Inverters are sold on price and headline kVA, but the things that actually determine whether yours carries your home through load-shedding — reliably, for years — are different. Here's what to look for.
1. The right capacity for YOUR load
Match the inverter's continuous and surge rating to your essential load (lights, Wi-Fi, TV, fridge) plus headroom — usually 3–5kVA for a home. Undersize it and it trips; oversize it and you overpay (see sizing guide).
2. A quality lithium battery
The battery decides runtime and is the costliest part. Choose lithium (LiFePO4) sized to how long you need — 5kWh for a typical slot, 10kWh for back-to-back (see battery care).
3. Pure sine-wave output
Essential for safely running electronics, fridges and sensitive equipment. Cheap modified-sine units can damage them.
4. Reputable brand + local support + warranty
When something needs attention in two years, you want support that exists. No-name units with no backing are a false economy.
5. Professional, compliant install
It ties into your DB board, needs an essential-loads board, and a COC. A poor install causes overloads and failed switchover. We spec and install properly — see inverter installations or get a sized quote.