In India, the power supply scenario isn’t something that you can boast about. If you are living in the capitals, you might face 2- 4 hours blackouts regularly. However, if you are somewhere near the countryside, there are significant chances that you might be experiencing power cuts frequently ranging from 7-8 hours easily.
But, there is a solution to every problem, and a simple answer could be a home inverter. When you go out to buy one of these, you might get confused as there is a lot of variety available in inverters as well.
So, everyone’s top priority is to buy the best inverter for their home. However, most of the people don’t know which inverter will work best for them. This is where there is a need for a proper understanding of the basics and related facts. And, if you are also having similar doubts, there are some crucial factors that you must consider before buying:
- Power Capacity: The power of an Inverter is given in VA, that is Volt Ampere. Higher the capacity, the more the number of appliances it can run simultaneously.
- Battery Life: As far as the battery capacity is your concern, you can buy batteries for your inverter according to your requirements. Larger batteries store more, provide more.
- Brand: While buying an Inverter for home, you must not compromise with the brand. Don’t go for the local ones. Otherwise, it may end up ruining some of your home appliances.
However, if you are still not able to find the one for you, do check out the ‘Buying Guide‘ before having a look at our top picks for the Best inverters for home in India.
Best Inverters For Home Use in India: 2020 Review
Best Invereters | Features | Warranty | Buy Online |
---|---|---|---|
luminous 1100va inverter with 150 ah tubular battery | High maximum output load & MCB protection | 2 Years | Check the Price |
Apc 850va inverter | Wide input voltage window suited for Indian conditions | 2 Years | Check the Price |
Microtek 1125Va Inverter | Internal Bypass switch & IBGM technology for longer battery life | 2/3 Years | Check the Price |
V-Guard 1150 va inverter | Water top up reminder & Battery Gravity Builder | 2 Years | Check the Price |
Luminous 2KVA Inverter with 18000ah batteries | Comes with 2 Batteries & can handle heavy loads | 2 Years for inverter and 18 months each for the batteries | Check the Price |
Top 5 Best Home Inverters in India 2020
1. luminous 1100va inverter with 150 ah tubular battery
First on our list is the Luminous Zelio, an intelligent inverter that uses sine wave technology to provide you with excellent power backup time.
A majority of our household appliances are sensitive to sudden absence or surges of power. The sinewave output from the Luminous Zelio protects such appliances. Its reliability and its performance ratings led to it being placed in the first position of our list.
Top Features
- 32 bit DSP processor gives optimal speed (enough for a home inverter)
- Protection from overload, short circuits, deep discharges and reverse polarity
- Protects the input mains through the MCB
- Compact display for power backup remaining in hours and minutes
- Running Load has a capacity of 3 Tube Lights, 1 Television, 1 Air Cooler, 3 CFLs
- Available in 12V (The 1100 series) and 24V variants (The 1700 series)
- Power rating is 756W (1200W for the 1700 series) which is an acceptable rating for such home appliances
Battery Support: The Luminous Zelio 1100 and 1700 variants both can support normal Lead acid Batteries or VRLA or Tubular or Flat Plate. Batteries are not included and should be bought seperately
Warranty
Luminous provides you with a 2 year manufacturer’s warranty and onsite support. For support, you can call up 1800 103 3039.
Pros
- Uses pure sine wave technology and thus doubles as a surge protector.
- 2-Years manufacturer’s warranty.
- Supports all types of batteries
- Can work for a total of 8 appliances
- No large noises
Cons
- Need to buy the battery separate
- Needs to work on their support department
2. Apc 850va Home Inverter
American Power Conversion (APC) is a subsidiary of the Schindler Electrics and their UPS series are some of the best selling all over the world.
The Home UPS BI850SINE from APC is a Pure Sine Wave inverter specifically designed for the Indian electricity conditions. It has 3 stages external battery charging system that gives it very fast charging speeds. It is child-safe, shockproof and also has short circuit protection and hence gets the second position on our list.
Top Features
- Pure Sinewave technology
- Has child safe, short circuit and shockproof design
- Sine Wave power backup so it goes easy on all the connected appliances
- 500 Watt output capacity
- 3 Pin plug holes for direct connection of appliances
- Can be used for a wide range of home appliances and electronics such as stereo sets, gaming equipment, lights, fans, TV, home theatre etc.,
Charging and Battery
The APC BI850SINE can house flat plate or tubular type of batteries. The compatible battery sizes for this UPS system range from 80ah to 180ah (of 12V). The batteries charging system is a microprocessor based 3 stage external charging system for faster charging. For a full charge, it gives you about 2.5-4 hours of run time.
