I have a 12-volt solar panel system installed in my car, including batteries. Roof space for panels is limited, so efficiency is important; MPPT charge controller, thick gauge wiring, and this inverter. From this inverter I run a long extension cord to my tent where I power my work gear; monitors, laptop, and cell phone, totaling between 30-200 watts. I also use it for a small electric blanket (150 watt) if I'm up late in the cold. It works perfectly, and being pure sine is safe for my computer stuff. Note that I usually do not ground this system and it works fine (not that I'm recommending this).
Inverters have a peak efficiency which is at around 50% load. If you look at the specifications of this on their site, it says peak efficiency is 90% at 50% load. You can also Google "inverter efficiency curve" to see how it works. Generally you want to be between 40-80% load. That's why to get a smaller inverter. I chose 300 watt because it fits my average usage profile perfectly. At about 100 watts average draw, this inverter's fan doesn't even need to run, which is exactly what I wanted. It's pretty quiet and cool.
Pictures are of the inverter wired into my setup.
Edit: I got my car stuck in 4 feet of snow (oops) and, in a rush to evacuate all my solar gear, I tore off the flat end of this inverter's included battery cable. I emailed Samlex, this is almost a year after purchase, asking if they could send a replacement cable. The next business day they had sent me one for free. I'm impressed and will be targeting Samlex for future purchases like this.
| Manufacturer | Samlex America |
|---|---|
| Brand | Samlex America |
| Model | Samlex PST-300-12 PST Series Pure Sine Wave Inverter - 300 Watt |
| Item Weight | 3.5 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 9.7 x 5.8 x 2.6 inches |
| Item model number | PST-300-12 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Manufacturer Part Number | PST-300-12 |
| Wattage | 300 watts |
