January 18, 2011
CPSC Release #11-0999

Clickable link to release (Which also includes General Electric Branded and SunPower Branded Inverters): Schneider Electric Recalls Xantrex GT Series Grid Tie Solar Inverters Due to Injury Hazard

Name of Product: Xantrex Grid Tie Solar Inverters
Units: About 25,000
Manufacturer: Xantrex Technology Inc. - a subsidiary of Schneider Electric, of Livermore, Calif.

Hazard: A component of the inverter can degrade, causing out gassing within the wiring compartment of the inverter. When arcing occurs, gasses could build and force the compartment cover to be blown off. If the cover is blown off with sufficient force it can injure the user or person, or cause damage to property in close proximity to the inverter.

Incidents/Injuries: Schneider Electric has received five reports of wiring compartment covers being blown off. No injuries or property damage have been reported.

Description: The recalled inverter converts solar photovoltaic voltages into utility grid voltages; allowing the owner to feed power into the electrical grid. The recalled units were manufactured between September 2005 and August 2010. These products were sold under the Xantrex, Sunpower, and General Electric brands. The brand name is printed on the front of the unit.

See actual release for part numbers (printed on the top of the units).

Sold through: Solar distributors and system integrators nationwide and in Canada from September 2005 through January 2011 for between about $2,500 and $4,000.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately contact their authorized dealer to set up an appointment to get a free repair of the inverter.

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