Warranty and Support
APC provides you with a 2 years manufacturer’s warranty for any making defects.
Pros
- Has faster charging
- No large humming sounds
- 2 years manufacturer’s warranty
- Thoroughly insulated and protected
Cons
- Compatible with only 2 types of batteries. Flat plate or Tubular
3. Microtek 1125Va Inverter
Next on our list is the Microtek sine wave technology inverter.
The Microtek 1125Va comes with an internal bypass switch and hence takes up the third place on our list. It bypasses the electricity in the event of a failure and thus makes it safe for the appliances even if the inverter fails.
Top Features
- Made with hybrid technology and thus operates with very less noise or humming
- Comes with IBGM technology for longer battery life
- Bypass switch will bypass the electricity in case of UPS failure
Charging and Battery
The Microtek 1125Va comes with a Pulse Width Modulator controller. This controller is responsible for the Automatic Trickle Movement (ATM) and this gives faster charging to the battery.
While the backup is dependent on the battery used (can use 100,120,150,200 and 220ah batteries), for a 120-150Ah battery, the charging time is about 4-6 hours and gives about 2 or 3 hours of backup which is great for a sine wave inverter
Warranty and support
The warranty for this product is dependent on the seller. It could range from 2 years to 3 years. Please refer to the product page for more details
Pros
- Great product build
- Reliable brand
- Faster charging
- Low noise
Cons
- Though advertised as a pure sine wave, it is a normal sine wave inverter.
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4. V-Guard 1150 VA inverter
For a very long time, V-Guard has been an epitome for stabilizers, inverters and UPS products in India.
Apart from its noted brand, the Prime 1150 is a pure sine wave, comes with a battery gravity builder and most importantly, has water top-up reminders which brings it to the 4th position of our list.
Top Features
- It is a pure sine wave inverter and thus has a very low impact on all electrical appliances connected to it
- Comes with a water top-up reminder and thus keeps you ahead when you need to refill the distilled water in the inverter
- Has Battery Gravity Builder provides long battery backup and keeps the battery healthy
- Comes with a dedicated high-performance selection key that lets you switch the outputs of the inverter to suit your appliance needs and also save power
- A neat visual display for all alerts
- Also comes with an audio buzzing alert which can also be muted when needed
- Protects your appliances against sudden surges, short circuits and low voltage bursts too thus doubling as an electric surge protector
Charging and Battery
The V-Guard Prime 1150 can accommodate Tubular, Flat Plate or SMF type of external batteries. The range of these batteries is 80 to 230 AH. While the recharge time is dependent on the batteries chosen, it also comes with dual mode operation. This lets you switch between the device being a UPS for laptops or desktops to being a normal inverter for general appliances
Warranty and Support
V-Guard provides you with a 2 year manufacturer’s warranty on the product for any making defects
Pros
- From simple exhaust fans to heavy duty Air Conditioners, the V-Guard inverter can back up everything
- The brand quality of V-Guard
- Dual Mode battery operation to use it as an inverter or as a UPS
- Accommodates 3 different types of batteries
- 2 Years of manufacturer’s warranty
Cons
- None so far
5. Luminous 2KVA Inverter with 18000ah batteries
Finally, we have the Luminous Cruze 2KVA inverter with its own set of batteries.
The Luminous Cruze is the only heavy duty inverter that comes with 2 giant batteries. That along with its ability to handle a great number of appliances places it 5th on our list.
Top features
- Comes with its own 2 batteries
- Plain Sine Wave technology. Enough to handle heavy loads with minimum noise, no fumes and eco friendly
- Automatic startup
- Can bear a maximum load of 1600 watts
- Can run 14 watts of CFL, 40 watts of Tube Lights (5 nos), 5 ceiling fans, 5 Televisions, 2 Refrigerators ( upto 190 litres), 1 desktop (250 watts)
Battery and Charging
The inverter unit comes with 2 robust 150AH tubular batteries. They are made out of low antimony alloy and thus require very little maintenance. Ready to provide years of service, these batteries are overcharge tolerant and also accept deep discharge which is suited for lengthy power cuts.
Warranty and Support
Luminous provides you with a 2 years of manufacturer’s warranty on any making damages during delivery or otherwise. They also come with 18 months warranty for each battery.
Pros
- Comes with its own pair of batteries
- Heavy duty
- Can take care of a lot of appliances in a single go
- 2 years of warranty on the inverter
- 18 months warranty on each battery
Cons
- A little expensive
Things to Consider While Buying an Inverter for home
There are many factors to consider when you decide to buy an inverter. You have to calculate the inverter capacity to ensure that it fulfills the requirements perfectly. Besides, you need to decide on the type of inverter-based on their advantages.
