Best value portable solar set up for charging cordless tool batteries.

Bolt_308 · Friday at 2:36 PM

Will Prose has all the answers ye seek. He is the living legend in all things battery and solar. He has a youtube channel with a CRAZY amount of incredible info, and then his webpage, which has lots of advice and preferred equiment/set ups, walking you through each step if you want to go DIY.

DIY Solar Power with Will Prowse

Want to build an awesome off-grid solar power system? My videos will teach you everything you need, no experience necessary :)

youtube.com

Offgrid Solar Power Made Easy!

Build an offgrid solar power system!

www.mobile-solarpower.com

arakboss · Friday at 7:09 PM

toast said:
Definitely recommend going EcoFlow over Jackery or Bluetti if you make the step up to a portable power staton. EcoFlow has major sales several times per year. Buy during a sale. I think I got mine at 40% below MSRP, direct from EcoFlow.

This isn't necessarily "buy once, cry once" territory, but consider the downside of buying something with too many compromises on build quality in order to save max $$$ here. The downside of failed electrical components is often fire. One of the things you get with higher end electrical components is more built in safety components.

Go lithium for power storage. Bail on the car battery idea.

Have you considered potential usage beyond charging a cordless tool battery? Are you considering a big enough system to meet any other future needs you foresee?

The main focus of this portable power project is for charging the cordless tool batteries and phone while on camping/work hikes.

arakboss · Friday at 7:10 PM

Bolt_308 said:
Will Prose has all the answers ye seek. He is the living legend in all things battery and solar. He has a youtube channel with a CRAZY amount of incredible info, and then his webpage, which has lots of advice and preferred equiment/set ups, walking you through each step if you want to go DIY.

DIY Solar Power with Will Prowse

Want to build an awesome off-grid solar power system? My videos will teach you everything you need, no experience necessary :)

youtube.com

Offgrid Solar Power Made Easy!

Build an offgrid solar power system!

www.mobile-solarpower.com

I have watched a lot of his videos, good stuff.

arakboss · Friday at 7:59 PM

I went ahead and ordered this charger/inverter.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-ONE-18V-200-Watt-Portable-Battery-Inverter-Power-Source-and-Charger-for-ONE-18V-Batteries-Tool-Only-PCLBG06B/339207715

I will ask the wife to order me a foldable pv set up this weekend. If it takes too long to charge the batteries, I may just take @Koda advice and bring a bunch of batteries with me instead. I can leave the discharged ones on the trail so I am not hauling them along the entire trail and back. Then scoop them up on the way back.

As far as I can tell there hasn't been anybody up there since beer came in pull tab cans. They logged some old growth cedar trees up there many decades ago but it's a lonely place now.

I will report back once I have everything and test charge a battery.

arakboss · Monday at 10:47 PM

arakboss said:
I went ahead and ordered this charger/inverter.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-ONE-18V-200-Watt-Portable-Battery-Inverter-Power-Source-and-Charger-for-ONE-18V-Batteries-Tool-Only-PCLBG06B/339207715

I will ask the wife to order me a foldable pv set up this weekend. If it takes too long to charge the batteries, I may just take @Koda advice and bring a bunch of batteries with me instead. I can leave the discharged ones on the trail so I am not hauling them along the entire trail and back. Then scoop them up on the way back.

As far as I can tell there hasn't been anybody up there since beer came in pull tab cans. They logged some old growth cedar trees up there many decades ago but it's a lonely place now.

I will report back once I have everything and test charge a battery.

The Ryobi unit arrived today. It didn't include the wall wart as described on product web page. The box/manual says it only comes with USB-C 60 watt cable. Not a huge deal since we have lots of them in the house.

