The prospect of self-sustaining energy is an attractive one to many people; this is because the energy supply has become more and more erratic as time has gone by. Power outages and interruptions to energy generation have become common around the world, and it only seems to be getting worse.
Contents
Self-sufficient energy can also be more cost-effective, so it’s only natural that people would want to find the right energy setup for their needs. In this review, we will take a look at the Sol-Ark 12K inverter. Throughout the review, we will show you some of the benefits, features, and downsides of this inverter to help you decide whether it’s right for you.
Overview of Sol-Ark 12K Solar Hybrid Inverter
The Sol-Ark 12K Hybrid Inverter is one of a large line of products that Sol-Ark produces to make self-sufficient energy an affordable reality. It is versatile, as it can be used with many different types of batteries and energy sources.
Additionally, it is designed with ease of use in mind, as the pre-wired nature of the inverter makes it easy and convenient to set up.
Solar capabilities are incredibly important, and in the past, we have looked at why solar panels are such a great addition to your energy setup.
Importance of Having a Hybrid Inverter for Your Off-Grid Solar Setup
The phrase ‘hybrid inverter’ is important, as it refers to the ability to support power from traditional power sources such as outlets and alternative methods such as solar power. As we have seen before when we have covered how to achieve off-grid power, solar power and inverters such as these can be essential additions.
This is vital if you’re planning on using multiple methods to charge the battery of your inverter, and this particular one has you covered. This way, you can use solar power on sunny days and rely on the regular power grid in times when solar power won’t cut it.
This gives you many options for self-sufficiency, so hybrid capabilities are somewhat of an essential feature when it comes to inverters.
We have previously looked at some of the ways you can prepare for outages related to extreme weather scenarios for more information.
Sol-Ark 12K Inverter Review
About the Sol-Ark Brand
It’s always great to see a company that was founded to try and solve a problem. As you know the people involved have a personal investment in creating great products. This is the case with Sol-Ark, as it began as an effort to create self-sustaining energy solutions for those involved.
The company as we know it began in 2013, and in this time they have become a major name in personal energy technology. They’re constantly innovating and improving, and this is the case with the inverter we’re looking at in this review.
Key Features and Benefits
- All In One- As we touched on earlier, this inverter has been designed to be as convenient as possible. It’s pre-wired, has the charge controller, and more all included.
- Battery Agnostic- Unlike some inverters which are only compatible with one kind of battery, this one is compatible with multiple 48V batteries, including lithium and lead.
- Long Life– The inverter has been tested and proven to have a lifespan well beyond the estimated 10-year warranty.
- Engineered In USA- The inverter was engineered and tested in the USA, and you will have access to an engineer if you need help with any issues.
- Color Touch Screen- The included color touch screen makes it easier to control and set the inverter settings.
Design
The inverter has a simple rectangular design, and the size is pretty decent considering the specifications it features. The dimensions are 28.0″ x 17.375″ x 9.37″ and it weighs 77lbs. This is worth considering when seeing if it will fit into the space you have in mind for it.
Setup and Installation
The setup for the inverter has been designed to be as easy as possible. As mentioned previously, everything is pre-wired and you have everything you need to get started. There are also detailed instructions included to help you with setup.
You should be able to set up the device easily with minimal tools, but if you do struggle with it then an electrician would be able to help you with setup.
Technical Specifications
The solar output power of the inverter is 12 000W, showing us where the 12K in the name comes from. The max DC voltage comes in at 500V @ 18A, 450V @ 20A, and the starting voltage is 125V.
This is just a small sample of the specifications, but you can get a more detailed rundown of the specs on this pamphlet for the inverter.
Performance and Reliability
Sol-Ark has become one of the most trusted and well-known names in this field, and this is evident with their products. The Sol-Ark 12K inverter is no exception, and it has proven to be a robust and reliable device.
Not only will it perform its functions reliably and efficiently, but it also has longevity. Sol-Ark estimates that it will well outlast its 10-year warranty, giving you many useful years with your inverter.
Customer Service and Support
If you have any issues with the product, you will have a few options for contacting Sol-Ark directly. You will find their contact details on this contact page, and these include phone numbers and email addresses. It is also possible to open a support ticket to address specific problems you may have.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- All in one design.
- Battery agnostic.
- Fairly easy to set up.
- Long life.
- Great for self-sustaining energy.
Cons
- Some people may need assistance setting up.
Conclusion and Where to Buy
Overall, we are impressed with this particular inverter option. We’re always left with a good impression when looking at Sol-Ark products, and this is no exception. If you’re looking for a 12K hybrid inverter, you won’t find much better than this, especially for such a great price point.
If you would like to purchase one for yourself, you can find it on the Practical Preppers website for $7100. We would highly recommend it to anyone looking to increase their energy self-sufficiency capabilities.
Sol-Ark Inverter Frequently Asked Questions
Where are Sol-Ark Inverters Made?
The inverters are manufactured in Plato, Texas.
What is Sol-Ark’s Meter Zero Mode?
This mode allows you to zero your electrical bill without the need for an additional smart meter device.
Does Sol-Ark 12K Work With Any Battery?
It should be compatible with most 48V batteries, regardless of the type.
Does Sol-Ark 12K Qualify For a Federal Tax Credit?
This can be the case but will depend on the state you live among various other factors.
How Much Money Does Sol-Ark 12K Save Selling Power to the Grid?
This can again depend on many different factors. If you contact Sol-Ark customer support, they can help you to work out an estimate based on your situation.
