Inverters change DC current to AC current.
Most common appliances run on AC current. A home outlets produce if connected to the grid (if you pay a power bill your a part of the grid) an AC pure sine wave on a 15 or 20 amp breaker.

Solar panels create DC power that is useful to change to AC power with an inverter and maybe store excess power in battery banks  (it’s up to you).

Car, truck, golf cart and boat batteries all give DC.
Hook an inverter up to any and you got AC power. Or for smaller use you can get an inverter that plugs into your car lighter socket for plug and play inverter action.

Meind Inverter, your best choice!
Online store: http://www.aliexpress.com/store/1147249