Mecer inverters are a popular choice for both residential and commercial applications. Designed and manufactured in South Africa, Mecer inverters are renowned primarily for their reliability.
In this comprehensive guide, we compare the features, applications, and performance of Mecer inverters, specifically the 3kW and 5kW options against competing inverter brands.
We also analyze customer reviews and provide a final recommendation on whether they provide value for money.
Table of Contents
Quick Summary
3kW Price: $600+
Availability: High
Ease of Use: Medium
Country of Origin: South Africa
Key features: Automatic 10-20 second changeover from mains to solar/battery
Company History
Mecer is more recognized for its desktop computers. Founded in 1987, Mecer is a South African brand owned by Mustek, an IT products and solutions provider. Under the Mecer brand, Mustek produces PCs, servers, tablets, and PC accessories.
In recent years the brand has expanded its portfolio to include UPSs (Uninterrupted Power Supplies) and inverters.
What Unique Value Does Mecer Bring To Inverters?
Mecer has been assembling PCs and servers for over 30 years. They have extended their expertise to producing a reliable inverter made from high-quality components that can withstand extreme voltage fluctuations.
Mecer produces a wide range of inverter models in various capacities, from as low as 600VA to as high as 10kVA, making them suitable for residential, and commercial use.
They also produce portable inverter battery kits. These are “2-in-1” combinations of an inverter and built-in battery for backup power supply.
Mecer inverters come with several standard features that make them safer and easier to use. These are features you expect to see on most modern inverters. These include LCD and LED displays for easy programming and status display as well as overload and short-circuit protection for connected loads.
Off-grid And Backup Power
Mercer inverters are ideal for going completely off-grid or as a power backup system for your home and office. They can power anything from small appliances like lights, laptops, and entertainment systems to larger appliances like refrigerators.
While they come in a range of sizes, the 3kW and 5kW inverters are the most commonly used capacities.
Mecer 3kW Inverter
While having a smaller power output, the 3kW inverter provides enough energy to power borehole pumps, TVs, phone/laptop charging as well as your internet modem. For most homes, a 3kW system will not provide enough power to go fully off-grid. It is, however, perfect for a backup power system.
Key Specs
Price: $600+/-
Surge Power: 6000VA
Power Output: 3000VA / 2400W
Key Features
- LCD display and controls for easy configuration and status display
- Built-in MPPT charge controller
- Built-in AC charging (charge batteries using mains electricity or generator)
- Smart battery charger design for improved battery performance
- Automatic changeover from mains to battery/solar
Customer Reviews
These are a few customer reviews of the 3kW inverter from the online shop Takealot.
“This inverter is easy to use and set up once it has been installed correctly. When paired with decent batteries it easily keeps a few lights, laptops and the internet powered through load shedding. I can even power my 1500w bean to cup coffee machine with it.
The model in the description and I the model I received seem to vary slightly though the description says 3Kva/2.4Kw but the model I received is a 3Kva/3Kw model. There is also a difference in the solar charger, according to the model in the description it is supposed to have a MPPT solar charger but the model I received had a PWM solar charger.
Overall I’m satisfied with this inverter and have had no issues with it so far.”
Bradley – 14 Sep 2022
“Good for my freezer. No more bad food. Load-shedding what no more for my freezer.”
Jan Leopold – 15 Oct 2022
“Great product! Does exactly what is required during load shedding.”
Bruce – 16 Feb 2023
Mecer 5kW Inverter
The 5kW inverter offers considerably more power and can take homes with conservative energy consumption off-grid. It can power larger appliances like pool pumps, and air conditioners along with your smaller appliances.
Key Specs
Price: $800+/-
Surge Power: 10000VA
Power Output: 5000VA / 5000W
Key Features:
- LCD display and controls for easy configuration and status display
- Built-in MPPT/PWM charge controller (depends on the model)
- Built-in AC charging (charge batteries using mains electricity or generator)
- Smart battery charger design for improved battery performance
- Automatic changeover from mains to battery/solar
Customer Reviews
These are a few customer reviews of the 5kW inverter from the online shop Takealot.
“Good reliable inverter. The downside is it uses 50 watts of power with no load attached.”
Jan – 26 Jul 2022
“Product faulty. Keeps on giving Error 08”
Wakkie Smith – 13 Mar 2023
“Have tried all manner of variants of this model inverter, some are great, some are garbage…at least with this unit, you know what you are getting. Solid value for the price.”
Devlin – 22 May 2023
Mercer Inverter Alternatives
There are a number of alternative inverter brands to choose from. The most common are:
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a reliable, familiar name brand that will not hurt your pocket too much then this is the inverter for you. While it’s up to $200 more expensive than your budget Must inverter, you can be fairly confident you’re buying a quality inverter.
Still unsure if Mecer is right for you? Check out our comparison guide on the top five solar inverters where we look at Victron, Phocos, Growatt, MUST and Mecer.