Start with a 12v version of the tool battery charger instead, then you eliminate the need for the inverter. Just do a simple solar charge controller and battery for power.
this post was submitted on 02 Oct 2024
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This won't work for most tool chargers as they are 110-240v usually.
I know for a fact Dewalt, Milwaukee, and Makita offer 12 volt versions of the chargers for their power tool batteries.
I have built this, it's not perfect and I made mine a little over kill. I even have an extra inverter because I tried to scale mine up to charge a Nissan leaf. It successfully did so, but only for a few minutes before it would get too hot
What questions did you have?
As for advice, buy the correct crimping tools, a good set of wire cutters and be sure to get the correct sized wire. I'd also suggest pairing it with a battery, I just did a 12v marine battery lifepo chemistry and made sure my charge controller can handle it. This was actually kinda necessary because it keeps an even charge.
I didn't use any calculators or spreadsheet, except the one that showed what the nominal voltages were for my battery
Also I'd say I regret doing one large instead of multiple smaller batteries just because of cost.
I'd be happy to help more but just know I am not an expert, or even that skilled at electric work.
I picked up a Kill A Watt that shows peak usage so I can make sure the CA is rated correctly.
Thank you for the input on batteries. This has me conflicted because if there is just one battery and it fails the system dies. But if I have multiple batteries and just keone fails the system still dies and I have to replace every battery anyway since you can't mix and match. But that last option has more cables needed.
I have a basic handyman electrical kit so I can crimp standard household gauges 10 and smaller wires but will eventually have to get crimps for heavier cables.
I'd love a calculator where you plug in how many watts you need at a given volts and it tells you the inverter size, battery capacity including cranking amps and solar cell wattage for a given zip code so that I can minimize the amount of manual math needed.
And at what size system do I need a cooling fan? And how big does that fan need to be?
An issue we have this week is the hurricane. Multiple people on Facebook looking for a place to sleep that has power so they can run their CPAP. Any system capable of charging a tool battery (essential for chainsaws after a storm) is more than capable of running a CPAP overnight. And with a tool battery adapter you can charge a cell phone.
For emergency situations like hurricanes, you might want to check out some ready-made power stations on gearscouts.com - they have LFP options that would run a CPAP for days and charge multiple tool batteries without all the DIY hassle.
Already built it. Handy for charging power tools too.