Magnum Energy MS4024PAE MS-PAE Series 4000W 24VDC Pure Sine Inverter/105 Amp PFC Charger/120V-240V Input/Output, Power Factor Corrected (PFC) Charger, Safe and reliable, Versatile mounting, Multiple

We have used this unit for about 4 months over the winter now and I can now share my thoughts and disappointments. The inverter portion has worked well so far but the charger function is a major let-down.The MS4024PAE was purchased to replace a 30 year old Trace U2624 modified sine wave inverter/charger which still works flawlessly and has been absolutely "bulletproof"!So why replace it then? ....several reasons.After 30 years we wondered how much longer it could possibly last and preferred to replace it on our schedule rather than in a panic after a sudden failure. The true sine wave feature had some appeal although we rarely found any problem with the older unit's modified sine wave output.The major factor in replacing our faithful old Trace was it's relatively low charge rate.Living off-grid on solar power in the mountains of the inland NW, we typically have 4-6 weeks on either side of the winter solstice (Dec 21st) when the days are short and/or the weather is bad. Even clear winter days here often start out foggy so we don't get much solar input until 11-12 am and then the sun goes below the ridge about 2:30-3pm for only 4 hours of solar input.During such times, we are obliged to run our diesel generator to charge our 1,000 amp hr 24 vdc battery bank. Our old Trace inverter/charger is rated at a 60 amp max charge rate and typically takes 10-12 hours of generator running time to replace 500 amp-hrs of battery capacity. This gave us an average charge rate over that period of 42-50 amps which our solar array would easily exceed on a clear cold winter's day.The Magnum Energy MS4024PAE was highly reviewed and touted a 105 amp "power factor corrected" charge rate which promised to almost double our charge rate which would in turn cut the generator run-time, wear & tear and fuel cost by nearly half....but it hasn't turned out quite that way.Over this last winter, our solar array pumps out 50-60 amps into our batteries all day until topped off but when the sun doesn't shine, which was often, we'd have to start the generator to power the Magnum's charger which would initially charge at a rate of perhaps 95 amps but it would rapidly fall off to maybe only 35 amps after only 2 hours and as little as 15 amps after only 3 hours. This rapid fall off of charge rate results in it taking considerably more, not less, generator time to charge our batteries now.As a stop-gap measure I've taken to running the generator much more frequently but only 2 hours at a time to keep the charge rate from falling off too much.So our old Trace "Tortoise" crosses the finish line long before the shiny new Magnum "Hare" even gets halfway.....very disappointing to say the least.It might be that there are some charge parameters that can be adjusted to help some using the optional ME-ARC50 remote control unit but that is another $200+ gamble that I have not yet been willing to take in hopes of solving a problem that should not exist in the first place using default parameters and settings..

Good

I purchased this unit to mount to a MidNite Solar E-Panel. I fronted the AC Input with an ESCO 30A Auto transfer switch and can say this unit (paired with the RC-50 control/display - REQUIRED IMO) is a super setup. The Magnum inverter is responsive, accurate, efficient and I could go on and on. Yes, it's $$$$ but, you get what you pay for. A very nice 'core' to any setup.I don't give 5 stars often, but this heavy guy deserves it as it's made top quality, functioned flawlessly out of the box and the warranty is great - AND AMERICAN MADE!!!!!!!!! Spend a few more $$$ and support American companies!Installed around 2012, has run flawlessly for almost 10 years. We even took a Lightening strike in May of 2018, and while just about everything else in the home got fried, this guy kept on rolling. I have just now replaced my battery bank(s) - I'm currently running 2 banks of VMAX 125AH 12VDC batteries (two in Series, two banks). This unit is very configurable with the optional (should read - REQUIRED) 'remote' screen, which is how you set all those parameters. To the gentleman before my review that is having issues with replacing an old Xantrex charger, I suspect you need to set the Magnum for the proper battery type you have installed. Yes, the charging system does start out at high amps, and winds down as time goes, but the unit does monitor/check the battery state, voltage, etc to achieve optimum/efficient use of power - which it gets that detail from you telling it what type of batteries you have installed.Previously, I had a similar setup of two banks of 100AH VMAX batteries. Installed them 'fresh' in 2013, and just this month needed to finally swap them out. That's over 8 YEARS on a set of batteries!Thumbs up from my end. Highly recommend Magnum inverters - you will not be disappointed! Just be sure to follow all technical details, install with proper gauge wiring, grounding, etc. If you are not comfortable doing this work, Hire a professional. When installed properly, this system is seamless! The cut-over from Line (street) power to Inverter (Battery) power is unnoticeable, and keeps all my refrigeration and internet equipment up and running without a 'blip'!!

I have purchased two of these inverters. I run them in parallel using Magnum's ME-RTR remote control to increase capacity to 8000 watts. I have them connected to a 684 Amp-hour battery bank that is charged by PV panels. I also have the charger section of the inverters connected to 240V grid power. This allows me to charge the batteries in the event of extended periods of no sun. I am very pleased with the performance of these units. It is a split-phase inverter meaning it produces 120V/240V electricity. I can power my 3HP induction-motor table saw with it. The lights that are powered by the inverter dim a bit when I start the saw, but it handles it just fine because of the parallel operation of both units. I ran just one unit for about a year before I bought the second unit for added capacity. Magnum Energy (Sensata) makes a great product that is very well documented. My system is self installed and the thorough manuals for the inverter and the ME-RTR remote controller were vital to being able to install and set up this system. Obviously they are expensive, but I have a friend who installs solar PV systems for a living. He says he's had problems with all the major brands except Magnum. I can't say enough good things. I've even called technical support once and within a short time I was able to speak to an expert. I've also email tech support and have received help within a day. I may even buy another of these to increase my capacity even more.