I am still trying to decide which portable PV array to buy. This 200 watt bifacial set up looks interesting but flimsier than the single faced panels.

https://www.amazon.com/SOLUPUP-200W-Portable-Solar-Panel/dp/B0GBV8KLFY/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_sspa?crid=WWU26WZCSKR2&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IpzmfWpLqFyrCVzWl5IMJbJOgg3aP9cvSoSd6bJrC6L03d53gcakEtr03TELr0CFqMhsgYR1CYhe2CYUzLdQaMuz32CAFZg1HDEFuZzZJo-vuOgQxXmZ5QXhLy_V5nWR6l6MBCHmdZWqlT6jDivrpO_Eg5Dp5auSaBcm86V-9LLKiJQ8yjH3Yc9KL2vq2PWgAOzInXHSjDUVD_n6w4N4AQ.owGeMlkI6MHk2uIjc7xSghCb4Wwpn6siYH0JaIY26sM&dib_tag=se&keywords=portable+solar+panel&qid=1780376678&sprefix=portable+solar%2Caps%2C264&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRm&psc=1

My power supply will only accept 6amps DC input. 200 watts would be waisted unless I could charge multiple items at once? Not sure how to know if the panels will work that way?

Edit: Could I use an MC4 splitter cable to connect two different devices to the panels for simultaneous charging?

Edit 2: looks like that wouldn't work well.

arakboss · 2026-06-02T00:24:09-0700

Instead of separate thread I am going to pile this on here.

I have a 64 watt 12v nominal panel mounted on the cabin roof. The tweakers took the charge controller, batteries and inverter but left the panel with wires dangling on the covered porch. Panel specs below:

My power supply came with a cord that has male cigarette style connection on one end and a DC plug on the other end. This cord allows me to charge the power supply from a vehicles 12v port.

I bought one of these and plan to mount it directly to the solar panel's wires (no charge controller) on next trip. It will be out of the weather and was cheap enough that I won't cry if they come back and steal it.

That will allow me to charge the power supply and many other small items that can work through cigarette style port. It's just another option and uses a panel that currently is sitting idle.

The question is would it require a DC to DC converter to plug various items through something like this. Or will this type of charger adapter accept 23.8v and safely drop it down to 5v?

https://www.amazon.com/LISEN-Charger-Smallest-Cigarette-Charging/dp/B0C9WZK4YX/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?adgrpid=190010680961&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.xfcZXx7zUAXQqlhNa1CCriK5ckUbqi8Y4MXgNAGFfWHklQPcpDecBY6n9dKss6TG3-vxPjQWPsbgXqBkPaTlvJ2RFaRgGOvxAR0wH6OxqpwQsvg4cyDnaL-LJNkXg2CC8e6WznExEiV3wEb4QYwjenkh1JMk8QkpOMpPLo3htMYoSgkmgKClODDS_A13tamqqLSR0O1iRK-Kq8NpIaj5_g.oLfYDlfVS0w2oJA72VR2Hfq9zFS9hBaoHBghyofdkjU&dib_tag=se&hvadid=779655823644&hvdev=m&hvexpln=0&hvlocphy=1027744&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=7995074075601272143--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=7995074075601272143&hvtargid=kwd-2463178007989&hydadcr=11177_13814207_1690572&keywords=12v+to+usb-c+car+adapter&mcid=0d70e3dd70353e759fa4858a23dd19c5&qid=1780387852&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRm&psc=1

Or use something like this for USB-C applications.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09DGDQ48H/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B09DGDQ48H&ref_=sbx_be_s_sparkle_ssd_tt&qid=1780388742&pd_rd_w=6x0SF&content-id=amzn1.sym.aaeb8a5f-b8dc-4432-a5cb-67b920049d8c%3Aamzn1.sym.aaeb8a5f-b8dc-4432-a5cb-67b920049d8c&pf_rd_p=aaeb8a5f-b8dc-4432-a5cb-67b920049d8c&pf_rd_r=R5E64CNAG69XXJX763J6&pd_rd_wg=gBazr&pd_rd_r=f78d52a6-7417-489e-89c2-8edf4a8ed4bb&pd_rd_plhdr=t

Camelfilter · 2026-06-02T07:23:50-0700

arakboss said:
Instead of separate thread I am going to pile this on here.

I have a 64 watt 12v nominal panel mounted on the cabin roof. The tweakers took the charge controller, batteries and inverter but left the panel with wires dangling on the covered porch. Panel specs below:

View attachment 2316376

My power supply came with a cord that has male cigarette style connection on one end and a DC plug on the other end. This cord allows me to charge the power supply from a vehicles 12v port.

