Solar rookie seeks help with 15-amp miter saw
jackypaper
Registered Users Posts: 14 ✭✭
Hello, friends. I've been chatting with BB., who has been gracious in his responses when helping this solar n00b with beginner-level questions. He suggested that I post here.
My goal: To operate a 15-amp saw with solar power
My current set-up: Two 100-watt panels --- SunSaver 20L Controller --- two 6-volt series-connected Tojan T-105s --- 450-watt inverter.
My plan: Simply replace the small inverter with a 3000-watt inverter to provide for the saw's needs of 1800 continuous watts and 3600+ watt start-up
My questions: (1) Is running that saw for extremely short periods of time (like, two seconds per cut) possible with a 12-volt system? (2) If so, how large of an inverter is required? (3) Do I need a 24-volt system instead if I hope to run that saw at all?
Thank you all so much for taking the time to help a solar-power beginner.
My goal: To operate a 15-amp saw with solar power
My current set-up: Two 100-watt panels --- SunSaver 20L Controller --- two 6-volt series-connected Tojan T-105s --- 450-watt inverter.
My plan: Simply replace the small inverter with a 3000-watt inverter to provide for the saw's needs of 1800 continuous watts and 3600+ watt start-up
My questions: (1) Is running that saw for extremely short periods of time (like, two seconds per cut) possible with a 12-volt system? (2) If so, how large of an inverter is required? (3) Do I need a 24-volt system instead if I hope to run that saw at all?
Thank you all so much for taking the time to help a solar-power beginner.
Tagged:
Comments
I am available for custom hardware/firmware development
KID #51B 4s 140W to 24V 900Ah C&D AGM
CL#29032 FW 2126/ 2073/ 2133 175A E-Panel WBjr, 3 x 4s 140W to 24V 900Ah C&D AGM
Cotek ST1500W 24V Inverter,OmniCharge 3024,
2 x Cisco WRT54GL i/c DD-WRT Rtr & Bridge,
Eu3/2/1000i Gens, 1680W & E-Panel/WBjr to come, CL #647 asleep
West Chilcotin, BC, Canada
Main daytime system ~4kw panels into 2xMNClassic150 370ah 48v bank 2xOutback 3548 inverter 120v + 240v autotransformer
Night system ~1kw panels into 1xMNClassic150 700ah 12v bank morningstar 300w inverter
It is very likely a saw spinning up will not be the maximum load, it will likely be <1500 watts with a peak load when cutting into hardwood and binding. I have started my Table saw on an 1800 watt inverter (Prosine with a 2900 watt peak), it's a Delta pulley driven, I think rated as 15 amp. I think you have a good grasp. I think you could likely run a smaller inverter, pure sine for 2 second cuts on a 12 volt system. Perhaps even on just your 2 T105's. Your challenge will be in voltage drop. Thick wires (4/0) cabling between the batteries and to the inverter and very short distances. I think it's possible for short 2 second cuts.
I'm not sure about your needs and desires here, If it's to be able to make some cuts from a 12 volt DC system I would offer a cheaper option than a 1800-2000watt pure sine inverter.
Buy a Used DeWalt 18 volt saw, plan on the batteries to be dead but be sure to find one with a charger. <$100 used Buy the newer 6 1/2", buy a couple 2000Ah aftermarket pod batteries from Amazon $60. The chargers produced after 2000 will even work on a square wave inverter (some of the earlier ones don't)
I framed up an 'A' frame with the old trim saw (smaller 5 3/8th") I had a solar supply much like what you have and purchased a new drill and saw kit in 2001. They are limited, but less so than 2 second cuts.
- Assorted other systems, pieces and to many panels in the closet to not do more projects.
You know, this might end up being the better option.
From what I've read, I assumed that an 1800-watt saw would require at least twice that amount for its initial start-up. Is that not accurate?
It's not under load, for something like a compressor it's under a large load and making that first cycle is it's largest load. I don't "know" but would think it's unlikely. You wouldn't happen to live in Missouri? ExelTeck 1100 watt inverter will start and run my 12 amp chainsaw, I do it regularly. Exeltech will clip it's wave to run higher wattage items at a different power factor (I don't understand how that works, but it does.
I do worry that it would be frustration only being able to make short run cuts. I like the idea of using the solar to power the tools, and would hope you will consider the DeWalt Power tool option. People are moving to the newer lithium powered tools which makes a lot of sense, but the older pod battery tools can use the lithium batteries with an adapter and can be found very cheap now. I did a quick search on Craigslist and found a new set in KC MO drill, circular and recip 1 battery and charger for $125 and a saw and battery and charger for <$90 in St Louis. likely most pawn shops would have them as well.
- Assorted other systems, pieces and to many panels in the closet to not do more projects.
Solar hybrid gasoline generator, 7kw gas, 180 watts of solar, Morningstar 15 amp MPPT, group 31 AGM, 900 watt kisae inverter.
Solar roof top GMC suburban, a normal 3/4 ton suburban with 180 watts of panels on the roof and 10 amp genasun MPPT, 2000w samlex pure sine wave inverter, 12v gast and ARB air compressors.
Mostly during the day with the solar producing?
- Assorted other systems, pieces and to many panels in the closet to not do more projects.
Correct. I've powered my fluorescent lights and stereo at night, but I put a strain on the batteries with the saw only during the Texas sunshine.
Take care,
-Bill
- Six 100 watt Renogy panels in Parallel.
- Four 6v 200Ah batteries. Two Trojan T-105's and two Duracell's in series and parallel for 12v 400Ah.
- One GoWise Pure Sine Wave 3000/6000w 120v inverter (25/50 amps?).
- One 40Amp Renogy Rover Solar Charge Controller.
Even when I have nothing but the DeWalt 15Amp compound miter saw plugged in the inverter shuts off. I understand there is "inrush" which I thought was the same thing as "surge power", but I can't seem to get a definitive explanation of what needs modified with my system to accommodate for this. Been months, would really love some guidance! Thank you!