The inverter is a device that changes direct current (DC), produced by your solar panels to alternating current (AC), which is used appliances in your home.
This differs from the “converter”, which is used for recreational vehicle (RV). Converters actually chargers and accessories DC. They are completely different from the inverters.
Inverters do the opposite of what the charger is doing. DC can be used directly for several instruments, lamps, and pumps, but for the most part, appliances in your home will require alternating current. Most 12V DC appliances, poorly made, or incredibly expensive compared to their cousins AC. Total battery voltage inputs to inverters 12, 24, 48 volts.
There is a special line of inverters-called “grid tie” inverter, which typically do not use batteries. The solar panel current goes directly to the inverter and the output inverter is directly connected to the grid. That’s the power either sold back to utilities or offset some of the power used in the household. These inverters require a voltage 48 volts and above.
Some of these grid tie inverters can also be used with batteries, however, account for significant losses in efficiency in the network. This loss of power, depending on the age and quality of the inverter itself. Power loss can range from 5% up to 50%.
Be careful with the low cost of inverters, which do not use 60 Hz, copper wound output transformers. Copper is expensive, but for any solar energy system, its advantages and proven unexpendable. Inverters this quality is usually heavier than other inverters, which do not contain copper.