1.2kW 12V Off Grid Solar Inverter

Weighing just 3.5kg, the GA-1212 comes equipped with a built-in MPPT solar charger (supporting up to 800W PV input and 50A charging current) and supports supplemental charging from grid power or generators. It also features lithium battery activation, an LCD display, and optional WiFi monitoring.

Designed to be an accessible, DIY-friendly "mini power source" with a low barrier to entry, it is perfect for personal emergencies, light camping, and powering small loads suitable for applications ranging from camping lights and mobile phone charging to portable car fridges, aquarium air pumps, and emergency fans.

Product Structure

While the 1.2KW 12V Off Grid Solar Inverter is the lightest, smallest, and lowest-voltage model in KTAC’s lineup, it boasts a comprehensive multi-functional inverter architecture: pure sine wave output, MPPT solar charging, AC charging, dual AC outputs (one critical/priority and one standard), and a BMS communication interface. It utilizes a 12V battery system, allowing you to use readily available automotive batteries, motorcycle batteries, or affordable 12V LiFePO4 batteries as the energy storage unit.

Product Parameter

Why is 1200W sufficient?

Let’s do the math: a 60W laptop, a 10W LED light, a 50W mini-fridge (with intermittent compressor operation), a mobile phone charger (10W), and a 30W fan the total power draw is less than 200W. Even during the momentary startup of the mini-fridge compressor, the surge remains well under 300W. A 1200W rating means you can power 6 to 10 small appliances simultaneously. With a 2400VA surge capacity, it can even briefly power a 600W micro water pump or a small electric drill. For camping, emergency backup, or solo living setups, 1200W is more than enough.

Product Advantages

Minimalist Design

The front panel features only an LCD screen and four buttons, allowing you to adjust charging current and operating modes just like tuning a radio. The rear terminals are clearly labeled: battery positive/negative, PV input, AC input, and dual AC outputs.

There are no complex parallel connection setups or dangerous high-voltage 400V PV strings (the MPPT maxes out at 115V; you can simply connect one or two standard 12V/24V solar panels in series without worrying about electric shock risks).

Safety and Portability

The entire 1.2kW 12V off-grid Solar Inverter weighs just 3.5kg and comes with a detachable dust cover. You can place it on a desk or mount it on a wooden wall using two screws. It operates within a temperature range of -15°C to 60°C and features an IP21 rating, making it suitable for indoor and semi-outdoor environments.

The 12V low-voltage system means that even in the event of a wiring error, the risk is far lower than with 48V or 240V high-voltage DC systems. Of course, KTAC still recommends following basic electrical safety protocols.

Key Features

1. Ultra-lightweight Design

Weighing only 3.5kg and measuring 301×217×97mm, 1.2KW 12V Off Grid Solar Inverter is smaller than a gaming console. It fits easily into a backpack or vehicle, providing power anytime, anywhere.

2. Ideal 1200W Entry-Level Power

Covers basic personal power needs: laptops, mobile phones, LED lighting, small fans, car fridges, routers, and aquarium pumps. Its surge capacity allows it to start low-power motors or compressors.

3. Safe Low-Voltage 12V System

Compatible with 12V batteries (lead-acid or lithium), including car batteries, motorcycle batteries, and portable power packs. Low-voltage circuitry offers greater safety, making it perfect for DIY beginners.

4. Simple MPPT Solar Charging

MPPT voltage range: 17–115V; maximum PV open-circuit voltage: 115V; maximum input power: 800W. Supports connection of 1–2 standard 12V solar panels (in series or parallel) without the need for high-voltage components.

5. 50A Charging Current for Rapid Replenishment

Maximum PV charging current: 50A; maximum AC charging current: 50A; total charging current: 100A. Using a 12V 100Ah battery as an example, a full charge takes approximately 2 hours (requires sufficient sunlight or AC mains power).

6. Dual AC Outputs with Smart Load Management

Two independent outputs: one for critical loads (e.g., routers, aquarium pumps) and another for general loads (e.g., fans, chargers). Automatically cuts off power to general loads during low battery levels to extend runtime for core equipment.

7. Broad Compatibility with Lithium and Lead-Acid Batteries

Supports 12V lithium batteries (nominal 12.8V) or lead-acid batteries. Float charge voltage: 13.8V; overcharge protection: 15V. Communicates with lithium battery BMS via CAN/RS485/RS232 (protocol verification required) and includes a lithium battery activation function.

8. Smart Monitoring and Operation

LCD screen provides intuitive display of PV power, battery voltage, and load percentage. Optional WiFi module enables remote system status monitoring via a mobile app.

9. Detachable Dust Cover

The front cover is easily removable for cleaning to prevent dust accumulation, making it suitable for environments such as campsites, garages, and workshops.

