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WHY??? $1,000 ---> Schneider Conext XW PRO 6.8KW Hybrid Inverter/Charger | 48V 120/240V

Out of curiosity I Googled up the Schneider to see possible prices. Pretty amazing the spread. It is a lot more desirable at ~$1700 (with tax and shipping) than it would be at ~$5, 500 (tax + free shipping).
 

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This started as a thread about the XW-Pro being on closeout sale.
For anyone thinking of buying one, I have to say they are getting too cheap to pass up. And if you have gear from another type of system, don't be too caught up on the different eco systems.

Having all the gear from the same eco system is a nice feature but is not required to make things work.

I have 3 separate systems all working together now. My original system is an Enphase microinverter grid tied system with 4,800 watts of solar panels. It is 6 years old now and have not missed a beat. But I later wanted storage. The Enphase battery systems are very expensive. So I AC coupled my Enphase system to a Schneider XW-Pro. That was not completely seamless as the XW-Pro does not support the "Smart Charge" feature in the smaller SW. I had to program a PLC to tell the XW when to charge and at how much current to use just the extra AC coupled solar power.

That setup worked great for almost 2 years, but I needed more production. So, I added 2,000 watts of panels that are now connected to a Victron 150/35 charge controller into the battery bank. It does not care at all about the rest of the system, it just does it's thing, pushing as much energy as it can from the solar panels into the battery bank.

I am now looking at getting an EV and I know I don't have enough production for that, so I am now adding another 4,000 watt DC array. This is going to use another Victron charge controller, but this time a 250/70 version. At least I can monitor both Victrons on a single app.

I am sure that the Schneider MPPT units are "as good" as the Victrons as far as reliability and efficiency. But the cost to power and the greater variety of voltage and current ratings makes the Victron MPPTs a more cost-effective solution. The lack of data sharing between my Schneider gear and the Victron gear is not an issue at all. It is a bit funny to see the battery bank voltage climbing even though the XW is inverting and pulling power out, but it works perfectly fine. Just make sure everything is properly fused and connected with the correct wire sizes.

My XW-Pro has been running for a bit over 4 years now and has been rock solid. The inverter is a beast. The hardware is about as good as it gets in a low frequency inverter with a well oversized output transformer. As a test I ran my "3 hp" air compressor and my 150 amp MIG welder off the XW, at the same time, and it had no issues at all. The software is missing some functions, but what is there works well and being able to control it over Modbus has allowed me to add the functions I need.

For about $1,200 plus shipping, I may just have to buy another to have as a spare incase (when) they end support. But the way it is built and the loads I put on it, I am guessing it will outlast me.
 
Brucey said:
I'm a big Victron fanboy but that Victron is primitive as a bush pig compared to the Schneider. And yet Victron is still better than built to minimum price China junk.
Click to expand...
First time I looked inside a piece of Victron equipment, I was astonished to see they were still using through hole mounted components.
 
BKY2003 said:
I invited you to join the DM I had with EG4, that started Nov. the 8th. So, you could read the dialogue. Thanks
Click to expand...
It was there for a second and then disappeared. Either way, I have connected with tech and they will be reaching out to you :)
 
GXMnow said:
This started as a thread about the XW-Pro being on closeout sale.
For anyone thinking of buying one, I have to say they are getting too cheap to pass up. And if you have gear from another type of system, don't be too caught up on the different eco systems.

Having all the gear from the same eco system is a nice feature but is not required to make things work.

I have 3 separate systems all working together now. My original system is an Enphase microinverter grid tied system with 4,800 watts of solar panels. It is 6 years old now and have not missed a beat. But I later wanted storage. The Enphase battery systems are very expensive. So I AC coupled my Enphase system to a Schneider XW-Pro. That was not completely seamless as the XW-Pro does not support the "Smart Charge" feature in the smaller SW. I had to program a PLC to tell the XW when to charge and at how much current to use just the extra AC coupled solar power.

That setup worked great for almost 2 years, but I needed more production. So, I added 2,000 watts of panels that are now connected to a Victron 150/35 charge controller into the battery bank. It does not care at all about the rest of the system, it just does it's thing, pushing as much energy as it can from the solar panels into the battery bank.

I am now looking at getting an EV and I know I don't have enough production for that, so I am now adding another 4,000 watt DC array. This is going to use another Victron charge controller, but this time a 250/70 version. At least I can monitor both Victrons on a single app.

I am sure that the Schneider MPPT units are "as good" as the Victrons as far as reliability and efficiency. But the cost to power and the greater variety of voltage and current ratings makes the Victron MPPTs a more cost-effective solution. The lack of data sharing between my Schneider gear and the Victron gear is not an issue at all. It is a bit funny to see the battery bank voltage climbing even though the XW is inverting and pulling power out, but it works perfectly fine. Just make sure everything is properly fused and connected with the correct wire sizes.

My XW-Pro has been running for a bit over 4 years now and has been rock solid. The inverter is a beast. The hardware is about as good as it gets in a low frequency inverter with a well oversized output transformer. As a test I ran my "3 hp" air compressor and my 150 amp MIG welder off the XW, at the same time, and it had no issues at all. The software is missing some functions, but what is there works well and being able to control it over Modbus has allowed me to add the functions I need.

For about $1,200 plus shipping, I may just have to buy another to have as a spare incase (when) they end support. But the way it is built and the loads I put on it, I am guessing it will outlast me.
Click to expand...
some great points, especially the last one of a spare (or two - lol)

Pro ($1255) + shipping ($399) + tax came to $1705 for me - from Texas to Utah, for a XW Pro


Just priced NAZ for a total of $1533 - lower shipping from Arizona to Utah
 
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OffGridIdaho said:
Are these worth buying or ??? They have them marked down $2,500 dollars. Seems like a no brainer.
I am off grid so would this be all I need or do you need optional components to program and make work correctly?
Is there an issue with these models or the company?

