Xantrex introduces SW Plus balance-of-system components and system packages

Xantrex has introduced balance-of-system (BOS) components and system packages for its SW Plus Inverter/Charger that will simplify onsite assembly and installation of renewable energy conversion and management systems.

BURNABY, B.C., CANADA, August 24, 2004 -Xantrex has introduced balance-of-system (BOS) components and system packages for its SW Plus Inverter/Charger that will simplify onsite assembly and installation of renewable energy conversion and management systems.


Renewable energy dealer/installers and distributors can now order exactly the pieces needed for a complete renewable power installation. All the pieces can be shipped by UPS, or other courier to the installation site or warehouse. The systems are easily assembled on site by one installer.

Xantrex has traditionally sold complete renewable power systems as a custom power panel that comes pre-assembled from the factory. Weighing about 500 lbs, the power panels are more difficult to ship and require more than one person and special equipment for installation.

In addition to selling each of the system components separately, Xantrex offers 10 basic system packages designed to ensure maximum energy production in a wide range of off-grid applications. They are available in single or dual inverter/charger configurations and include various combinations of SW Plus Inverter/Chargers, conduit boxes, charge controllers, mounting plates and other components. SW Plus system packages are designed for easy onsite assembly and connection to a renewable energy source such as solar panels, wind generator or micro-hydro system. The packages have an MSRP ranging in price from $3,450 US to $8,540 US.

SW Plus system packages offer a higher number of configurations than the SW Power Panel, giving dealer/installers greater flexibility when specifying systems for their customers.

"SW Plus BOS components and system packages offer renewable energy distributors and dealer/installers the flexibility they've been asking for," said Smitty Ovitt, Xantrex director of sales. "Many installers work alone and have told Xantrex that on-site assembly of individual components is easier and more convenient than mounting a pre-assembled unit such as the original SW Power Panel."

Renewable energy distributors will benefit by not having to special order pre-assembled power panels, saving time and shipping costs. By stocking SW Plus balance-of-system components, distributors have the option of building and configuring systems designed for specific user needs.

The SW Plus is the evolution of the field proven SW Series technology and delivers superior efficiency at the load levels typically found in an off-grid home. As part of an off-grid renewable power system, the SW Plus provides AC power for household appliances and DC power to charge batteries when another source of power is available.

An SW Plus System can also be used as part of a backup power system to automatically provide AC power when utility power fails. To save on utility bills, the SW Plus Inverter/Charger can be programmed to switch to battery power from utility power during peak-rate periods.

For more information on SW Plus BOS components and system packages contact a Xantrex sales representative or visit www.xantrex.com/bos.

About Xantrex
Xantrex Technology Inc. (TSX:XTX) is a world leader in the development, manufacturing and marketing of advanced power electronic products and systems for the distributed, mobile and programmable power markets. The company's products convert raw electrical power from any central, distributed, or backup power source into high-quality power required by electronic and electrical equipment.

Xantrex is a public company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, the company has facilities in Arlington, Washington; Livermore, California; Elkhart, Indiana and Barcelona, Spain. Additional information about Xantrex is available at www.xantrex.com.

Note that this news release contains forward-looking statements related to Xantrex Technology Inc. Such statements reflect the current views of Xantrex with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in these forward-looking statements.

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