I bought one of these in 2008, installed it in my motorhome and spent a few days camping in the Arizona desert. The following year we didn't go camping at all, so did not use the inverter. This fall, I was getting the motorhome set up for camping and I noticed the inverter was not working correctly. It runs for about a minute and then shuts off. This happens under heavy load or no load at all. After a few phone calls to Go Power, I learned that there are no user fixes, the inverter is shot, and they offered to sell me another at 1/2 price since mine was beyond the 2 year warranty.
I declined their offer, given that the first one only had about 10 hours of use on it, and there was no reason to think that another unit wouldn't do the same thing. I figure this one cost me about $75 per hour to operate, so even at half price, it isn't a deal.
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I own this Go Power GP SW 2000 – 12 2000 W pure sine wave inverter, and first off let me say it is very solidly built. It's designed to have an assortment of accessories that are compatible with it and that suit the consumer market--at the same time it has the reliability and quality of an industrial power inverter.While I chose to source my own cables and fuse, a product that has the entire line of the accessories with guides that allow you to size them is very valuable to people who are not necessarily electricians or electrical engineers but want the ability to generate their own power. It includes a port which is easily wired with 24 AWG cable that allows remote control of the unit with a standard wall switch, but there's also a company manufactured remote that shows additional information about the status of the inverter, so if you're a DIY'er you can set up your own remote switch for the inverter, or if you're just a consumer who wants a turnkey solution to remote operation you can buy theirs.
Whether it's from a back-up bank, a solar power system, or a wind power system, a quality power inverter with ample capacity is a must, in my experience, 12 V appliances are limited in performance and of lesser quality, there few cases, such as led lighting in a camper, where it's better to use the 12 V power directly. and pure sinewave inverters are the only ones that can produce power of the same quality as utility power. Modified sinewave inverters are simply not good for your electronics, the premium you pay for quality pure sine wave inverter is worth protecting your electronics, motors, compressors, all of which suffer with modified sinewave inverters. Since my campers 12 V I use the 12V version even though I don't use too many 12 V appliances directly off the battery. But for applications where no 12V appliances are necessary, I recommend the 24 V version. Building a high-capacity battery bank is easier at 24 V and it's also easier to charge. Also 24 V PWM charge controllers can be found cheap on Amazon. Most people however will find the 12 V version better if they have car chargers/accessories that they want to use.
That being said not all pure sinewave inverters are created equal, I've always thought if something is worth doing it's worth doing right. Choosing an inverter with a high enough capacity that produces a pure sine wave will keep your appliances running smooth, and give you independence from the power grid. These units are made by a company that stands behind its products and even produces products for cities and municipalities. I've contacted them for customer support and they are extremely professional and helpful.
I find that this pure sine wave inverter is extremely accurate: devices that have ac frequency based timers are seldom off by a significant amount. My window unit air-conditioner starts-up without so much as dimming the lights. The dual cooling fans keep it cool even under high loads. And the post terminals with plastic guards are very thick and heavy duty to allow efficient conduction of power. I recommend their cable kits, however any inverter cable kit with ring terminals and a high enough gauge for the wattage and length that you intend to use will work fine. A fuse is a must, and theirs are high-quality and designed to withstand start up current without blowing unnecessarily. Sourcing all of the components for an off-grid solar power or backup power system it can be difficult for a normal consumer, this inverter allows you the flexibility to provide your own accessories or to use the pre-fabricated accessories that are tailor-made to this inverter.
I've owned several types, capacities and brands of power inverters. I've assembled several solar power systems and advised others on how to build their own. I always recommend this power inverter line and/or the kit that includes this power inverter to anyone who wants a solar power system that can provide a comfortable off-grid lifestyle, be it in an emergency, on the road, or in a camper, for off grid you can't beat this inverter line.
As a note, I would advise anyone who chooses this inverter to have at least a 200 amp hour deep cycle battery, although 2 in parallel would be better. And a 200 amp slow burning fuse on the positive battery terminal.
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