Update: Defective SunSaver was returned to dealer who tested and confirmed unit was indeed defective. Exchanged for another identical SunSaver model. Now all good - working A-OK!
Moral of this story - when buying in store - have the merchant test and demonstrate the product functions 100%. In our case, it was necessary to drive 60+ miles on a bad road to obtain an exchange unit and pretty much used up an entire day we would rather have spent on the beach! But we are thankful the dealer was cooperative and helpful getting us a new unit.
Gotta wonder about Morningstar's QC. :h