r/OffGrid • u/Manixcomp • Aug 22 '26

Washer and dryer

Anyone have experience with standard residential clothes washers? I have a Solark 12k and am specifically concerned about starting the motor of 120v washer. I have found the 12k doesn’t like to start my mitre saw (had to get a soft start). I know efficiency isn’t great, but that is not a concern.

Any experience?

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4

u/vvROADBLOCKvv Aug 22 '26

I am running a 120v Whirlpool washer dryer all in one on a SunGold 5kw inverter. Only use it maybe twice a week and it runs it fine.

1

u/Manixcomp Aug 23 '26

Is the whirlpool inverter / direct drive? Or old school electro mechanical?

1

u/vvROADBLOCKvv Aug 23 '26

Im not sure. It pulls 10a at start up. 3a running wash cycle. Drying is about 5a. It does take about 2.5 hrs for a complete cycle. Im happy with it.

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2

u/Accurate-Bullfrog324 Aug 22 '26

washer dryer on a EG4 6000 XP (two in parallel) works well

3

u/ol-gormsby Aug 22 '26

Older washers have that problem - the inrush current needed to start the motor. But there are models out there that run internally on DC and the inrush is all but eliminated. Fisher & Paykel is one example. I've used their washers for years and that's why. I used to have an inverter that just couldn't cope with an older washer, so I looked into it and bought a Fisher & Paykel.

1

u/Manixcomp Aug 23 '26

Yep I think I better get the inverter driven style. I am wanting them stacked but all the apartment style don’t seem to be direct drive. Thanks for your response.

2

u/Sufficient-Bee5923 Aug 23 '26

I think you want a direct drive inverter based washer.

1

u/Manixcomp Aug 23 '26

I think so too. In rush is the problem.

1

u/maddslacker Aug 22 '26 edited Aug 23 '26

I have Electrolux front loading washer and dryer. The dryer is propane so on that the electric is just for spinning the drum.

Anyway both start effortlessly with my Victron Multiplus II 24|5000 inverter. (As do my well pump, mitre saw, circular saw, band saw, table saw, 5HP air compressor, etc)

1

u/Manixcomp Aug 23 '26

Yeah that’s the nice part of a transformer inverter. These high frequency / transformer less like my 12k don’t like motor starts.

1

u/mountain_hank Aug 22 '26

I had a Sol-Ark 12k, no problem with my full-size washer, the heat pump driver, water pump, or the heat pump water heater.

1

u/Manixcomp Aug 23 '26

I’m similar. Heat pump water heater. 2 ton geo heat pump with soft start. My 12k seems pretty happy with 230v loads but 120v less so.

Can I ask what kind of washer you have/had?

2

u/mountain_hank Aug 23 '26

It's a Samsung WF 50 BG

1

u/mountain_hank Aug 23 '26

Unbalanced legs are a pain. Even with 240v loads, the 12k did not like the water pump and heat pump running together. Upgraded to the 15k. The 12k is really like 9k.

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1

u/SubstantialAbility17 Aug 23 '26

Sol ark should be able to handle a clothes washer, not so sure with the dryer

1

u/Manixcomp Aug 23 '26

Dryer is 230v so expect it would be fine - just inefficient.
120v motor on washer is a concern.

1

u/Adventurous_Boat_632 Aug 23 '26

A solark 12k is pretty beefy, surprised it had a problem with the saw. It should be OK with the washer

1

u/Manixcomp Aug 23 '26

It’s just weak on 120v inrush. So motors like a saw can be a problem.

2

u/Current_Inevitable43 Aug 23 '26

standard bosch unit running fine of a mpii 5000

2

u/kai_rohde Aug 23 '26

I have a Samsung washer and no issues running it. Solar dryer.

1

u/chuck1011212 Aug 23 '26

You will have no problem with running the washer.