Need advice. I will buy one and dump the victron if they are good.
Click to expand...
Link?
 
dougbert said:
NAZ link to PDP and other items, good prices now

Search results for: 'conext' | NAZ Solar Electric

Solar power equipment for homes, businesses boats and RVs. Backed by industry experts ready to help get your solar system up and running.
www.solar-electric.com www.solar-electric.com
Click to expand...
I have most of this in my NAZ shopping cart.

The inverters are a no-brainer.
The PDP would eliminate a lot of extraneous stuff on my wall and look way better.
The extension wireway and cables make a ton of sense.
Insight Facility (don't want comms limitations) needed/worthwhile.

I *cannot* get over the price on the MPPTs though. I need a minimum of 2, likely 3.
 
agtcovert said:
I have most of this in my NAZ shopping cart.
Click to expand...
sweet

agtcovert said:
The inverters are a no-brainer.
Click to expand...
they are nice, yes

agtcovert said:
The PDP would eliminate a lot of extraneous stuff on my wall and look way better.
Click to expand...
it does, it really reduces custom wiring

agtcovert said:
The extension wireway and cables make a ton of sense.
Click to expand...
need one for 2nd and 3rd inverter - they are nice

agtcovert said:
Insight Facility (don't want comms limitations) needed/worthwhile.
Click to expand...
I am "lucky" as I got the older Gateway version with 2 Xantrex channels
but yes, it gives options

agtcovert said:
I *cannot* get over the price on the MPPTs though. I need a minimum of 2, likely 3.
Click to expand...
the 100 amp used to be $1350 and 80 amp was $1150

I started with 1 60 amp at $525, then added other 3 over time, then decided on the Pro, getting the PDP and gateway first, finally with the 1st Pro

they will be a good system for you, with good support herd here
 
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Don't forget the breaker kit for the second inverter... it can be optional for the third.... i.e. with no grid hookup you can use those breakers for the generator hookup. With no generator you can go the other way.

I am not sure why they didn't provide a bypass plate to use with three inverters, but I suppose you can do it manually or make your own.
 
robbob2112 said:
Don't forget the breaker kit for the second inverter... it can be optional for the third.... i.e. with no grid hookup you can use those breakers for the generator hookup. With no generator you can go the other way.
Click to expand...
yes,
robbob2112 said:
I am not sure why they didn't provide a bypass plate to use with three inverters, but I suppose you can do it manually or make your own.
Click to expand...

not enough breaker spaces is why for grid and generators and bypass as mentioned, so on 3 inverters they say need to use external transfer switch - which I had already 100 amp ABB/GE

but as he mentions, if no grid, no need for grid bypass

there is the DC breaker plate that needs to be replaced - plate comes with conduit box , New plate has holes for 3 inverters

4 inverters requires external custom boxes and wires and DC breaker for 4th one
If I did 3 inverters I would have to find wall space away from my set and run custom conductors - small basement
 
Last edited:
dougbert said:
yes,


not enough breaker spaces is why for grid and generators and bypass as mentioned, so on 3 inverters they say need to use external transfer switch - which I had already 100 amp ABB/GE

but as he mentions, if no grid, no need for grid bypass

there is the DC breaker plate that needs to be replaced - plate comes with conduit box I believe, New plate has holes for 3 inverters
Click to expand...


I have it all in boxes in the garage, just haven't had the time with the holidays and being bed ridden for a week with the dreaded covid... teach us to go to christmas eve dinner in town.
 
agtcovert said:
I have most of this in my NAZ shopping cart.

The inverters are a no-brainer.
The PDP would eliminate a lot of extraneous stuff on my wall and look way better.
The extension wireway and cables make a ton of sense.
Insight Facility (don't want comms limitations) needed/worthwhile.

I *cannot* get over the price on the MPPTs though. I need a minimum of 2, likely 3.
Click to expand...
$1058 for a 600V 100A scc is pretty good value. Really the only other competition is the Midnite Solar Hawkes Bay 90A at around $1100 and the 120A at $1350.
 
I have a Victron 250/100 in addition to the two 100/600 in the garage - so in theory 300amps possible... of course I need to install stuff and still buy panels and batteries. I will get there, just slowly.... and today it was 9 degrees F inside the garage so not exactly working weather.... got 6 inches of snow and had to run the blower in the driveway, that took an hour.

A victron 450/100 would seem to be a viable alternative to the 100/600 as well.
 
Last edited:
robbob2112 said:
I have a Victron 250/100 in addition to the two 100/600 in the garage - so in theory 300amps possible... of course I need to install stuff and still buy panels and batteries. I will get there, just slowly.... and today it was 9 degrees F inside the garage so not exactly working weather.... got 6 inches of snow and had to run the blower in the driveway, that took an hour.

A victron 450/100 would seem to be a viable alternative to the 100/600 as well.
Click to expand...
I'm noodling on it all, I like end to end integration, even though I know it's not a requirement. Noodling 2 of the 100/600's, and perhaps a GT for AC coupling. I can see that being useful in summer when we're using the crap out of our aircon. And a learning experience.

I have my current AIO MPPTs and an ancillary Victron 150/85 for some older panels I have. I need to rewire those, and with it snowing and cold again, not gonna happen for a bit. The smaller Victron SCC's are remarkably capable if you're OK with higher amp strings.
 
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