Product Applications

1. Light Camping/Road Trips: Powers car refrigerators, camping lights, mobile phones, drone batteries, and projectors. When paired with a 12V 100Ah lithium battery and a foldable solar panel, it provides 2–3 days of off-grid power.

2. Home Emergency Backup: Keeps critical devices—such as routers, aquarium oxygen pumps, laptops, LED lights, and gas water heater fans (power rating verification required)—running for several hours during power outages.

3. Student Dormitories/Rental Housing: Powers computers, desk lamps, and power banks using balcony-mounted solar panels in environments with power restrictions (where high-wattage appliances are prohibited), helping to reduce electricity costs.

4. Small Outdoor Vendors: Powers mobile freezers, lights, cash registers, and speakers; the unit is lightweight and portable.

5. Pet/Plant Care: Provides automatic backup power for air pumps, low-wattage heating rods, and grow lights during power outages.

6. DIY Solar Learning Kit: Can be assembled into a complete solar-plus-storage system when paired with a 12V 100W solar panel and a 12V battery, ideal for educational purposes or hobbyists.

Customization Services

KTAC offers OEM/ODM services for the GA Series inverter, including:

1. Custom enclosure color and logo printing

2. BMS protocol tuning for third-party batteries

3. Parameter presets (e.g., charge voltages, output frequency)

4. Packaging design and multilingual user manuals

Contact our technical team for a tailored solution.

FAQ

1. Can the GA-1212 be powered directly via a car cigarette lighter socket?

Not recommended. Cigarette lighter sockets typically support a maximum of 120W (10A), whereas this 1.2KW 12V Off Grid Solar Inverter can draw over 100A from the battery at full load. You must use copper wiring with a cross-section of at least 16mm² to connect directly to the car battery terminals and install a 150A fuse in series. Also, be aware that car battery capacity is limited when the engine is off; avoid draining the battery to the point where the vehicle cannot start.

2. Can I connect two GA-1212 units in parallel to achieve 2400W?

No. This model does not support parallel connection. If higher power output is required, please choose the GA-3624 or a higher-rated series. 

3. Does it support 12V LiFePO₄ batteries (4-cell series configuration)?

Yes. A 4-cell series LiFePO₄ battery has a nominal voltage of 12.8V and reaches approximately 14.6V when fully charged. The GA-1212’s float charge voltage of 13.8V is suitable for standard use; if a higher charging voltage is required, it can be adjusted via BMS communication or manual settings (customization required). Connecting the BMS via CAN/RS485 is recommended for optimal performance.

4. The maximum PV input voltage is 115V; can I use a 36V solar panel?

Yes. However, please note: the MPPT startup voltage is a minimum of 17V, and a 36V panel has an open-circuit voltage of approximately 45V in strong sunlight, which is well within the operating range. To fully utilize the 800W input power, it is recommended to use two 12V panels in series (totaling approx. 40–50V) or a high-voltage, low-current panel (such as a 24V panel with 72 cells), provided the total power does not exceed 800W.

5. How do I wake up a lithium battery that has gone into sleep mode?

Connect the GA-1212 to AC mains power (or a generator) and simultaneously connect the battery that has entered sleep mode due to protection activation. The inverter will detect the battery and attempt to send a small pre-charge current to wake up the BMS. If this does not work on the first attempt, try connecting the AC input before connecting the battery, or contact technical support.

6. Does the 3.5kg weight include the battery?

No. The 3.5kg weight refers only to the GA-1212 inverter unit itself. The 12V battery must be purchased separately (50Ah–200Ah lead-acid or lithium batteries are recommended).

7. Can it be used as a UPS?

Yes. In UPS mode, the switchover time is approximately 10ms, meaning most electronic devices (computers, routers, TVs) will not restart. By connecting the GA-1212 between the mains outlet and the load—while keeping the battery connected—it functions as an Uninterruptible Power Supply.

8. What is the maximum size solar panel that can be connected to the GA-1212? Although the MPPT has a nominal maximum PV input power of 800W, it can be slightly oversized (e.g., to 900W), provided the maximum open-circuit voltage of 115V is not exceeded. Oversizing may cause the inverter to limit input power during periods of intense sunlight, but it can increase power generation on cloudy days. It is recommended to consult technical support before proceeding.

9. How can I monitor the system remotely?

Purchase the optional WiFi module, plug it into the designated port, and configure the network according to the instructions; you can then view real-time data (such as PV power, battery voltage, and load power) via the KTAC app.

10. Does the GA-1212 1.2KW 12V Off Grid Solar Inverter support 24V batteries?

No, it does not. The unit is designed for a 12V nominal battery voltage; connecting it directly to a 24V battery will damage the device. If a 24V system is required, please choose the GA-3624 or GA-5024 model.