Samlex PST-1500-48
#10 in Up to 1,500 WFull review
A listed, mid-size 48 V inverter for cabins and vans that want GFCI outlets and a hardwire option.
Mr. Solar $773.80$773.80
The Samlex PST-1500-48 is the better 48V inverter overall, rated 3.0 to 2.7. The Samlex PST-1500-48 leads on safety listing, warranty and features. The Cotek SP-1500-148 wins on value and efficiency. The Cotek SP-1500-148 costs $211.80 less ($562 vs $773.80).
Cotek SP-1500-148
#12 in Up to 1,500 WFull review
A plain, efficient 1,500 W inverter for a 48 V cabin or shop bank that plugs loads in directly.
Northern Arizona Wind & Sun $562 Inverters R Us $562$562
Prices were last checked October 24, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Samlex PST-1500-48 for safety listing (Intertek ETL listed; conforms to UL 458 and certified to CSA C22.2 No. 107.1 vs no UL 458 or UL 1741 listing stated), warranty (3-year warranty vs 2-year warranty) and features (optional remote, hardwire terminal; no app vs optional remote; no app).
- Choose the Cotek SP-1500-148 for value ($0.38 per continuous watt vs $0.52 per continuous watt) and efficiency (93% peak efficiency (maker rating) vs 90% peak efficiency (maker rating)).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every up to 1,500 W 48V inverter; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Samlex PST-1500-48 | Cotek SP-1500-148 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.0/5 | 2.7/5 |
| Value 30% | 31 $0.52 per continuous watt | 54 $0.38 per continuous watt |
| Idle draw 15% | 25 24 W idle with nothing plugged in | 25 24 W idle with nothing plugged in |
| Safety listing 15% | 100 Intertek ETL listed; conforms to UL 458 and certified to CSA C22.2 No. 107.1 | 0 no UL 458 or UL 1741 listing stated |
| Warranty 15% | 50 3-year warranty | 25 2-year warranty |
| Features 15% | 20 optional remote, hardwire terminal; no app | 10 optional remote; no app |
| Efficiency 10% | 56 90% peak efficiency (maker rating) | 89 93% peak efficiency (maker rating) |
Specifications
| Samlex PST-1500-48 | Cotek SP-1500-148 | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Type | Pure sine wave inverter | Pure sine wave inverter |
| AC output | 120 V | 120 V |
| Continuous power | 1,500 W | 1,500 W |
| Surge power | 3,000 W | 2,650 W for 3 s |
| DC input range | 42 to 60 V | 42 to 66 V |
| Idle draw | 24 W (0.5 A at 48 V) | 24 W (0.5 A at 48 V) |
| Power-saving draw | - | 2.4 W |
| Peak efficiency | 90% | 93% |
| Connections | ||
| AC outlets | 2 | 2 |
| GFCI outlets | Yes | Yes |
| Hardwire terminal | Yes | No |
| USB ports | None | None |
| Transfer switch | No | No |
| Parallel units | No | No |
| Control and build | ||
| Remote | Optional extra | Optional extra |
| App | No | No |
| Display | No | No |
| Safety listing | Intertek ETL listed; conforms to UL 458 and certified to CSA C22.2 No. 107.1 | No |
| Cooling | fan | load-controlled fan |
| Dimensions | 263 x 468.2 x 105.6 mm (10.4 x 18.4 x 4.2 in) | 248 x 83 x 421 mm (9.8 x 3.3 x 16.6 in) |
| Weight | 15.6 lb | 9.1 lb |
| Warranty | 3 years | 2 years |