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DIY & Home Improvement

cbayer

(146,218 posts)

2. The problem you will run into is the draw of large power tools.

Reply to Dover (Original post)

Wed Dec 21, 2011, 02:13 PM

Dec 2011

We are completely off the grid and can run most things from our solar powered battery packs. But some things, like the microwave, really put a load on the system. And other things, like an iron, space heater, water heater or most power tools, would drain the batteries in a heartbeat.

The key is to get tools with heavy duty, rechargeable batteries and keep them charged up when using the inverter.

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Does anyone have a tool/workshop that runs entirely on solar energy? [View all] Dover Dec 2011 OP

I met an entrepreneur with an off-grid house and shop Kolesar Dec 2011 #1

Yes, that makes sense to just use direct solar for daytime work with grid backup for other times. Dover Dec 2011 #3

The problem you will run into is the draw of large power tools. cbayer Dec 2011 #2

Yes, that makes good sense to use battery charged hand tools. Of course there are other things like Dover Dec 2011 #4

Sounds like you are going to have to start your generator when you need cbayer Dec 2011 #5