Fellow Wrenches,
I don't often use Exeltech inverters, as they're not designed for common
whole-house applications, lacking a generator charging function. But
sometimes a small system is a good match for their clean waveform. For
years their XP line was a decent choice for a tiny house or similar
small-loads system. For a recent budget system for a yurt, I had
rejected the XP line, as I thought that at 1,100 watts AC out the XP1100
was their largest offering and it was too small for a couple of loads. I
learned, though, that Exeltech now makes a 2,000 watt model. I ordered
one directly from Exeltech for this job.
It works, but has a fundamental design limitation severe enough to be of
limited usefulness in most remote home applications, especially in
colder winter climates. I'm writing this as a heads-up to others. The
limitation is simply this: DC voltage to the unit is capped at 30V DC,
and above this voltage the unit shuts off until the battery voltage is
reduced. This limits the unit pretty much to VRLA or lithium batteries
(no equalizing) and warmer climates or indoor locations.
The smaller XP600 and 1100 have a HVD of 16.5/33/66 VDC, so this isn't
an issue with these units. The 2 kW units are rated 15/30/60 VDC, and
this is nonadjustable. There are no warnings on the spec sheet or in the
manual about this limitation.
Allan
--
*Allan Sindelar*
[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
New Mexico EE98J Journeyman Electrician
Founder (Retired), Positive Energy, Inc.
*505 780-2738 cell*
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