A heater requires a lot of power, which is why it is often used on an AC load. However, an inverter or solar powered system with sufficient capacity can run it.
Heater & Inverter Sizing Guide
| Heater Wattage | Recommended Inverter Size |
|---|---|
| 400W Heater | 750W - 1000W (1kVA) Inverter |
| 750W Heater | 1000W - 1500W Inverter |
| 1500W Heater | 2000W - 3000W (3.5kVA) Inverter |
| 2000W Heater | 3000W (3.5kVA) - 5000W (5kVA) Inverter |
Rule of thumb: Choose an inverter with a continuous wattage rating at least 25-30% higher than your heater's wattage to handle inefficiency and ensure safety.
Inverter & Battery Sizing for a 1500W Heater
| Desired Runtime | Recommended Battery Bank | Recommended Inverter |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 1 Hour | 1 x 100Ah 24V Lithium Battery | 2000W (2kVA) |
| 1 - 2 Hours | 2 x 100Ah 24V Lithium Batteries | 3000W (3.5kVA) |
| 2 - 4 Hours | 2 x 100Ah 48V Lithium Batteries | 5000W (5kVA) |
Appliance Power Consumption Guide
| Appliance | Typical Wattage |
|---|---|
| Space Heater (Medium) | 1500 Watts |
| Microwave Oven | 1000 - 1500 Watts |
| Electric Kettle | 1500 - 2000 Watts |
| Air Conditioner (Small) | 800 - 1200 Watts |
| Refrigerator | 150 Watts (Running) |
Which Inverter Should You Use For Heaters?
A pure sine wave inverter provides better performance than a modified sine wave model. Pure sine inverters are more efficient, meaning less energy is lost during the conversion from DC (battery power) to AC (appliance power). For a power-hungry device like a heater, this is critical.How Long Can an Inverter Run a Heater?
This depends entirely on your battery bank. A 2000W Inverter powered by a 400Ah battery bank can run a 1500W heater for 2 to 3 hours, which is typically enough to warm a room. You can combine four 100Ah batteries like the MUST Wall Mounted Lithium Battery (LiFePO₄ Battery 48Volts) to achieve this capacity. Remember, if you add other appliances, you will need more battery power.Tips to Reduce Heater Power Consumption
- Use the right size: Match your heater to your room size to avoid wasting power.
- Buy smart: Choose heaters with timers and digital thermostats to regulate temperature efficiently.
- Insulate your home: Fix any gaps and cracks where cold air can enter to reduce the heater's workload.
- Buy quality: Invest in a quality, efficient heater and a pure sine wave inverter from a trusted provider like Sona Solar Zimbabwe.
Running a heater on an inverter is possible but requires careful planning. The key is ensuring your inverter and, most importantly, your battery bank are sized correctly for the high power demand.
Can a Solar Inverter Run a Heater in Zimbabwe? (2025 Guide)
Sona Solar Zimbabwe
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