Rich Solar 3kW Inverter Review: Great Value or a Complete Dud?
Today at The Solar Lab, we're taking a deep dive into the Rich Solar 3kW 48V All-in-One Solar Inverter.
Regularly priced at an astonishingly low rate of just $499, Rich Solar claims this unit offers solid performance for basic setups and beginners at a budget-friendly price, but can it really compete with the more expensive units in its class?
Well, we took an unbiased look at this thing and ran it through some tests to figure out how it actually stacks up. Ready to learn how it performed? Let's get down to it!
Our First Impressions and Overview of Specifications
The Rich Solar 3kW Inverter is a compact, single-phase, 120V unit that weighs in at just 23 pounds, so it easily passes our signature "tiny baby lift test".
Interestingly, it can also operate at 240V if you pair multiple units. Plus, you can run up to six of them in parallel for a total output of 18kW! Each inverter offers a 3,000W output with a 6,000W surge capacity. It also has an impressive 93% efficiency rating.
A standout feature is its 4,500W solar input capability, with a working voltage range of 60 to 115V DC. It supports an 80A max solar charge and a 40A max AC charge. The front panel itself is actually fairly straightforward in its design, with a central LED display screen and a few simple navigation buttons.
The back of the unit is equipped with all necessary ports, including AC inputs and outputs, parallel connection ports, generator options, and solar/DC inputs. You’ll also find toggles and inputs for both Wi-Fi and USB connectivity on the back of it.
Although it’s technically priced at $899 before tax, we’ve found that it is almost always priced between $399 and $499 on Shop Solar's online store. At this rock-bottom price, this inverter looks like a more-than appealing option.
However, as we all know, solar equipment doesn’t always deliver what is promised on the box, which is why we ran this baby through a series of tests to see how it actually stands up to real-world situations.
Testing and Performance
To test the Rich Solar 3,000W Inverter, we first checked its idle power consumption, which is about 46W. This is relatively efficient, especially considering the unit's quiet operation. Even when running at half capacity, it remains nearly silent, a significant plus for those planning to use it in noise-sensitive environments, like an RV, remote cabin, or even just in your primary home.
In load tests, the inverter performed admirably, handling just over 3,000W for 15 minutes without any issues. This reassures us that it can manage slight overloading without any major trouble. We also tested its surge capacity, and it handled 4,000W for about 5 seconds, confirming its ability to handle brief power spikes. Nothing to get too excited about, but really solid for an inverter sitting in the entry-level price range.
Another crucial feature we tested was pass-through charging. The inverter successfully managed to pass power from both AC and solar inputs to connected devices, while also charging the battery. This is vital for maintaining power in off-grid scenarios where battery levels might be low, but solar or generator input power is available.
The Nitty-Gritty: Pros & Cons
The Pros:
Jumping into some of the things that we really like about this Rich Solar 3kW Inverter, the price is undeniably attractive. Given it can go for as low as $399 before discount codes and other incentives, it’s one of the most affordable 3,000W inverters from a reputable brand on the market. When you consider similar units go for well-above double the price, it really offers fantastic value for money.
The unit’s quiet operation is another major plus, especially as most buyers will be looking at installing it in confined spaces, like the RV, basement, or garage. The 4,500W solar input is also impressive for an inverter of this size, allowing for rapid battery charging in off-grid situations.
Another factor that adds to the value is the ability to parallel up to six units. Rather than having to fully replace the unit when your power needs grow, you can just purchase more, enabling real flexibility for expanding your solar setup. It’s always going to be more cost-effective to just add to your existing equipment, rather than needing to replace everything each time you want to upgrade.
The Cons:
Like any piece of equipment, there are also few downsides you need to consider.
While the price tag is certainly in the beginner-friendly range, set up can be a little bit intimidating, especially if you’re completely new to solar. This is mostly due to the fact that the somewhat messy internal layout can make accessing certain screws a bit of a challenge.
The mounting process also requires some finesse, as screws need to be inserted through the inside, which can be tricky without the right tools and knowhow. The nut-and-bolt style battery terminal connection is also more cumbersome than other options on the market, requiring more effort to secure it.
Finally, the lack of air filters stood out to us. While this is a major reason why the unit is so quiet, it can be a drawback if you plan on installing it in a dusty environment. Sure, the air vents help keep it cool during operation, but they’re not going to do much for keeping dust and debris out, which could potentially affect the inverter’s longevity.
We might be nitpicking a bit here, but we just want to be as honest and upfront as possible whenever we review any piece of equipment.
The Installation Process and Difficulties
Even though we did just say setting it up can be a little bit daunting, especially for beginners, the actual process is fairly straightforward once you get the hang of it.
There’s just no getting around the fact that installation is finicky. With that said, there’s also nothing about it that is overly complicated per say. In fact, if you were installing multiple units, by unit three, you’d probably have it down to a science.
Our advice would be to remember that there is a very specific order that you have to do everything in because of the way the internal wiring and components are layered. All of this is explained in the instruction manual, but it is really worth reading over several times to make sure you don’t mess anything up.
For example, you have your AC input screws that have to sit in front of your AC output screws, so if you just start fiddling around with whatever order you feel like, it's not going to go super smoothly.
When we took a crack at it, we started by just throwing two screws in the wall and easily hanging this thing on those two screws. The tricky part is getting a drill bit long enough to actually fire the mounting screws through the bottom portion of the inverter.
But once we had it mounted up, we went ahead and started with the AC output since that's the furthest one in the back to wire in. From there, there is a wire going down to a little outlet box with two 120V plugs that you need to connect. Then we wired our AC in, actually using a cut-off extension cord that we could easily plug into our house, mimicking grid power for an off-grid inverter.
Next, we moved over to the right side, connecting the two battery connections. They are a bit finicky to get up and around, but once done, you should be pretty much set. Finally, we wired the solar input, ensuring everything was correctly in place.
The truth is, installation is just a bit tedious and can get pretty annoying, but you should be able to figure it out if you pay attention to the instructions. It’s also worth thinking of installation as a one-time “pain-in-the-ass” situation, because once it’s up and running, you shouldn’t have to worry about doing it again.
Our Final Verdict
At the end of the day, the Rich Solar 3kW 48 Volt All-in-One Solar Inverter is a solid performer that works as advertised. However, when you also consider its rock-bottom price point, it moves into the really impressive category.
While there is no getting around the fact that it has a few installation quirks, and we find the lack of air filters to be a slightly concerning decision in regards to long-term performance, the unit’s quiet operation, affordability, and impressive solar input capacity make it a strong contender for those looking to venture into solar power without breaking the bank.
Overall, you really can’t go wrong for the price. Just make sure you score a deal on it, because there really isn’t any reason to pay the full MSRP, as it’s almost always on sale for significantly less.
As always, thanks for tuning into The Solar Lab. Stay charged, and keep an eye out for the next review.
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Shop Solar: https://shopsolarkits.com3000-watt-48v-all-in-one-inverter
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Rich Solar: Don’t buy it here, it’s listed at $1,250 LOL