Hey everyone! I'm planning to set up a woodworking shop in a shed that will be away from my house, and I'm considering going solar since running power from my home would be way too expensive. I've got a large property, and I'm looking to power tools like circular saws that usually draw around 15 amps at 120V AC. I'm aware that these tools need a lot of power starting up, so I'm guessing I need a battery for that "burst" capacity. Initially, I won't be using them too long—maybe 15 minutes at a time, and I won't run more than one tool at once. Eventually, I also want to power a dust collector that adds another 10 amps. I won't need any lighting in the shed since I'll only work during the day. Any advice or recommendations on how to set this up?
2 Answers
It's really important to get an inverter that can handle those startup currents for your tools, especially saws. You might want to exceed your maximum usage with the size to avoid tripping it. Starting with something like a Bluetti or Ecoflow, coupled with solar panels, seems like a smart move. Small sheds can limit solar panel placements, so plan for how much you can fit. Eventually, without continuous power needs, you might even be surprised by how much you can pull off in your sessions! Just remember, batteries are crucial for this setup, especially if you want to add more tools later on.
You’re on the right track thinking about the battery for those startup bursts. Since you’re using tools that need 1800W (which is about 450Wh per woodworking session), a battery system to store energy will be your best bet. Depending on how often you plan to work in the shed, you might want a system like Jackery or Ecoflow that can handle at least 1800W. Just keep in mind that these units don’t perform well in freezing temps. Also, consider how many sessions you have weekly—if it’s about 3-4, you’ll want to make sure to recharge on sunny days! If you're thinking about using a 2000W inverter, it should suffice for those spikes, but it’s always good to have a bit of extra cushion.
So what if I was to stick with the 2000W inverter for the 1800W tools? Would that be safe for the initial power spikes?
What capacity inverter do you recommend for a single 1800W tool? Is 2000W not enough?