When to choose a 24V inverter?

A 24V inverter is the ideal balance between simplicity and performance in off-grid installations with medium consumption. By operating at 24 V DC, the current is half that of 12 V for the same power, which reduces losses in the wiring, allows for more reasonable cable sizes, and promotes more efficient system operation.

Advantages of 24V compared to 12V

• Less voltage drop in battery–inverter sections.
• Higher sustained power without extreme currents.
• Cleaner sizing of fuses, disconnectors, and busbars.

And when to move to 48V?

• If the continuous power exceeds ~3 kW or the DC cable runs are long, it is advisable to consider 48V to further reduce the current.

Typical applications

• Off-grid homes with medium consumption (refrigerator, lighting, small appliances, ICT).
• Demanding caravans and campers with several simultaneous loads.
• Small installations in workshops, cabins, and marine applications with higher demand.

Key selection criteria

• Nominal and peak power: calculate simultaneous loads and start-ups (compressors, pumps).
• Pure sine wave to protect electronics and motors.
• Low efficiency losses and standby consumption to save battery.
• Integrated functions:
  • Need to charge from grid/generator? → inverter with 24V charger.
  • Need to connect panels directly? → inverter with charger + MPPT or with MPPT.
• Protections (low voltage, overtemperature, short circuit) and communications (RS485/CAN, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth).
• IP rating and ventilation suitable for the environment.

General specifications

Installation best practices

• Install a DC fuse close to the battery positive and an accessible disconnector.
• Use properly sized cables to keep the voltage drop <3% in the DC section.
• Adjust the battery thresholds (type and voltages) and check ventilation and thermal dissipation.

For projects that exceed the typical scope of 12 V but do not require 48 V, 24V inverters offer an efficiency boost with a still simple installation. Also review the options with 24V charger and with integrated MPPT to simplify the system.