The Xantrex (formerly Trace Engineering) SW Series inverter-charger is probably the most popular off grid and back up power inverter in the world. They are also able to be grid tied or utility connected with the option of the GTI Grid Tie Interface.
They come in 4000 watt and 5500 watt output, and 24 VDC and 48 VDC battery voltage. They have a full battery charger and AC transfer switch built in. With 2 AC inputs you can have a generator and the utility grid connected at the same time. There is full generator start control built in including fully user adjustable set points and all necessary relays.
The user menu is incredibly easy to use and integrated into the front panel. These inverter-chargers have been used for years and have performed well all over the world.
I have seen a few fail but that is understandable with the amount of these that have been manufactured. I don't know the failure rate but almost all failures were due to abuse or improper installation. I've seen them where mice and rodents were allowed to get inside and chew up wires and destroy internal parts. I've seen them where they were subject to extreme moisture or even direct water contact, which is not good. But few failures due to manufacturing defects.
My Overall Rating 9\10
Buy one now at the Alternative Energy Store
SW 4024 4000 watt 24VDC battery. MSRP $3,495
SW 4048 4000 watt 48VDC battery. MSRP $3,495
SW 5548 5500 watt 48VDC battery. MSRP $3,995
Comments on "Xantrex SW Inverters"
Please leave a comment or question about this product. Feel free to write a review of your own also!
niyi mola (niyola2000 AT niyola2000 DOT com) 09/18/2006
it"s the best inverter i have ever used
jim hannah (jnhfolk AT jnhfolk DOT com) 11/18/2009
We are currently using an old trace on one gen. and an outback on the other. I find the outback incredably complicated to use (I'm a lodge caretaker). I'm looking for a true sine wave and a consumer friendly unit to replace what I have. We are running propane generators off grid. Help!
john (riskie60 AT riskie60 DOT com) 09/19/2010
we have a trace engineering dr series power inverter/charger model 1512E 1500 watt continues. battery charge is 70AMP continues. it is not suitable for what we need now. we would like $1000 AU dollars for it.
John Bach-Hansen (jsbh AT jsbh DOT com) 01/29/2011
Well, it (SW4024) crashed. No mice, no water or any other abuse. Had it 10 years and started showing weird voltage numbers. Yeah, checked the batteries manually. They were fine and only 1 year old. Previous batteries (lead-acid - 6V) were 8 years.
More Xantrex reviews
