Schneider XW Pro 6.8 or 8.5 vs Outback Inverter - GS8048A

[Zardiw]

After a lot of research, this is what I came up with.

Read about some issues on the Outback control board by a guy in the Bahamas.
Seems like Schneider is more reliable.

My Main (Only...lol) priority is Reliability.

My system will Never have any Grid contact.

Any thoughts?

And thank you..........

Z

 

[BentleyJ]

I've been using a Schneider XW+ 6848 for about 4 years, no issues at all so far. The inverter runs the whole house including a 4 ton AC unit no problem, I am using a soft starter. Clarification: it is being used in an AC Coupled configuration and as such is generally in AC Pass Thru mode so the inverter only operates during rolling black outs or if I choose to do peak load shave on flex alert days or on rare occasions there is a scheduled maintenance power shut down in the neighborhood.

 

[Zardiw]

Thank you!.......What is a soft starter?

Z

 

[Zardiw]

Also, I've noticed there is an 8.5KW by Schneider....cost is about the same.......but is that only for 230V?

Z

 

[pvdude]

That one might be for parts of the world using 50HZ

 

[Zardiw]

Btw........I've got a YouTube channel where there's a lot of stuff about solar......even making your own panels......: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClfvw1tc7dyrL873KpXJGaw

Z

 

[BentleyJ]

When a typical induction motor (AC compressor, well pump, compressor) starts up from a dead stop it has a very large inrush current for a couple hundred milliseconds, in the range of 3 to 5 times the run current. A soft starter reduces inrush by up to 70%.

The Schneider USA version is rated at 6800Watts but will operate up to 8500Watts for 30minutes. In high temp environments, the internal logic will derate the output.

 

[Ampster]

I have had great support from Outback. Reports on the Outback Forum are self selecting so I would not draw any conclusions from that statistical sample. Does Schneider even have a forum? Other reports suggests that Schneider support is difficult to reach.
They both have good reputations for reliability.

 

[BentleyJ]

Does Schneider even have a forum? Other reports suggests that Schneider support is difficult to reach.

You are 100% correct about Schneider tech support for their solar products. I contacted them once or twice and didn't have much success. Being persistent, I obtained the direct mobile phone number of one their lead product specialists. Eric, he has a couple of YT videos posted, he was very knowledgeable and helpful. Although not completely happy that someone had given me his direct contact info.
I have no idea how or where to obtain replacement parts for their products, fortunately I haven't needed any yet.

 

[Ampster]

Follow questions I had were replied within 30 minutes so to me their support looks great.

That is all that matters. My input was just anectdotal from an anonymous third party anyway.

 

[400bird]

Also, I've noticed there is an 8.5KW by Schneider....cost is about the same.......but is that only for 230V?

Z

From what I have read, that's just a rating/naming convention. Basically the same hardware capabilities, but named for constant output in the US and 30min capabilities for ROTW.

It's not exactly the same hardware as the US version is split phase.

I've contacted Schneider tech support, response is something from 2 - 24 hours by email. I've never called in. If your question is in the manual, they will send you the manual with a page reference. I've never had to deal with a parts failure on my 6848, so I can't speak to replacement parts. And it's only a year old, but I purchased it for reliability.