Opinions on Xantrex DR1512 inverters?

MaineCabin
MaineCabin Solar Expert Posts: 29 ✭
in General Solar Power Topics #1
Hi,

Does any one have experience with Xantrex DR1512 or DR2412 inverters? Are they reliable? Are there better alternatives?

I'm planning a system for my off-grid cabin. I'll need an inverter in the 1500 to 2500 range. I understand the DR series inverters are modified sine wave, but it seems a real jump in price for a true sine wave inverter.

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks,
Rich
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Comments

  • Windsun
    Windsun Solar Expert Posts: 1,164 ✭✭
    #2
    Re: Opinions on Xantrex DR1512 inverters?

    Only real issue with the DR series is that they are going to be discontinued sometime in the Summer of 2008.
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  • mike95490
    mike95490 Solar Expert Posts: 9,583 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #3
    Re: Opinions on Xantrex DR1512 inverters?

    It's not the price you buy them for, it's what appliances will run off the inverter ?

    Motors, transformers, microwave ovens, TV, stereos, CF Lights, are much better off, run from PURE sine wave.

    Electric stove, incandescent bulbs, LED bulbs, almost anything that could run off DC, will run from a mod-sine inverter.

    Running appliances (washer, fans, fridge, etc..) the motor heats up extra hot, and eventually dies from the stress, and they draw extra power form your batteries while running on mod-sine wave.

    Tell us some more about your plans.
    Powerfab top of pole PV mount | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
    || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
    || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

    solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
    gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister ,

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  • MaineCabin
    MaineCabin Solar Expert Posts: 29 ✭
    #4
    Re: Opinions on Xantrex DR1512 inverters?
    mike90045 wrote: »

    Tell us some more about your plans.

    1. 1/2hp soft-start 115v water pump
    2. 4 or 5 CFL's
    3. Radio
    4. maybe TV/DVD in future

    Thanks,
    Rich
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  • crewzer
    crewzer Registered Users, Solar Expert Posts: 1,832 ✭✭✭✭
    #5
    Re: Opinions on Xantrex DR1512 inverters?
    I'm planning a system for my off-grid cabin. I'll need an inverter in the 1500 to 2500 range. I understand the DR series inverters are modified sine wave, but it seems a real jump in price for a true sine wave inverter.
    One cost-effective option might be a couple of smaller sine wave inverters. One could run all the time, and then switch on the other for large and/or temporary loads.

    See: http://www.exeltech.com/xpspecs.htm
    and: http://store.solar-electric.com/exxp12vol11w.html
    and: http://store.solar-electric.com/xp-600-12.html

    HTH,
    Jim / crewzer
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  • colderthan
    colderthan Registered Users Posts: 20 ✭
    #6
    Re: Opinions on Xantrex DR1512 inverters?

    Hi Rich. I'm not an expert like the other knowledgeable and very helpful people here, but do have several years living with a DR 2412. As far as reliability, it was one of the reasons I bought mine in the late ‘90’s (still going strong). I run all of our 110 loads with it (microwave, TV, freezer, computer, coffee maker, washer and dishwasher). The only electric appliance we have had fail was our vacuum and it was 9 years old, don't think I can blame that on the mod. sine wave. The microwave does take longer to cook than it does off the generator. There isn't much doubt a pure sine wave would be easer on the electric stuff, but for the extra grand or two one of the same size would cost I can buy a lot of $50 or $60 microwaves at Wal-Mart if they do fail.
    Then there is the issue of efficiency, with mod. sine wave you lose 15% to 20%, but with the money saved you can add more panels and still have money left over.
    Just my two cents.

    Paul
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