[pvusers] Powerstar inverters and reliability

[Jim La Joie <jimjola@cts.com>]

I built my own PV system and used a PowerStar 1300 watt inverter. It ran
everything fine (a little buzz in the ceiling fan) for 17 months then
failed. It is being repaired as I write.
When it did fail it took out a couple of AC adapters that run the phone and
my kids stereo.
Does anyone have experience with the PowerStar? Is 17 months the average
reliability? Do inverter failures usually harm downstream equipment? What
can be done to protect against same?
With good operating experience from a modified sine wave inverter, I am not
convinced that the pure sine wave is worth the money. Would like to hear
thoughts on that. 
Also, who makes a reliable modified sine wave inverter.
Thanks to all.


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