The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·11099·Announced 2011-01-18

Schneider Electric Recalls Xantrex Solar Inverters Due to Injury Hazard

Schneider Electric is recalling about 25,000 Xantrex GT Series solar inverters because a component can degrade, causing the wiring compartment cover to blow off and potentially injure users.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product where the cover can be blown off, but the source explicitly states that no injuries or property damage have been reported, fitting the 'High' severity criteria for risk-of-harm products without reported injury.

Plain-English summary

Schneider Electric, through its subsidiary Xantrex Technology Inc., is recalling approximately 25,000 Xantrex GT Series Grid Tie Solar Inverters. The recalled units were manufactured between September 2005 and August 2010 and sold under the Xantrex, Sunpower, and General Electric brands. These inverters convert solar photovoltaic voltages into utility grid voltages.

The recall is due to a hazard where a component of the inverter can degrade, causing outgassing within the wiring compartment. When arcing occurs, gases can build up and force the compartment cover to be blown off. If the cover is ejected with sufficient force, it can injure the user or nearby persons, or cause damage to property in close proximity to the inverter. Schneider Electric has received five reports of wiring compartment covers being blown off, but no injuries or property damage have been reported.

The affected inverters were 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. Consumers should immediately contact their authorized dealer to set up an appointment to get a free repair of the inverter. For more information, consumers can contact Xantrex Technology at (800) 714-7176 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.

The recalled product

Product
Xantrex Grid Tie Solar Inverters
Affected units
25,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.