Our Alpha Outback Energy (AOE) inverter is required to convert DC current from the renewable source to usable AC current for appliance and other home powering needs. But where does the “charger” part come in? In an off grid application, batteries are used to store energy for later consumption when the sun is not out, or the wind is not blowing. Because there is variability in the renewable source, a generator is often incorporated into the system to charge batteries when needed. Because the output of most generators is AC, a charger is needed to convert AC to DC for the purpose of charging the batteries. Essentially, our off-grid inverter/charger will convert power from DC to AC for consumption and AC to DC for charging.