Solar Hybrid Inverters

Solar Controllers, Inverters, and hybrid Solar Controller/Inverters

MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE

Before investing in any type of solar controller, it’s essential to explore the advantages of power stations. For many customers, they offer a superior solution compared to traditional controllers and batteries.

Are you in need of mains power?

Choosing between a simple or hybrid controller largely hinges on whether you require an inverter for mains power. Opting for a simple controller is more economical and straightforward if mains power isn’t a necessity. However, if you do require mains power, a hybrid inverter is likely the optimal choice.

For systems with 48V batteries, hybrid inverters can deliver outputs of 5kW or higher, meeting the needs of the majority of our customers comfortably.

However, with 12V batteries, hybrid inverter output is limited to 1500W. While this may suffice for sailing yachts and many narrowboats, it might not meet the requirements of our other customers. If you’re utilizing 12V batteries and need more than 1500W of mains power, opting for a simple controller alongside a sufficiently powerful inverter becomes necessary. (Refer below for more details).

Simple MPPT Controllers

There are always two technical types of solar controller – PWM and MPPT. The former is cheaper but offers 20% less performance. We dot believe them to be a viable option and do not offer them for sale.

MPPT Solar Controllers

Traditionally solar output goes from your panels to a solar controller that charges your batteries. The controller rating is determined by the power output in Amps of the solar panels. A standard 400w panel operates at 24v – 17A, but the same panel running at 12v produces 34A. A simple solar controller does nothing else. It is not a mains battery charger and you need an inverter if you want 110/230v mains electricity, the rating of which is determined by how much power you need. (See below)

Inverters

Inverters are available to convert either 12V or 48V electricity to 110V or 230V. However, units for converting mains to 12V or 48V are not currently provided here.

It’s crucial that your inverter’s rated capacity exceeds at least 125% of your peak consumption. To assist you in determining your peak consumption, we offer a FREE Energy Consumption Calculator. Simply Contact Us to receive your copy.

Furthermore, the inverters we offer are designed to provide twice their rated load for a brief burst, a necessary feature as many devices draw significantly more power than their normal consumption during startup

Hybrid MPPT Solar Controller/Inverters

MPPT Hybrid Solar Controller/Inverters

Relatively new to the market, these devices offer more functions than a simple controller. As well as being solar controllers, they are also mains battery chargers, and the inverter function provides 110/230v mains electricity. They are available in inverter power ratings of

1500w connected to 12v batteries,
3Kw, and 5Kw connected to 48v batteries

Installation of the solar controller element is identical to that of a simple controller, but the unit also needs to be connected to mains In and mains Out.

Our Suppliers

Our policy is to deal with a small number of known suppliers. We give preference to Europeans wherever possible. For controllers we have chosen EASun and EcoWorthy – both Chinese but with extensive stock, warehouses, and after-sales service in Europe. The British company Sterling Power also produces a premium range of simple and hybrid controllers that we stock.