Xantrex Technology Inc.
Headquarters
8999 Nelson Way
Burnaby, British Columbia
Canada V5A 4B5
Arlington Office
5916-195th Street, NE
Arlington, WA 98223
www.xantrex.com
Xantrex PowerHub 1800 - FAQ
1. What is the PowerHub 1800?
The PowerHub 1800 is a modifi ed sine wave inverter/charger, combined with a battery bank, that
provides primary power for homes and cottages that are not connected to the utility grid, or backup
power for those with unreliable grid power. The PowerHub accepts solar, wind or generator inputs.
2. Can I install the PowerHub 1800 myself?
Yes, you can install the PowerHub 1800 yourself if you read the installation guide, understand the
electrical code and are reasonably competent with tools and basic assembly (or you can hire a
licensed electrician). To fully comply with your local regulatory agency’s safety requirements, an
electrical inspector must review and approve the installation.
3. How do I install the PowerHub 1800?
For full installation details please read the Operation/Installation Guide.
4. What are the system requirements for installation?
The PowerHub 1800 is designed to be powered by a single 15-amp small appliance and lighting
circuit breaker, or from an 1800 watt continuous minimum rated 120-volt AC generator. It can also
be powered by solar and wind energy. Maximum solar panel input is 480 watts and maximum
wind turbine input is 1200 watts. Solar panel input requires an external charge controller.
5. What size of solar panels do I need?
You will need two 120 watt solar panels. The typical output of these panels should be 170 watts.
The recharge time should typically be two full sunny days with a 200 amp hour (Ah) battery
discharged to 50% of its capacity. If you’re not using the wind turbine input, additional solar
panels can be added; however, the installed battery bank has a recommended maximum charge
rate depending on the battery model used. Charging beyond this maximum tends to overheat the
batteries and will reduce their life expectancy.
6. What size of wind turbine do I need?
You will need one 400 watt peak output turbine. The typical output should be 380 watts. The
recharge time should typically be one day with a 200 amp hour battery discharged to 50% of its
capacity. A larger or an additional 400 watt turbine can be connected; however, the installed
battery bank size maximum charge rate may be exceeded depending on the battery model
used. Charging beyond this maximum tends to overheat the batteries and will reduce their life
expectancy.
7. What type of connector do I need to hook up to solar and wind power sources?
The PowerHub 1800 has four stud terminals, two small and two large, located on the rear of the
inverter/charger module. The incoming solar array/charge controller cable must have a ring terminal
crimped onto the end. A professional crimp tool that ensures the correct crimp pressure must be
used to ensure a safe electrical connection. Wind turbine connections must be made to the larger
stud terminals located on the rear of the inverter/charger module.
8. What types of applications will I be able to operate?
A PowerHub with one battery enclosure with a fully charged 200 amp hour battery bank can
sustain an average load of about 100 watts for approximately fi fteen hours. It can power a variety
of small to medium sized appliances such as microwaves, cell phones, laptops and coffee makers.
9. Can the PowerHub 1800 be used with solar, wind and generator input?
Yes, see answers to questions 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6.
