TEC
There are new brands of inverters manufactured in this country, popping up every year, and it's always the same story.
"They're made with the same parts as a Trace"
"They're just as good as a Trace, only cheaper"
"Try it out for 30 days and return it if you're not satisfied"
So far, they've all turned out to be useless pieces of junk. They develop problems, if they don't already have them from day one. They are over-rated, (I had a 4.5 kilo locally made inverter that couldn't handle the load that my Trace 2.5 handles easily), they take too long to switch over, (TV's, PC's, routers, refrigerators, etc shut down) they do not have 3 stage charging systems that allow for longer battery life, (if you have a 12 battery system @ 3,000 pesos per battery that lasts 2 instead of 4 years, you can take that amount off of what you think you are saving when you buy the cheap inverter), they are less efficient in transforming DC to AC current, ( if you are able to last 12 hours with a given Trace system under a given load, you might only last 8 hours with a cheaper unit) when I want to have my Trace inverter repaired, I disconnect it, take it to Santiago, have it repaired while I wait and have it reinstalled the same day. When your "cheapo" breaks down, your lucky if the guy who sold it to you is still in business, and if he is, don't count on getting one day service.
"Cheapo" units also make more noise. Anybody who has owned an inverter, knows that they are relatively silent when operating, but they do make a buzzing noise when under high load conditions and the "cheapos" make a lot more noise that Trace units.
Trace inverters have an assortment of adjustments that allow you to adapt the system to your specific needs, allowing for longer battery life, faster recharging if needed, better battery care, over-discharge protection, etc.
There are some American brands, such as Dimensions Unlimited, that are quite good, but when it comes to these locally made units, it's quite similar to those "Roka" trucks they built here some odd 10 years ago. Never have I seen such a piece of junk.
If you can't afford a brand new Trace system to suit your needs, then look for a used one. If you can't find a used one, buy a gas generator and save yourself the frustration of owning a pile of electronic junk that has you pulling your hair out by the roots.
Marco.