Has anyone use a Chinese Inverter?

[solarinnj]

Hi there,

Anyone has any experience using/ordering Chinese Inverters from Ebay?

Am interested in this item in particular:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2000W-4000W-DC-AC-Power-inverter-charger-DC-12V-AC-220V-Voltage-Display-/330846693097?_trksid=p2045573.m2042&_trkparms=aid%3D111000%26algo%3DREC.CURRENT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D27%26meid%3D4390026491496157407%26pid%3D100033%26prg%3D1011%26rk%3D1%26sd%3D330846693097%26

but any other brand at similar price would work too

Thanks

Ricardo

[inetdog]

Hi there,

Anyone has any experience using/ordering Chinese Inverters from Ebay?

Am interested in this item in particular:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2000W-4000W-DC-AC-Power-inverter-charger-DC-12V-AC-220V-Voltage-Display-/330846693097?_trksid=p2045573.m2042&_trkparms=aid%3D111000%26algo%3DREC.CURRENT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D27%26meid%3D4390026491496157407%26pid%3D100033%26prg%3D1011%26rk%3D1%26sd%3D330846693097%26

but any other brand at similar price would work too

Thanks

Ricardo

1. You get what you pay for, or less, depending.
2. If you use the "UPS" feature, with a grid AC supply attached, you will not be backfeeding, but since the unit is not UL-Listed, you have no idea how good the built-in "transfer switch" is. If you use it purely off grid, then it still is not UL-listed but maybe nobody but your insurance company will question it.

[bonaire]

Well, you can experiment but you run the risk of no support.

I've gotten various RC chargers and batteries from China and they've been fine (from Turnigy and Zippy). However, if you get something USA-made from a local company, then it probably would have a solid warranty and support.

The thing is - China isn't just junk like it used to be 10+ years ago. They make just about everything we use in this country now. This may be a viable inverter able to be driven from a bank of batteries.

What kind of batteries do you have and how do you keep them charged up?

Notice they have China-based 240V plugs in them. This one DOES NOT output 120V like we would need in the USA.

[russ]

The thing is - China isn't just junk like it used to be 10+ years ago.

True in part - The name companies in China can produce good equipment. The no name companies and startups are often not bothered with legal or moral concerns.

Shopping on ebay for equipment you expect to last 10 to 20 years is crazy unless you have a specific model from a manufacturer in mind.

[solarinnj]

Merry Christmas & Thank you for your answers!

I didnt realize I posted the wrong link. They do have a DC to 120 inverter.

My plan is to use it to build a small backup generator using 2 x T-105 Batteries set in parallel.

We have a gas boiler in our house that has some components that run on electricity, very little 0.7Amps. I figure instead of having a generator running all day. I could set up a battery bank with an inverter and either use the generator a few hours a day to charge the batteries while I get myself 4 x 250W panels

We use about 400kWh a month so if it works well, I could expand the battery bank and add a few more panels and use it as GTI system with battery bank when power goes out.

I have been doing a bunch of research on Craigslist and plan on purchasing all my items used as dont have the cash flow to invest in new products. The most expensive item so far seems to be the inverter. Found this listing on Ebay and got my attention. The seller does have a lot of positive reviews, but you never know I guess.

[russ]

The bigger the huckster the longer the list of excellent references.

Make a list of quality components that are acceptable and search for those only.

Garbage like this is dangerous. The suooplier knows it isn't legal - why should they worry if every 10th one goes up in flames?