Outbacks Radian series is the system i would call robust. No need for a seperate AGS for the generator, gfci, a load center that is made by Midnite Solar with a bypass, made for upgradability and ease of wiring. At some point you would really need to open them and examine the machines to compare what they are made of.
Outback gear is not easily bested by what others are offering, especially Schneider. That is an opinion of mine. For all practical purposes, they will both do the job for most uses.
Outback battery based system programability and modes of operation for offgrid/grid interactive is only rivaled by SMA (ac coupled sunny island) in my experience.
For all its worth, after dicing up capability and reliability, set them beside each other and for the same price, the Radian sells itself. (To me, anyhow)
A plus if you require more than 4000 watts and 240v, the Radian 8048 has two, 4kw inverter modules, for a layer of redundancy. This is a point where a person has to look at power requirements in the future, the Radian will do it all in one box without stacking for 240vac. Thats just parts talk, not labor. Digression...
I have found that if you need 240vac and want to grid tie, the Radian comes out a little cheaper compared to using e-panels with stacked FX inverters and an autotransformer, which is fine depending on the design purpose and some systems forgo e-panel wiring enclosures for the octopus wall of shame, which actually costs more unless you do it yourself or have no use for the functions of the panel.
The Schneider systems do require a charge controller if not ac coupled, have a higher battery charger current output , and do have a longer duration, higher surge output. My intuition tells me schneider is makin the pig squeal at those ratings!, but i am not positive and have a bias!
The schneider battery system seminar guy made it sound good anyhow. For my money and/or portfolio, we choose Outback... until Midnite Solar starts shipping their new B17 inverter/chargers!
A nice stroll down history lane to see how a small group of techs start big projects that even bigger companies then buy control of and crash'em on the rocks everytime. Like cargo cults, they arrange the shattered parts, but it cant fly because the brains and passion left.
One of my favorite stories.
http://www.midnitesolar.com/pages/frontPage/nwHistory/history.php
