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Xantrex GT 3.3 Wierd Issues
http://solar-guppy.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=762
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Author:  Iboc [ Mon Jun 29, 2009 10:04 am GMT EthGMT ]
Post subject:  Re: Xantrex GT 3.3 Wierd Issues

Ok, this thing is getting worse. It takes multiple whacks to get it to activate almost every morning now. I called Alt-Energy Store who I purchased the inverter through. They called me back and gave me the number of a Technician in Canada. I called and left a message back when I started having problems but then I lost the number. You guys think I should call Alternative Energy Store again or should I just call Xantrex directly? :?: Only reason I ask is because the manual seems to indicate that Xantrex prefers you call the retailer. Oh and it wasn't lose wires, it's something under the heatsink judging by where giving it a whack with my palm is most effective at starting it.

Author:  Solar Guppy [ Mon Jun 29, 2009 11:24 am GMT EthGMT ]
Post subject:  Re: Xantrex GT 3.3 Wierd Issues

Always call Xantrex direct, the retailer has no part in the warranty process

http://www.xantrex.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=44

Call the number, explain the issue and with a Credit Card Number, they will ship ahead a replacement. No reason to wait on this, just get the unit replaced

Author:  Iboc [ Tue Jun 30, 2009 10:13 am GMT EthGMT ]
Post subject:  Re: Xantrex GT 3.3 Wierd Issues

I cut up my last credit card about 3 years ago, I didn't want to get suckered in to a 20%+ intrest rate. I do it all with debit now, I wonder if they will accept that. The other problem is I don't think they will have a replacement positive ground inverter. At the time I ordered this one they said it was a fluke that they still had one in the back of thier warehouse. That is unless they have made a new batch for sunpower and kept a few with the Xantrex logo.

Author:  Solar Guppy [ Tue Jun 30, 2009 12:10 pm GMT EthGMT ]
Post subject:  Re: Xantrex GT 3.3 Wierd Issues

Credit card is only for ship ahead... they will probably accept debit card, neither would be charged, its to make sure the failed unit is returned, if after 30 days it is not returned, then your charged for a new unit.

Instead of guessing on what will be done, take 10 minutes and call and have Xantrex support tell you what your options are. They will get you a fixed unit as long as it under warranty, so talk of otherwise is pointless

Author:  rayhat [ Sun Jul 05, 2009 6:57 am GMT EthGMT ]
Post subject:  Re: Xantrex GT 3.3 Wierd Issues

How is this going. I would like to know how you make out.

Author:  Iboc [ Mon Jul 13, 2009 9:30 am GMT EthGMT ]
Post subject:  Re: Xantrex GT 3.3 Wierd Issues

I have not had time yet to resolve this. As I said before I called once a couple weeks ago and never got a call back. Thought I would have another chance during my vacation but I could not escape my relatives who all had Vacations at the same time. I also gotta get some bent rims and scuff marks fixed on my brand new car and I have some health related stuff to straighten out. I have been a little too stressed out lately but I will call them to resolve this soon and I will let you all know how it turns out.

Author:  Iboc [ Tue Jul 14, 2009 1:22 pm GMT EthGMT ]
Post subject:  Re: Xantrex GT 3.3 Wierd Issues

Ok, I have an RMA number now. They were going to just ship me a replacement unit but then they realized that they dont have any Positive Ground units in stock. They rarely do. He said they will see if they can find a replacement, if not, then this unit will be repaired and they will do what they can to minimize turnaround time. Now what I am concerned about is shipping costs. I think this thing weighs 88lbs if I remember right. That could be over $100 to ship. Does anyone have any advice on this? I am currently trying to get two seperate claims on my car repaired and the deductables are probably going to break me otherwise this would not be a concern.

Author:  Solar Guppy [ Tue Jul 14, 2009 2:14 pm GMT EthGMT ]
Post subject:  Re: Xantrex GT 3.3 Wierd Issues

Xantrex will pay for shipping, they will issue a call tag, you box the inverter for pickup and that it

Author:  Iboc [ Mon Jul 20, 2009 3:19 pm GMT EthGMT ]
Post subject:  Re: Xantrex GT 3.3 Wierd Issues

I would have done it already if I had known that. They didn't offer to pay for the return shipping until I told them I was the end user, then they said that the GT warranty covers 100% of the shipping. Then shortly after they called back and said they have a fresh set of GT 3.8 Positive Ground inverters, they would be willing to trade for one of them permanantly. Apparently its easier for them to take a loss and give us an upgrade than repair the old one. Im glad because I dont have a credit card anymore so the turn around time should be faster this way. Only bad thing is we will lose our production totals to date. Does anyone know if I would lose efficiency by switching to a 3.8 unit? The Xantrex Rep claimed the efficiency would stay about the same but that doesn't sound right mathmatically or electrically. We have a 3010watt array of Sunpower Panels.
Also they seemed really surprised that I installed this system my self. Is it really that unnusual that people can do thier own installations or is it a regulatory problem with town planning boards that ussually requires professional install?

Author:  Solar Guppy [ Mon Jul 20, 2009 4:07 pm GMT EthGMT ]
Post subject:  Re: Xantrex GT 3.3 Wierd Issues

GT3.8 is actually higher efficiency than your unit, not much and nothing you could ever measure without power analyzers but is better. Most gridtie is installed by contractors not home owners as dealing with the local regulations and inspectors is not for the faint of heart. Sounds like you'll get a new unit with no costs to you, pretty darn good IMHO

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