Quick Answer
Sizing an inverter for a mobile home is possible, but it requires careful consideration of the home's electrical load, solar panel capacity, and desired battery bank state of charge.
Understanding the Loads
Sizing an inverter for a mobile home involves calculating the total electrical load of the home, which includes appliances, lighting, and other devices. A common approach is to identify the maximum power draw of individual appliances and then sum these values to determine the total load. For example, a refrigerator might draw 2 amps at 120 volts, while a hair dryer might draw 10 amps at 120 volts. By summing these values, you can determine the total load, which might be around 3000 watts for a typical mobile home.
Inverter Selection Criteria
When selecting an inverter for a mobile home, consider the peak power rating, continuous power rating, and DC input voltage range. The peak power rating should be at least 25% higher than the total load to accommodate startup surges and other transient conditions. The continuous power rating should match the total load, and the DC input voltage range should accommodate the output voltage of the solar panels and charge controller. For example, a 3000-watt inverter might have a peak power rating of 3750 watts and a continuous power rating of 3000 watts, with a DC input voltage range of 12-15 volts.
Example Calculation
To size an inverter for a mobile home, let’s assume the total load is 3000 watts, with a peak power rating of 25% higher at 3750 watts. We might select a 3750-watt inverter with a continuous power rating of 3000 watts and a DC input voltage range of 12-15 volts. The inverter would need to be paired with a charge controller that can handle the maximum solar panel output voltage and a battery bank that can store excess energy for later use.
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