CNBOU 48v Inverters are here


Introducing CNBOU 48v inverters for Off Grid use

The new CNBOU 48v inverters offer low idle draw and a clean pure sine wave. The lower cost makes them a good choice for seasonal off grid users and those looking for a quality inverter.

You can see our test and review of the 2kw CNBOU inverter. It’s nicely built, has a remarkably low idle draw, and outputs a clean sine wave. Huzzah.

Inverters available

(Free shipping for the month of June!)

Model Price
2000 – 48 479.00
3000 – 48* 795
5000 – 48* 1,340
* These models are hardwire capable. The 2000 has two NEMA 15-R plugs. All inverters also feature 1 USB output. The 5v being useful for running monitoring devices.

We apologize for the varying price on these. The $C has been a real kick in the whatzits. Our first buy was at .76. Then .73. Now its .74. I wouldn’t dilly dally if I was interested. Contact us for the latest price.

Specifications

Features:
  • Pure sine wave voltage
  • Shock resistant aluminum casing and mounting brackets
  • Two standard household power outlets. The 3 and 5kw have a terminal block for direct wire connection on the front of the casing
  • Auto recovery from over voltage / heating events
  • Multiple safety cutoffs
  • Copper wire circuit reduces winding losses
  • Thermal fan (temperature activated!), aluminum heat sink and high-quality silicone thermal pads to protect from overheating
  • Heat sink and printed circuit board are insulated to provide additional levels of safety
  • Four-layer board sided precision chip technology protects the sine wave signal modulation
  • Bipolar soft start (great for motors like your fridge)
  • Intelligent cooling
Inverter Specifications:
  • AC Output: 120v
  • Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) < 3%
  • Transfer Efficiency at 48v: 94%
Size/weight:
2000
  • Casing Length: 10.2 Inch
  • Casing Width: 5.7 Inch
  • Casing Height: 2.7 Inch
  • Weight: 5.29 lbs.
3000
  • Casing Length: 14.45 Inch
  • Casing Width: 7.83 Inch
  • Casing Height: 5.71 Inch
  • Weight: 17.64 lbs.
5000
  • Casing Length: 18.39 Inch
  • Casing Width: 7.83 Inch
  • Casing Height: 5.71 Inch
  • Weight: 20.94 lbs.
Five levels of operational safety:
  • Under and Over Voltage*
  • Overload*
  • Over Heating*
  • Short Circuit*
  • Alternating Current Backfeed**
* automatic recovery; ** diode or mosfet
Warranty
  • Warranty: 2 years

Why 48v?

You’re going to ask, why 48v. Why not 12 or 24. Short answer is

  • efficiency. A good 12v inverter is 88% efficient. At 24v you’re up to 90-91 and a 48v inverter is usually 94. You’ll also pick up a few % from your solar controller with the higher voltage.
  • reliability. All things being equal a 48v inverter will run cooler. It should be more reliable particularly under duress. Hot weather or heavy loads.
  • lower install costs. 12v means higher amperage. Which means bigger more expensive wires. Heavier duty fuses. Lots of little things that add up to more money. More waste.
  • Finally, your battery pack is probably better suited to serial strings. We can quibble here as there are new batteries (lithium) that are less sensitive to these problems.
  • Future protection. Some of the new battery technologies are coming in at 48v. Makes sense to be ready.
  • Our PowerWing lithium SESS (solar energy storage systems) are 48v.
Why CNBOU

Because we’ve tested the sine wave and measured the idle draw. The idle draw is astounding for an inverter in this price range. Seriously. This has changed the way we look at sizing inverters.

Is it as good as the Victron or Schneider which you also carry?

Short answer. Yes and No.

Yes, all inverter lines feature:

  • automatic recovery in the event of a fault event
  • clean sine wave output
  • strong surge capacity
  • low idle draw

No:

  • warranty. Victron is 5 years. Schneider and CNBOU are 2 years. Which is great. The typical inverter warranty is 1 year.
  • history. Victron has been in service for decades in the harshest environments. Schneider also has proven test and field experience.
  • testing. Victron and Schneider have demonstrated testing. CNBOU has CE certification. There is no slouch in this party. That’s why we offer all three.
Why does BobolinkSolar offer CNBOU inverters?

Because they are good quality at a good price. For small camps, seasonal homes, home hobby, etc. a high priced inverter can be a deal breaker. Hey, for the $. Upgrade when you go full time off grid. Many low cost inverters last for years. With the quality we’re seeing that is what we expect. However. Time will tell.

Still. And this is the important thing. The CNBOU inverters offer the two “must haves.” Low idle draw. Clean sine wave output even under varying or low loads (varying and low being the important words. Some low cost inverters will perform well under heavy load. But when they are sitting around running a few lights. Mmmm. That’s why we sell CNBOU). These are world class attributes. And make the CNBOU inverters an excellent choice.

What is the deal with pure sine?
Pure sine wave inverters offer “grid” class power.

This is really important: if you want to use a microwave or run a fridge or start a motor. Square or modified sine will hurt your electronics. They’ll run dirty, hot and wasteful. In some cases they can kill equipment. Given the cost difference. Especially, if you are cost aware, and looking at the new CNBOU inverters. Just buy pure sine. It will save you hundreds and even thousands in equipment replacement costs.

Yes. The new switching power supplies may be okay with modified sine wave. So maybe some TVs and computers can use modified sine wave. But anything with a motor etc will not. And some TVs and computers and other sensitive electronic equipment. Well. It’s your decision. Do your research. We suggest CNBOU.

Or Victron. Or Schneider.


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