RV Inverters

What is an Inverter?

Inverters are devices that turn direct current (DC) electricity to usable alternating current (AC) electricity. RV inverters are usually a combination inverter and charger. When AC power is available, such as from shore power, the inverter converts it to DC power to charge the batteries and passes the needed AC power to the coach. When AC power is disconnected, like with solar, the solar panels charge the batteries and the inverter inverts the battery DC power into AC electricity for the coach.

Inverter Size

The inverter size must match the electricity the coach is pulling, typically 2000 to 3000 watts. If the size does not match the load, then some appliances will not work because they don't have enough power to run. An over-sized inverter means the customer paid too much, and an undersized inverter leads to appliances not working.

Modified or Pure Sine Wave

The inverter type, modified or sine wave, is very important. AC electricity runs in a pure sine wave. Modified sine wave inverters are cheaper, but use outdated technology that tries to match the AC pure sine wave, but does a clunky job. Pure sine wave inverters match the AC sine wave perfectly, consume 30% less energy, and are much more efficient than modified sine wave inverters. Essentially, pure sine wave is designed for modern electronics and modified sine wave is not. Modified sine wave inverters will not work on, or could burn out, printers, washing machines, laptops, chargers, some lights, digital clocks, new TVs, etc.

Magnum Energy Inverters

Solar Energy Systems prefers Magnum Energy Inverters and inverter products. Magnum Energy offers a wide variety of inverters and a fully integrated system with an MPPT Controller, auto-gen start, and battery and online monitoring.

Magnum Inverter Features

Available in 12, 24, and 48 volt configurations
Power factor corrected (PFC) charger: uses 25-30% less energy than standard charger
Easy to repair: can be repaired in the field or in our Magnum Energy Authorized Inverter Service Center

Magnum Hybrid

The MSH-M Series Inverter / Charger from Magnum Energy – a pure sine wave inverter designed with true hybrid technology allowing it to run larger loads from smaller generators

Hybrid technology: Most inverters only use one source of energy to power loads, either from incoming AC power – shore or AC generator – or from the batteries. The MSH-M Series combines the energy from both sources to power loads. This allows the inverter to recharge the batteries when there is surplus power or deliver more power to the loads if they require more than the AC input can supply by itself.

Magnum Pure Sine Wave

The MS Series Inverter/Charger – a pure sine wave inverter designed specifically for the most demanding mobile, backup, and off-grid applications. The MS Series Inverter/Charger is powerful, easy-to-use, and best of all, cost effective.

Power Factor Corrected (PFC) Charger: The PFC charger is built into all of Magnum's inverter/chargers. It uses less energy from a generator than a standard charger – using 25-30% less AC current than standard chargers.

Easy-to-install: Install the MS Series in four easy steps: simply connect the inverter’s output to your distribution circuits or electrical panel, connect your utility power cable to the inverter’s easy-to-reach terminal block, connect the batteries, and switch on the power.