I'm looking to charge an 18V tool battery using solar power and want to know how large of a solar panel I should get. I live in Central Florida, so I'm curious about the specifics for that environment. Any recommendations? Thanks!
3 Answers
I use a 100W panel to charge a 50Ah battery (from an ammo can), and it works great! Even when it’s dark, the panel keeps the battery charged for my tools. Super handy!
Yes, a 100W panel is enough for charging, but don’t forget a charge controller to manage the power flow into a 12V battery. Some tool manufacturers even offer chargers that connect to a regular 12V outlet and boost to charge 18V batteries. This can save you from needing an inverter, which uses power itself.
A 100W solar panel should do the trick, especially in full sunlight. You'll probably need additional equipment, like a battery and an inverter, to set everything up properly.
That's a cool setup! Do you have any tips on how to maintain the battery or panel?