diy solar

diy solar

Solar power pack

Beachman!

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Joined
Mar 20, 2021
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I have seen some threads about this but haven't found the answer I'm looking for.

I have an old car battery, out of a Jeep. It has roughly 800-900 CCA, I don't remember right offhand. I was wondering if I could use this for a power pack I could use for yard work. I realize it might not be the most ideal battery but it's what I have for the moment.

Can I use it?
 
"old" - likely have little to no capacity remaining.
"car battery" = extremely short cycle life and incapable of deep discharges without sustaining damage.

"can" = ability. Yes. You can use it.

Should you? No.

If you want to build a system and use it for "prototyping" purposes before you invest in a good battery, then go for it.
 
Ok that being said, let's go with "can," and it really is until I can get a better battery.

What size inverter? I'm thinking 2000W since the highest amp rating I'll be working with is 15 amps. Also thinking 100W solar panel.
 
Non-trivial demands.

Electric motors have a large surge current that uses 3-10X the run current. You will need a powerful inverter for this, and a weak 12V battery may not be able to supply enough current and maintain minimum voltage thus shutting down the inverter.

The best way to design a system is to define what you are designing for - in detail, i.e., "I want to run these A devices that use B Watts for C hours per day."
 
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