OutBack FXR3048A
For a dusty, humid or coastal off-grid site where a sealed inverter earns its keep. Built to last, but it costs more and idles higher than newer designs.
Northern Arizona Wind & Sun $2,314$2,314
The OutBack FXR3048A rates 3.5 among 120V inverter-chargers 48V inverters; the Samlex PST-3000-48 rates 3.3 among over 1,500 W ones.
Samlex PST-3000-48
#3 in Over 1,500 WFull review
A UL-listed 3,000 W inverter for 48 V off-grid systems with motor loads, at a premium price.
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.
Scores side by side
These two sit in different size classes (120V inverter-chargers and over 1,500 W), and each is scored against the reference points for its own class, so a rating says how well each does among its own size peers. How we rank explains each factor.
| Factor weight | OutBack FXR3048A | Samlex PST-3000-48 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.5/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Value 30% | 4 $0.77 per continuous watt | 50 no current price (neutral score used) |
| Idle draw 15% | 66 34 W idle with nothing plugged in | 41 33.6 W idle with nothing plugged in |
| Safety listing 15% | 100 ETL listed to UL 1741 (2nd Ed. with supplement SA) | 100 ETL listed; conforms to UL 458 and CSA C22.2 No. 107.1 |
| Warranty 15% | 100 5-year warranty | 50 3-year warranty |
| Features 15% | 50 optional remote, app add-on, lithium charge profile, hardwire terminal | 20 optional remote, hardwire terminal; no app |
| Efficiency 10% | 89 93% peak efficiency (maker rating) | 56 90% peak efficiency (maker rating) |
Specifications
| OutBack FXR3048A | Samlex PST-3000-48 | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Type | Pure sine wave inverter-charger | Pure sine wave inverter |
| AC output | 120 V | 120 V |
| Continuous power | 3,000 W | 3,000 W |
| Surge power | 5,400 W for 5 s | 6,000 W |
| DC input range | 42 to 68 V | 42 to 60 V |
| Idle draw | 34 W (0.7 A at 48 V) | 33.6 W (0.7 A at 48 V) |
| Power-saving draw | 9 W | - |
| Peak efficiency | 93% | 90% |
| Connections | ||
| AC outlets | 0 | 2 |
| GFCI outlets | No | Yes |
| Hardwire terminal | Yes | Yes |
| USB ports | None | None |
| Transfer switch | Yes | No |
| Pass-through rating | 60 A | - |
| Charger | 35 A | - |
| Lithium charge profile | Yes | - |
| Parallel units | Yes | No |
| Control and build | ||
| Remote | Optional extra | Optional extra |
| App | Optional add-on | No |
| Display | No | No |
| Safety listing | ETL listed to UL 1741 (2nd Ed. with supplement SA) | ETL listed; conforms to UL 458 and CSA C22.2 No. 107.1 |
| Design | Low-frequency (transformer) | - |
| Cooling | fan | fan |
| Dimensions | 13 x 8.25 x 16.25 in (33 x 21 x 41 cm) | 263 x 456.5 x 145 mm (10.4 x 18.0 x 5.7 in) |
| Weight | 62 lb | 21.6 lb |
| Warranty | 5 years | 3 years |