There are other parameters and specifications to check, which can be quite overwhelming for a buyer. Therefore, we are putting together a detailed buying guide for inverters, which contains all the information you need to know.
How To Find The Inverter Capacity You Need?
Step 1 – Calculate The Backup Power Requirement
First, you have to decide which appliances you want to run with inverter backup power. Once you do that, you can easily calculate the power consumption of those appliances. The following table contains the approximate power consumption by common appliances. To be more specific, you should check the specifications of the appliances you use.
Appliances | Power |
Fan (Ceiling) | 50-75 Watts |
Fan (Table) | 25-50 Watts |
CFL Bulb 20 Watts | 20 Watts |
LED Bulb 10 Watts | 10 Watts |
Computer (Desktop) | 80- 150 Watts |
Laptop | 20- 75 Watts |
LCD TV (32”) | 150 Watts |
Refrigerator | 160 – 250 Watts |
Tube Light (4 Feet) | 40 Watts |
Suppose, you want the inverter to support 3 ceiling fans, 3 tube lights, 1 CFL, and 1 LED bulb. The total power requirement is (3 x 60 + 3 x 40 + 20 + 10) is 330 watts.
Step 2 – Calculate The Inverter Capacity Required
The capacity of the inverter is measured in VA or Volt-Amp. To calculate VA, you should use the following formula.
VA = Power Requirement / Power Factor or Efficiency
The power efficiency or power factor of an inverter varies from 0.6-0.8 in India. We have already calculated the power requirement, which is 330 watts.
The capacity/power of the inverter should be at least (330/0.7) = 470 VA.
Therefore, to sum it all up, you have to opt for an inverter with a power rating or capacity of 470 VA or more. This will support all the appliances comfortable when the power is off.
Types Of Inverter In India
There are two types of inverters available in India, and the difference lies in the output waveform.
- Square Wave
A square wave inverter is less expensive. It makes noise, and the power supply to the appliances is relatively less safe. Hence, it is suitable if you want backup power for fans and lights and other such basic appliances.
However, it is not recommended for sensitive and heavy power-drawing devices. It generates significant heat, and you should not place it in a very close and congested place. Furthermore, it reduces the lifespan of the battery in the long run.
- Pure Sine Wave
Even though it is expensive, it is the best inverter to buy. Such an inverter is highly efficient, and it expands the lifespan of the battery. Most importantly, it is suitable for all devices, and the noise level is negligible. Moreover, the heat generated is quite moderate, and if you have the budget, go for it.
Apart from these two types, there is one more type, even though it is not widely available. It is the modified sine wave inverter whose efficiency and other parameters fall in between a square wave and pure sine wave inverter. But the heat generation is the lowest in this type. It is for those who cannot afford a pure sine wave and looking for an alternative instead of buying a square wave.
Factors To Consider While Buying An Inverter
1. Compatibility
The inverter must be compatible with the power requirement of the appliances as well as with the capacity of the battery. To calculate the capacity of the battery, you need to take the following steps.
First, the capacity of a battery is measured in Ah or Amp-Hour. This means the amount of current the battery can supply for a specific time duration. A 100Ah battery capacity means it can supply 100amp of current for one hour. Alternately, it can supply 50amp of current for 2 hours and likewise.
Second, use the following formula to calculate the battery capacity you need.
We have illustrated at the beginning of the guide on how to calculate the power requirement (total loads in watts). The voltage refers to the voltage of the battery, which is generally 12V though there are 24V batteries also available for industrial purposes. Lastly, the backup in hours depends on your requirements. Here is an approximate estimation of the battery you need for certain power requirements.
Power Requirement | Backup Time | Battery Capacity Required |
600 Watts | 2 hours | (600 * 2) / 12 = 100Ah |
900 Watts | 2 hours | (900 * 2) / 12 = 150Ah |
1000 Watts | 3 hours | (1000 * 3) / 12 = 250Ah |
While buying an inverter, make sure the inverter is compatible with the battery capacity for optimal performance.
2. Battery Type
The inverter also needs to be compatible with the battery type. There are three types of batteries for inverter available in India. They are flat plate battery, tubular battery, and the modern maintenance-free battery. Without going into detail, we are listing down the differences among these three types.
Parameters | Flat Plate Battery | Tubular Battery | Maintenance-Free Battery |
Battery Life | Low (~ 3 Yrs) | High (~ 5 Yrs) | Medium (3 to 4 Yrs) |
Maintenance | High | Medium | Low |
Water toppings requirement | High | Medium | Low |
Safety | Low | Low | High |
Ventilation requirement | Yes | Yes | No |
Price(INR) | 9,000 to 15,000 | 9,000 to25,000. | Above 10,000 |
Top Brands | Amaron, Exide, Luminous, Su-Kam | Amaron, Exide, Luminous, Su-Kam | Luminous |
It is better to buy the battery before buying the inverter and choose an inverter that is compatible with battery capacity and type.
