I've got a 360w solar panel and some drill batteries that need charging. I'm trying to find the easiest and most affordable way to charge them without using a battery system. I've seen some micro inverters, but I'm wondering if I can just connect a female plug or a power strip directly to the solar panel, maybe with a fuse or breaker for safety? What are my options?
2 Answers
Are you actually trying to charge batteries without using a battery? That sounds a bit off! But if you’re aiming to directly connect a solar panel to a tool battery, you can skip the traditional charging method! Just bypass the battery system for a more straightforward connection. Just be cautious!
A quick and dirty fix is to connect the solar panel straight to the battery, but you'll need to keep a close eye on the voltage. Make sure to add a voltmeter and unplug it before you hit the battery's max voltage. Ideally, use a solar panel rated around half the output of your regular charger. Just a heads up, this method can damage the battery if you're not careful! But it has worked for me in a pinch.