Outback FXR 3.6kW 120VAC 48VDC 45A Vented Inverter/Charger VFXR3648A

I live off the grid and I have been for quite sometime. I first started using OutBack products about 20 years ago when they first came out with their FX Inverters. This year I am in the process of possibly connecting to the grid and I could not do that with my existing FX Inverters so I upgraded to these VFXR3648A which can be used for both off-grid and grid-tie applications. I purchased two of these to run both my home and my woodshop. I could actually run them off one but because of the surge power to start some of my tools I needed to have them both. And there is another advantage to having two inverters and that is that there is twice the charging power if you need it and that the second unit is sitting their idle until your first inverter uses about two thirds its capacity when it kicks in to relieve the master unit thus saving ware and tier on each unit. My solar system is completely OutBack except for the solar panels, wind turbines, and the LP backup generator.

inverter did not power up after installation.inside looks like a refirbrished unit.

Just got it last Friday, installed and working fine. It's a beast, heavy, built to last, good solid connectors, and quiet.I just have a couple beefs, so far.Turning the inverter on and off is a pain. I probably won't do it often, but without the Mate, there's no "on/off" switch.. you actually have to install your own.It would be good if the Outback folks would think about a Smartphone app instead of that separate controller they sell.EDIT 3/5/2020: Unit used as inverter only with no mate. Twice in the last 2 weeks it has quit inverting just for a moment, but enough time to make my Directv receiver reboot. During reboot, it quits inverting again. This happens as my Li battery is at full charge, so I'm suspecting it's an over-voltage condition.

This thing is awesome! Using the "support" mode is perfect for me, and the unit has been rock-solid thus far. I would absolutely recommend this product.

The basic functionality of this inverter is excellent, with good clean output, minimal noise, and great efficiency. Physical build is very good quality. I would give the unit itself 3 stars.One of the input terminals was loose inside, so when I went to tighten the bolt, the whole terminal spun. Yes, I used a precision torque wrench.Internal voltage meter is horrible. I don't understand why they can't just include a decent voltage reference chip on-board, it's not that expensive. But they cheap out and just include an "offset" function which lets you correct for their bad calibration.A METAL lid sitting right over the battery input terminals. Really? They do include some thin plastic caps to cover the terminals, but this seems like an afterthought. You MUST use the plastic caps, because removing or installing the lid would be a super safety hazard without them. Bad design.Interface is poor, as is the user manual. I use this for off-grid solar. As in *only* solar. Every single setting is designed for an alternative dino-fueled input, like a generator or the public grid. Nowhere is it obvious what setting to use for a PV only configuration. I eventually figured it out, but without any help from support. Which leads me to...The non-existent support. I opened several support cases, got auto-replies indicating that their system did receive my case. No response. EVER. I responded to the emails, asked them to reply, NOTHING. I went on their support forums, and all the users there are condescending bullies who berate you if you ask a question. I never got an answer there either, although I did get plenty of insults and snide remarks.I own several pieces of Outback equipment, all purchased at once. I spent thousands.BUT HERE'S THE BOTTOM LINE: I would never buy another piece of Outback equipment, and I would not recommend them to anyone. Not because of the hardware - poor UI and minor technical issues I can live with - but because of the lack of support, and the berating I received on their official forums (by moderators and employees).

for $2200, we would expect better customer service and support. Got the entire outback system and later learned that their communications system uses unfiltered battery/system power. This caused several components to already fry: Mate3s, Hub, and now Inverter. The entire outback system is not robust and prone to frying the communication system. When brought this up to tech support, they put me down saying I am not a qualified electrician and that their system is all around the world.$2200 inverter1$2200 inverter2$600 mate3s$500 charge controller 1$500 charge controller 2$500 hub------$6500 spent and they refuse to help service their issues. I will no longer be buying outback and move onto better alternatives that are cheaper and less prone to damage.