Low temp limit on Xantrex SW 1800 question

waynefromnscanada
waynefromnscanada Solar Expert Posts: 3,009 ✭✭✭✭
in General Solar Power Topics #1
Hi all, have a question re the low temp operating limit of +32F (zero C) on the 12 volt, Xantrex SW 1800. Has anyone had experience using this inverter at colder temps? Mine will be in an out building with the batteries, and subjected at times to minus 20F. I do have 4 other inverters there, two are MSW and two are SureSine 300. Have never had a problem with any of them in cold weather, even though at least some of them are also rated for around the freezing mark.
Hoping someone has had good experience operating this one in cold weather. Usually, from what I understand, in very cold temps, the electrolytic capacitors change value enough to screw things up - - at least in some cases, especially if the caps are not rated for sub freezing.
Just had this inverter shipped in to Canada from Wind & Sun, then discovered the temp limit. Yeah I know, should have asked first, just never crossed my mind, as I've had no problems at all with far cheaper and lower quality inverters (except for the SureSine, which is really top quality, and also gave no problems. Wish they would make a bigger one).
Thanks for any input.
Wayne
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Comments

  • waynefromnscanada
    waynefromnscanada Solar Expert Posts: 3,009 ✭✭✭✭
    #2
    Re: Low temp limit on Xantrex SW 1800 question

    Actually I'm not "new" here, just that I was AWOL for a long time :)
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  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,613 admin
    #3
    Re: Low temp limit on Xantrex SW 1800 question

    Is this Wayne from NS Canada? :D

    Great to see you back!

    -Bill
    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
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  • waynefromnscanada
    waynefromnscanada Solar Expert Posts: 3,009 ✭✭✭✭
    #4
    Re: Low temp limit on Xantrex SW 1800 question
    BB. wrote: »
    Is this Wayne from NS Canada? :D

    Great to see you back!

    -Bill

    Yes it is. Thank you very much Bill!
    Good to be back :)
    Wishing you all the best.
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  • sawmill
    sawmill Solar Expert Posts: 93 ✭✭✭
    #5
    Re: Low temp limit on Xantrex SW 1800 question

    Always enjoyed the posts from Wayne of Nova Scotia. Glad to see he is back.
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  • waynefromnscanada
    waynefromnscanada Solar Expert Posts: 3,009 ✭✭✭✭
    #6
    Re: Low temp limit on Xantrex SW 1800 question

    Thank you "sawmill" for your kind words. Hope you have a great day, and hopefully, from time to time, I can contribute something of value to this form. Peace.
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  • waynefromnscanada
    waynefromnscanada Solar Expert Posts: 3,009 ✭✭✭✭
    #7
    Re: Low temp limit on Xantrex SW 1800 question

    Update, in case anyone might be interested - -
    We're now into the coldest parts of our Winter, have had numerous sub zero F temperatures and the inverter continues to operate perfectly, regardless of the cold. Very happy with this unit. Very impressed!
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  • niel
    niel Solar Expert Posts: 10,300 ✭✭✭✭
    #8
    Re: Low temp limit on Xantrex SW 1800 question

    wayne,
    wasn't that you telling russ you were still waiting for winter?:confused:
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  • russ
    russ Solar Expert Posts: 593 ✭✭
    #9
    Re: Low temp limit on Xantrex SW 1800 question

    It seems a month back or so :p

    Our low here this year has been 1.7° C (35° F). That was back on 13 December.

    After February we can expect weather to improve most every day.

    The 1st of April (about) it takes a noticeable step toward warmer

    The 1st of May (about) summer has arrived.

    Russ
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  • waynefromnscanada
    waynefromnscanada Solar Expert Posts: 3,009 ✭✭✭✭
    #10
    Re: Low temp limit on Xantrex SW 1800 question
    niel wrote: »
    wayne,
    wasn't that you telling russ you were still waiting for winter?:confused:

    Well up until a very few weeks ago you're right, but FINALLY it has hit, FINALLY Winter has arrived with a storm a week, and now forecasters are considering giving us TWO storms a week so we don't forget how to shovel. :grr
    Actually the last 2 or 3 storms were ones hatched down in the southwestern US, moved across America and then sent barreling up the Eastern Seaboard to nail us here. Nothing short of open, unabashed environmental warfare! :p:p
    My micro micro hydro project is now totally buried under ice and snow, the hum of the turbine barely audible on the surface. But the power keeps on coming and is sending you this message :p
    As long as the water keeps moving, it won't freeze, + now it's insulated with snow.
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  • Ralph Day
    Ralph Day Solar Expert Posts: 1,022 ✭✭✭✭
    #11
    Re: Low temp limit on Xantrex SW 1800 question

    Nothing short of open, unabashed environmental warfare!

    Yes, and when we see US weather reported the horrible, paralyzing cold systems come from Canada!

    Payback's a bitch Wayne.

    Ralph
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  • waynefromnscanada
    waynefromnscanada Solar Expert Posts: 3,009 ✭✭✭✭
    #12
    Re: Low temp limit on Xantrex SW 1800 question
    Ralph Day wrote: »
    Nothing short of open, unabashed environmental warfare!

    Yes, and when we see US weather reported the horrible, paralyzing cold systems come from Canada!

    Payback's a bitch Wayne.

    Ralph

    Ahahahaha, that's what I get for bragging about what was our non-winter:p
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