A 6000 watt load pulls roughly 125 amps at 48 volts against 500 amps at 12 volts. That drop in current is the whole reason to go to 48, since it means far smaller cable and fuses, and less energy lost on long runs. Below about 3000 watts a 12 volt or 24 volt inverter is usually the better fit.

A split phase inverter puts out 120 and 240 VAC at the same time, which is what a standard residential panel expects. You need one if the build runs a well pump, a dryer, a welder, or central air. If every load is 120 volt only, a single phase unit costs less. Our 48 volt inverter chargers are split phase for multi-voltage loads.

A 48 volt inverter needs four 12 volt batteries in series, or a purpose built 48 volt pack. LiFePO4 batteries handle the discharge rate these inverters pull better than flooded, gel, or AGM lead acid batteries do, and it gives you most of the rated capacity on every cycle. 

With these units, yes. The built-in charger runs on AC input from the grid or a generator, not PV input, so solar charging needs its own MPPT controller between the array and the bank. If you want solar priority and battery backup in one box, look at our hybrid inverters instead.

To size a 48 volt off-grid system, start from the peak simultaneous load for the inverter rating, then size the battery bank for your daily energy use and days of autonomy. Our solar calculator runs the numbers from a load list, and our guide to designing a commercial off-grid solar power system walks through the full sequence.