Going green is getting easier every day. Here is an article where I simply encompassed my cordless power tool system with a portable photovoltaic panel system. Within this system I have a deep cycle battery I use as an energy well, storage. Excess power generated by the photovoltaic panel is stored in this deep cycle battery. The power stored in the deep cycle battery is then dumped into a "In-Vehicle Charger" which then finally dumps the power, originally generated by the photovoltaic panel, into a power tool battery.
Incidentally, you may be thinking; "why not just hook-up the IN-VEHICLE CHARGER directly to the solar panel?" I tried this with my small wattage solar panel and it didn't generate enough power torun the IN-VEHICLE CHARGER. Henceforth I added a deep cycle battery to the circuit.
The system pictured here is portable. I use this portable photovoltaic panel for my hot house, operates a 12 volt fan, in the spring and then relocate it to my garden in the summer to pump water. In the fall I place it close to the garage and use it to recharge the cordless power tool batteries.
Now, the obvious question here is; what type of solar panel will I need? Answer; purchase one with at least 1 amp of output. But remember, solar panels are usually rated by wattage and their voltage is usually 12 volts. Using the simple formula (amps x volts = watts) leaves us with a solar panel of approximately 12 to 15 watts.
Also, keep in mind portability. You may want to bring your portable set-up to a job sight or camping some day. Henceforth, I would not recommend a large panel if you want to stay fairly portable.
Good to see that power tool kits are also understanding importance of 'green' factor. I feel safe in this way!
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