Hi Jack,
I have a 1990's "vintage" Xantrex SW 4024 true-sine transformer-based inverter. It's grid-interactive and can manage the operation of a stand-by generator (though I haven't started using it for that purpose yet, and I bought it used in 2006). This type of inverter has been a standard in RE systems that rely on batteries for energy storage. A few years ago, Xantrex was bought by Schneider Electric, so they're swallowed up in a megaglomerate and it's harder to get through to them (not impossible) when you need something. Case in point, checking myself as I write I just opened up a browser tab to see Schneider Electric- Solar, and to give you a link. Yea, it won't load today. Typical. On the other hand, the technology has continued to move forward at these companies, so they have a lot more to offer now. You can find XW and TR series of inverters from Schneider that may suit you, depending on the size of system you want to be operating. Due to the ownership changes at Schneider, you can open the current machines and find "Xantrex" printed on the inside of their equipment, and digging down to the circuit board level you find "Trace". The lesson is that some products are 30 years old, and others are fresh off the sweatshop floor.
Ah finally after 3 tries the website opens.
http://www.schneider-electric.ca/canada/en/products-services/solar/solar-intermediate.page?f=F13%3ASolar~!NNM1:Solar+Backup+and+Off-Grid+Systems&p_function_id=5099Another member of the forum, Chris Olson, said recently that there's some new product on offer from Xantrex/Schneider. Don't ask me to find them though. Hunting around all I see are more boat/RV power inverters for 12V batteries.
Splitting out of Xantrex was Outback, in the 1990's. The story goes, it's the same band of engineers taking another crack at the problem, and doing it better. Again, Outback has the size, battery, and generator management capabilities to operate for a long time in many system configurations, including probably yours. Better, because you get excellent warranty support from them. They would get my highest recommendation:
http://www.outbackpower.com/products/sinewave_inverter/The proliferation of grid-tied battery-less systems has changed the market. Many inverters are transformer-less, will manage solar panels with MPPT routines that operate at very high voltages, and do not provide any back-up power or generator start-up. If you're out in the countryside looking for some off-grid living, then this isn't the choice for you. Even if you want to keep the grid, but find it unreliable (like I do) then you want to have backup power capabilities that limit your choices of inverter.
Also on the market, advertised for RE systems with batteries, are brands like Magnum, but the service, warranty stories are mixed there.
New to the market is Apollo Solar. I only know their advertising at this point.
I must also mention the Sunny Boy from SMA. They have a much better reputation. They aren't cheap! I think they only sell to 48V battery systems.
My knowledge of Samlex hasn't been refreshed for a long time, so you're right to correct me there.