Xantrex Power Hub 1800 UL. backup generator for homes : Xantrex PH-1800-GFP PowerHub>Compare Prices<
Xantrex PH-1800-GFP PowerHub Reviews
I'm not sure where the previous reviewer ran into a problem? I bought one of these Powerhubs from Amazon two years ago for our "off grid" cabin. I also purchased: 3x60 watt solar panels from a local supplier ($400); 2x100 amp-hour deep cycle batteries from Canadian Tire which are designed for this system ($400 on sale); 100 ft. of #10 wire ($100); a couple of 12" #4 jumper cables and a 20 amp charge controller ($75). The panels were installed on our roof. The wire from the panels was run down an old conduit standpipe to the basement and up through the floor to the Xantrex PH-1800 box. The included manual was very detailed and illustrated all the connection steps. There is also a very nice installation video at this site[...]The system has been up and running and powering all our table and floor lights for two years without a hitch. We keep at least 4x13 watt compact fluorescent lights on most evenings for 4 hours or more and a laptop or two and a small stereo system. No TV but what would a TV be doing at someone's cabin anyway? We've never come close to running the batteries below 80% charge and the batteries are normally recharged up to capacity before noon every day. I'm hoping to add a 400 watt wind turbine next spring which should just plug into the unit with one connection, along with two more batteries that fit into an add-on battery box made specifically for the main box. I can't imagine a simpler and more elegant solution and at a final cost of less than $1800 for everything. This really is a "plug'n'play" solar solution for small off-grid situations.
Delivered on time, easy to set up, worked great, provides emergency power; it is both sophisticated and simple. Well documented installation and operators manual. I had a friend come by and help me hook it up; it took about 15 minutes. The most difficult part was lifting the batteries and sliding the unit into place.
I purchased this unit a little over three years ago. I have been using it for back up power, just keeping it plugged in, to keep the batteries charged. I had had no problems. About one month ago I hooked up two 135 watt solar panels to the unit. I was hoping to go partly "off grid" in my home. All was working fine, batteries were charging nicely. Before I could hook up any AC load to the unit it started to flash an error code E3. That means to much AC load. The problem was and is, I had not run anything off it yet. I called Xantrex. They told me that it is a common problem with these units after 3 to 4 years and that it can not be repaired. It had a two year warranty. Here is what they sent me via e-mail:Dear Sir,Unfortunately the unit is not repairable .We do have Loyal customerprogramwhich means 30% off from the List price ($999.99 ) so means $699.99plusshipping and tax .If you are interested please give us a call .Thank youBest RegardsI paid 483.61 plus 39.00 shipping for my unit new. You can see there Loyal customer program is not much of a deal. I realize that the warranty had expired and I was willing to pay a fair price for repair. That is not an option with this unit. Had I known this unit would stop working correctly and not be able to be repaired I would have never bought it. I have since contacted Xantrex again requesting a full refund, they have not responded. I will be contacting the Better Business Bureau regarding this matter.
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