The inverter is a basic component of any independent power system that requires AC power. Inverters convert DC power stored in batteries into AC power to run conventional appliances. Popular items run from an inverter include computers, entertainment systems, power tools and kitchen appliances. Just over a decade ago inverters were so inefficient and unreliable, many people restricted themselves to 12 volt lights and appliances. If you have tried shopping for 12 volt appliances lately, you will find there is a limited selection available. The efficient and reliable modern inverter and the availability of efficient, inexpensive 120 volt AC lighting has led many people to wire their dwellings for AC power only. There are three waveforms produced by solid state inverters. The simplest, a square wave, used to be all that was available. Today it is very rare. Many appliances will not operate on a square wave. Modified Sine Wave Modified sine wave inverters approximate a sine wave and have low enough harmonics that they do not cause problems with household equipment. They run TV's, stereos, induction motors (including capacitor start), universal motors, computers, microwave, and more quite well. The main disadvantage of a modified sine wave inverter is that the peak voltage varies with the battery voltage. Inexpensive electronic devices with no regulation of their power supply may behave erratically when the battery voltage fluctuates. True Sine Wave Grid Intertie You can truly become your own power company and not only a user of power, but a provider as well. There are multiple layers of bureaucracy that surround this issue, to say the least! Expect to hear more about it in the future as BC Hydro and Canada in general lag behind the United States and European countries as far as accepting this technology. You can purchase a fully certified grid intertie inverter system that is compliant with world wide accepted standards, plug it into your house and become a power provider. This is not Science-Fiction, or a product from Popular Mechanics. These are certified products that are available, off the shelf for people just like you to use!
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