3. Multi-Functional
The modern inverters are not merely converting DC to AC like traditional inverters. There are some inverters available that are also voltage stabilizers. They protect your devices against voltage fluctuation. Apart from that, some of the advanced inverters also act as UPS.
The difference between UPS and inverter is that the time delay to switch power during a power cut is negligible in UPS. On the other hand, a traditional inverter takes a few microseconds for switching. In these microseconds, a sensitive device like a computer can crash or get restarted. So, if you have sensitive appliances at home, opt for an inverter that can act as a UPS as well.
3. Protection
An inverter plays a major role in protecting your battery. The battery is expensive, and it needs protection to expand its lifespan. An inverter protects the battery from overloading when the load is coming from different appliances. It does so by resetting the load.
Apart from that, it prevents overcharging and even undercharging by shutting down the battery once the charge reaches rock bottom. Moreover, the latest inverters prevent discharging of the battery when there has been no power cut for days. Some of them come with inbuilt MCB to prevent short-circuiting. Watch out for these protections in the description of the inverter you are planning to buy.
4. Design
An inverter should be user-friendly. This means it should have a proper display or indicators to understand the current status. The display can show the backup time the battery can produce as per the charge level. Some show the current load and beeps or blinks when there is overload. Some of the advanced inverters also show the water level of the battery so that you can refill when it is low.
5. Technology
The modern inverters come with the latest technologies and chips to optimize the charging process. This means when the battery is low on charge; the charging gets faster until it reaches a 50%-60% level. Similarly, when the charge level is medium, the charging process gets normal.
Apart from that, certain hybrid inverters can make the battery charge through the main supply electricity as well as through solar energy if you have solar panels installed.
If you have such setup or you are planning to set up a solar panel, opt for such a hybrid solar inverter, and you get to save a lot in your electricity bill in the long run.
6. Warranty
Under normal circumstances, an inverter can last for over a decade. However, an inverter must come with a warranty period. The higher the warranty period, the better the product is. Do not buy an inverter that does not come with a warranty. Most of the popular inverter brands offer a warranty period from 2 to 5 years.
7. Bypass Switch
There are going to be times where the inverter may start malfunctioning due to age or lack of proper maintenance. Due to this, some of the inverters come with a bypass switch so that the electricity can flow to the connected appliances directly without involving the inverter. Therefore, you do not have to suffer any power blackout due to inverter malfunction.
Some Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is an inverter?
An inverter is a system that converts DC to AC. As we all know that we get 230V of AC for home from the main transformer. When an inverter is placed in your home, it grabs the unwanted DC components in the signal and then converts to AC which is helpful for the smooth functioning of the home appliances.
2. How does solar inverter work?
Solar inverter functionality is similar to the regular inverter. But what makes the solar inverter more special is the use of solar power that can be trapped using Photovoltaic solar panels to feed the energy into the electric home appliances efficiently. It even saves your electricity bills than regular inverter models.
3. Do inverters make noise?
Inverters do make noise while performing certain operations. The noise is actually generated from the exhaust cooling fan present inside the inverter that runs automatically when the heat is generated. Thereby producing the noise in inverters.
4. Can we connect inverter batteries in series or parallel?
Inverter batteries can be connected in series or parallel just for increasing the power supply to the electrical or electronic devices. But the input power will be same all the time.
Batteries connected in series have more advantages than in parallel Because, when you connect the batteries in parallel, the internal resistance of each battery differs and draws more power which results in huge loss. In case of series connection, there are minimal losses of power.
5. Where should I place the inverter at home?
You can simply install the inverter anywhere you want. But, be sure that there is at least half feet distance on all sides. And some inverters should not be placed in direct sunlight because it may lose efficiency and won’t work properly.
6. Is it possible to run ACs using inverters?
Without any doubt, you can simply run ACs on inverters. As inverter alters the current (DC to AC), you can make the device AC work for a short period of time because of the battery lifespan. And again you need to recharge the battery for prolong usage.
But, these days, ACs have come with inverting technology to offer you the best performance without any power failure issues. To know how these inverter ACs play a crucial role in providing chillness in a room, Read Best Inverter Air Conditioners in India 2020.
Depending on your requirements and our information, which model of inverter do you think would work best for you? Do you have any other model at home which is functioning well and would you like to recommend it? We would love to hear more from you in the comments section below.
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