points, including the power rating of the inverter, and the wattage of the solar panels. We believe the following calculation guide can help you determine the proper number of solar panels:

1. Determine the total power requirement
Determine the power rating of your 48V inverter (e.g. 6200W).

2. Solar panel specifications
Check the specifications of the solar panels, especially their wattage and voltage (e.g.: 300W solar panels at 36V).

3. Series configuration to match voltage
In order to match the inverter's 48V input requirement, you need to connect a sufficient number of solar panels in series so that their total voltage is equal to or slightly higher than 48V. e.g. if you have 36V panels, you need to connect at least two panels in series (36V + 36V = 72V).

Typically, you want the total voltage of the panels connected in series to be within the MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) voltage range of the inverter. For a 48V inverter, the MPPT range may be 60V to 120V or higher, depending on the inverter model you wish to choose.

4. Calculate Total Wattage
Divide the total power requirement of the inverter by the wattage of the solar panels to determine the number of panels required.

PS:
Calculating the solar panels required for a 48v inverter should be considered at the same time;
INVERTER CAPACITY: The power capacity of the inverter determines the maximum amount of power it can handle at any given time.
This capacity must be taken into account when calculating the number of solar panels to ensure that the total output of the panels does not exceed the capacity of the inverter.

For example

Inverter: 6200W 48V solar inverter
Solar panels: 300W each, 36V

Connect in series:
Meet voltage requirements: 36V panels connected in series to approach or exceed 48V.
Two panels connected in series: 36V + 36V = 72V

Total power requirement: 6200W; number of 300W panels required: 6200W / 300W ≈ 20.67, so 21 panels are required.

From this example we can see that for a 48V, 6200W rated inverter with 300W, 36V solar panels, a total of about 21 solar panels are needed.

But this is just a simple calculation example, the exact selection method still needs to start from the size of solar panels you choose, the amount of sunshine of your solar system and your energy demand.

To connect four 12V batteries to realize a 48V system for use by the inverter, you need to connect the batteries in series.

Steps for connecting four 12V batteries in series

First identify the battery terminals: each battery has a positive (+) terminal and a negative (-) terminal.
Then it's time to arrange the batteries: put them in order so that you can easily connect the positive terminal of one battery to the negative terminal of the next.

Make the connections:

Step 1:
Connect the positive terminal of the first battery to the negative terminal of the second battery.

Step 2:
Connect the positive terminal of the second battery to the negative terminal of the third battery.

Step 3:
Connect the positive terminal of the third battery to the negative terminal of the fourth battery.

Step 4:
In this way, the first battery will have an unconnected positive terminal and the fourth battery will have an unconnected negative terminal.

connected to the inverter:

Step 5:
Connect the unconnected positive terminal of the first battery to the positive input of the inverter.

Step 6:
Connect the unconnected negative terminal of the fourth battery to the negative input of the inverter.

By connecting the batteries in series (positive terminal to negative terminal), you are effectively adding their voltages while keeping the capacity Ah constant. Four 12V batteries connected in series will provide 48V to meet the input requirements of the inverter. Ensure that all connections are secure and double check the polarity before turning on the system to avoid causing damage to the batteries and solar inverter.