How to choose an inverter — a guide for cottage and car needs

What is an inverter and what is it needed for?

You can find all inverters here.

An inverter converts direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC), allowing you to power standard household appliances from a car battery, boat battery bank, or solar panel systems. An inverter is an essential piece of equipment for cottages, camping, and emergency situations.

Key features of an inverter

Power (watts)

The power of the inverter determines which devices you can use. Add up the power consumption of all the devices you plan to use:

  • Laptop: 45–90 W
  • Refrigerator: 100–400 W
  • Microwave: 700–1,200 W
  • Power tools: 500–2,000 W

Choose an inverter with a rated power output 20–30% higher than the combined power of your devices.

Pure sine wave vs. modified sine wave

Pure sine wave is the better option — it is suitable for all devices, including sensitive electronic equipment. Modified sine wave is cheaper but can damage sensitive devices.

Input voltage: 12V or 24V?

  • 12V: generally suitable for passenger cars, boats, etc. Check which one you are using, 12V or 24V.
  • 24V: generally suitable for heavy vehicles, e.g., trucks.

Choosing the right inverter based on intended use

Cottage or off-grid use

For a cottage, we recommend a pure sine wave inverter in the 1,000–3,000 W range. Green Cell inverters are a reliable choice for long-term use.

Car or boat

A 1,000 W inverter is well-suited for a car or boat's 12V system, allowing you to charge laptops, run a small refrigerator, or use power tools.

Emergency preparedness

For emergency situations, a 500–1,000 W inverter is sufficient to keep essential devices running during a power outage.

Green Cell inverters — a reliable choice

Northlund's range includes a wide selection of Green Cell pure sine wave inverters from 1,000 W to 3,000 W, for both 12V and 24V systems.

Explore all inverters and chargers at Northlund and find a solution that fits your needs.