What is an inverter and what is it needed for?
An inverter converts direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC), allowing you to use regular 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 emergencies.
Key features of an inverter
Power (watts)
The inverter's power determines which devices you can use. Add up the power consumption of all devices to be used:
- Laptop: 45–90 W
- Refrigerator: 100–400 W
- Microwave: 700–1,200 W
- Power tools: 500–2,000 W
Choose an inverter whose rated power is 20–30% higher than the combined power of your devices.
Pure sine wave vs. modified sine wave
A pure sine wave is the better option — it is suitable for all devices, including sensitive electronics. A modified sine wave is cheaper but can damage sensitive devices.
Input voltage: 12V or 24V?
- 12V: generally suitable for passenger cars and boats, etc. Check whether 12V or 24V is in use.
- 24V: generally suitable for heavy vehicles, e.g., trucks.
Choosing the right inverter based on intended use
Cottage or off-grid use
For cottages, we recommend a pure sine wave inverter with a power range of 1,000–3,000 W. 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, use a small refrigerator, or power tools.
Emergency preparedness
For emergencies, 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 selection includes a wide range 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 the right solution for your needs.