You need to look at modern inverters. Most are absolutely silent. Mine has a fan but it only kicks on if I run high load stuff such as MW or coffee maker.
The "cost" to run an inverter is overblown. To play my 32" LCD TV (maybe $300 now), the sound system with a small sub and the bluray draws 10 amps including inverter losses. If the inverter is 90% efficient a two hour movie costs an extra 2 Ah. Big deal. The solar is just waiting to put it back.
Bucking the system brings limited selection and high prices as you have already found out.