I have an opportunity to purchase a ST1500 "Brand New in Box"...How will I be able to determine if the unit has been upgraded?

Thanks

It will have a UPG in the serial number ...

The ones on eBay are pre UPG , DON'T BUY THEM unless the seller can prove they have been thru the upgrade program , but since it's new-in-box ... I'm certain it hasn't unless it was manufactured after 2/2003

Are all the STRXs considered upgraded? Or do I need to verify the serial number?

Thanks...great forum site by the way!

No , STXR same boat ...

Here's how to know for sure its an UPG

1) manufactured on or after 2/2003
or
2) when unit powers up , it will have software rev 5.0 and enhanced with "GP technology" in the startup message
or
3) units that go thru the upgrade program (pre-2003) should have a sticker on the side showing this

The only people selling real upgs at discount is SunElectric for about 832.00 (these are STXR-2500-UPG) , I know the poeple there and have had them verify they are UPG's

http://www.sunelec.com/Distributors_/Trace/invacccltrace.html

I was keeping an eye on eBay , so far every time I see one , its an OLD ST .. which now that Xantrex now longer provides the updgrade have little value in a PV system

People who "beleive" an eBay seller are getting ST's make them send you a hi-res picture of the stickers on the side , our have them power it up (need 48 volts DC) and take a picture of the LCD messages. If they won't or can't do this .. DONT BUY THE UNIT