Review on Xantrex Freedom 817 2080 Power Inverter by Antonio Taveras

I installed an XC2000 in my class C last spring (2018). I figured it had to do with my electrical and electronics experience. Also, the inverter was generating an error code that wasn't in the manual when this happened. When I ran the inverter with no power, it worked fine. In each case, the error code was "Call Technical Support". Not very useful on weekends when we workers have time to attack these projects. Looking to the future, I also installed photovoltaic panels and a solar charger and stopped worrying about connecting to the grid. It later turned out that this inverter does not work well with some types of GFCI. This information was also missing in the manual. I've spent hours researching grounded neutrals and trying to find one that doesn't exist because Xantrex tech support pointed it out to me. I should also mention that the inverter checked itself for smoke shortly after installation. There was a large charred mark on the negative side of the battery cable connector. Yes, it turned out well. I called support and in just two days they sent me a new one. I installed a new one and it works until today (February 2019). I should also mention that I have been working full time since September. So for almost 6 months of uninterrupted, problem-free use. I bought the external/remote panel because it is installed in a closet that would normally be difficult to access. I should point out that the interface here is as technologically advanced as a 1980's Casio watch. As part of my electrical system overhaul I also installed a Victron solar charger and battery monitor. I can command and control Victron products using Victron's free Bluetooth app. But the inverter, which costs almost twice as much as Victron's products combined, has an interface that needs to be connected and is overall disappointing. The AC terminals on this inverter are terrible for connecting your 10/3 wire. I also called tech support regarding this and there are no words in English to describe how to do this. There's even a video on Youtube trying to demonstrate how to do it. But it's hard for a camera to capture it. Finally, you have to use an incredible amount of force to insert the wires while keeping the AC connector on the board and working at a very tricky angle. The good news is that once copper is in, it's likely never to come out. I also looked at Magnum products. I was impressed with what I saw. But Magnum doesn't appear to be doing anything to promote their products, while Xantrex appears to be promoting their products. I also hated buying Chinese. But in the end, the cost savings from purchasing Xantrex allowed me to keep the project cost under $2,500 (includes 4 x 100w PV panels, Xantrex inverter, Victron MPPT solar charger, Victron battery monitor, 2 x Trojan T- 105RE and all necessary cables). fuses and devices). ***Updated December 2020 - Still works the same as it did over 2 years ago. It also seems to do a good job of keeping batteries charged without slowly boiling them and shortening their lifespan.