Can I still stack Schneider Conext SW?

JNHEscher
JNHEscher Registered Users Posts: 5 ✭✭
in Off Grid Solar & Battery Systems #1

New here, though have lurked around for some time.  I've been studying our Conext inverts again and think I've found every last legible mention of their use that pertains to our setup.  With that said, I hope I'm not being repetitious.



Some years ago, I purchased a Conext SW 4024 with the intention of pairing it with a second SW 4024 to be run in parallel.  Schneider and many retailers offered stacking support at the time.  About two years ago, my wife and I purchased the second Conext SW 4024 and the SCP so that I could stack them in our off-grid house build.  At this time, both inverters are mounted, yet neither one of them have ever been powered up.  I've also mounted a breaker box for both inverters to supply split-phase to.

Much to my dismay, I've been finding thread after thread of funky failure reports of these inverters when paired, and I can't really get an answer from Schneider about these other than purchasing their XW to replace the SW's.  As far as the failures go, it appears that they make the most fuss when there is grid-tie, generator backup/charging, load shaving, etc.  I only want to use them to invert our DC power.  No charging, battery monitoring, AC Support or any other previously supported XanBus-connected option, in our case.  Just need to supply some 240 and a bit of 120 on occasion.

With what is looking to be Schneider abandoning the stacking support of the Conext line and discontinuation of the ComBox (that I'm pretty sure I will need for CanBus communication), am I looking at a hair-pulling experience while attempting to stack these for simple, paired operation, or am I best off to set these aside for standalone use elsewhere and go for a different brand/model?  I'm quite open to running both inverters as standalone, but still wired in parallel, if they will function in that manner, as I've seen multitudes of XanBus complaints over the years.

I'm all eyes and ears while I have these units mounted up and I'll answer anything that I can.  Really appreciate any insight if I maintains our sanity lol.



Jesse.
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Comments

  • Dave Angelini
    Dave Angelini Solar Expert Posts: 6,889 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    #2
    You can search the forum here and learn alot BTW. This has been gone thru many times.  The answer is NO BTW. Over 4+ years ago.
     There were warnings before 2018 also here on the forum as I field tested this for offgrid with Schneider.

    Equipment parts scarcity,  supply chain and just better, safer products cause change.   XW and 48 volts are the way you should be thinking in this age unless this is for a cabin.  The words fire, loss of life, and explosion should give one a pause. For me it is arc flash that perks my attention.😉

    file:///C:/Users/12098/Desktop/SW-Technical-Bulletin_976-0375-01-01_Rev-A_ENG.pdf







    "we go where power lines don't" Sierra Nevada mountain area
       htps://offgridsolar1.com/
    E-mail offgridsolar@sti.net

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  • JNHEscher
    JNHEscher Registered Users Posts: 5 ✭✭
    #3
    Much appreciated.  This is for our cabin, so no huge deal.

    We're already invested in our 24v battery bank.  Running a small Victron inverter for each room.  The Schneider's are just for the Mr. Cool air conditioning and a couple kitchen appliances.

    I forgot about the little blurb in the SCP manual that states that the SCP will be powered by the inverter.  I've already got everything needed to hook these buggers up, so I'm gonna give it a go.  If one or both let the smoke out, I'll be going with another brand, I believe.
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  • JNHEscher
    JNHEscher Registered Users Posts: 5 ✭✭
    #4
    Been a while.

    Got our two 4024's stacked and running like champs a few nights ago.  Even ran some AC in with the generator without issue.

    Turned the inverters on yesterday.  Decided to fire up the genny to charge up the batteries a bit, and there it was - master inverter popped, smoked, crackled, and stunk.  Arc flash.  Smoked a few FETs.

    Currently debating on whether to stick another Schneider in its place and avoid running AC in on both inverters, or work with Victron.


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  • Dave Angelini
    Dave Angelini Solar Expert Posts: 6,889 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    #5
    Sorry about that but you rolled the dice !  Glad you did not have a fire that did property damage!
    XW is the way to increase power from A CSW.  The Victron may be a good choice!  Good Luck!
    "we go where power lines don't" Sierra Nevada mountain area
       htps://offgridsolar1.com/
    E-mail offgridsolar@sti.net

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  • JNHEscher
    JNHEscher Registered Users Posts: 5 ✭✭
    #6
    Yep.  Rolled the dice despite knowing the Schneider problem.  Wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt.  One is none, two is one, so we still have the one running like butter.

    Figuring out which Victrons we want to get.  I'm going to try to urge Victron to design a single unit split-phase, if they're willing.  I don't quite like the idea of requiring two inverters to get split-phase.  If one ever fails at any point, we're stuck with 120v until a replacement goes in.
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  • Dave Angelini
    Dave Angelini Solar Expert Posts: 6,889 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    #7
    The down on Victron is historically none of it met US code. That has changed I have heard but I don't use Victron and you are right about stacking 120V. The failure rate with 120 stacked does seem higher and you just look at Outback and while they have superior parts and service info, they do need it!

    I just use XWP and have old grey box XW's running in the deserts from 2006.😎
    "we go where power lines don't" Sierra Nevada mountain area
       htps://offgridsolar1.com/
    E-mail offgridsolar@sti.net

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