I bought one of these and plan to mount it directly to the solar panel's wires (no charge controller) on next trip. It will be out of the weather and was cheap enough that I won't cry if they come back and steal it.

View attachment 2316373

That will allow me to charge the power supply and many other small items that can work through cigarette style port. It's just another option and uses a panel that currently is sitting idle.

The question is would it require a DC to DC converter to plug various items through something like this. Or will this type of charger adapter accept 23.8v and safely drop it down to 5v?

View attachment 2316374

https://www.amazon.com/LISEN-Charger-Smallest-Cigarette-Charging/dp/B0C9WZK4YX/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?adgrpid=190010680961&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.xfcZXx7zUAXQqlhNa1CCriK5ckUbqi8Y4MXgNAGFfWHklQPcpDecBY6n9dKss6TG3-vxPjQWPsbgXqBkPaTlvJ2RFaRgGOvxAR0wH6OxqpwQsvg4cyDnaL-LJNkXg2CC8e6WznExEiV3wEb4QYwjenkh1JMk8QkpOMpPLo3htMYoSgkmgKClODDS_A13tamqqLSR0O1iRK-Kq8NpIaj5_g.oLfYDlfVS0w2oJA72VR2Hfq9zFS9hBaoHBghyofdkjU&dib_tag=se&hvadid=779655823644&hvdev=m&hvexpln=0&hvlocphy=1027744&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=7995074075601272143--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=7995074075601272143&hvtargid=kwd-2463178007989&hydadcr=11177_13814207_1690572&keywords=12v+to+usb-c+car+adapter&mcid=0d70e3dd70353e759fa4858a23dd19c5&qid=1780387852&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRm&psc=1

Or use something like this for USB-C applications.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09DGDQ48H/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B09DGDQ48H&ref_=sbx_be_s_sparkle_ssd_tt&qid=1780388742&pd_rd_w=6x0SF&content-id=amzn1.sym.aaeb8a5f-b8dc-4432-a5cb-67b920049d8c%3Aamzn1.sym.aaeb8a5f-b8dc-4432-a5cb-67b920049d8c&pf_rd_p=aaeb8a5f-b8dc-4432-a5cb-67b920049d8c&pf_rd_r=R5E64CNAG69XXJX763J6&pd_rd_wg=gBazr&pd_rd_r=f78d52a6-7417-489e-89c2-8edf4a8ed4bb&pd_rd_plhdr=t

You shouldn't charge nor run things directly from solar WITHOUT a controller. ie connecting those cigarette outlets directly to your panels…

Edit, adding:

Best case, things will be fine.

Worst case, things might catch on fire (lithium battery fire) & burn your cabin down.

More likely case, some things will work fine. Other things may get fried & then no longer work.

arakboss · 2026-06-02T08:13:41-0700

Camelfilter said:
You shouldn't charge nor run things directly from solar WITHOUT a controller. ie connecting those cigarette outlets directly to your panels…

My power station and many others as I understand it, have a charge controller built into them. The instruction manual says I can plug panel directly into the power station. The specs say it can handle up to 24 volts input.

As for usb charging, I guess I will continue charging the smaller devices through the power station, or my new Ryobi inverter, or the new portable PV array once I pick one and get it ordered, or my car.

arakboss · 2026-06-02T08:52:52-0700

Camelfilter said:
You shouldn't charge nor run things directly from solar WITHOUT a controller. ie connecting those cigarette outlets directly to your panels…

Edit, adding:

Best case, things will be fine.

Worst case, things might catch on fire (lithium battery fire) & burn your cabin down.

More likely case, some things will work fine. Other things may get fried & then no longer work.

I will throw one of these in the cart. It has USB ports and clamps so I could use a PV panel to charge various batteries or to power up a cigarette style receptacle.

Amazon.com : FlexSolar 12V10A Solar Charge Controller with USB-C PD36W & USB-A QC18W Outputs Compatible for Gel, AGM, LiFePO4 Batteries : Patio, Lawn & Garden

www.amazon.com

arakboss · 2026-06-02T21:08:41-0700

Anyone had experience with the bifacial PV panels? Seems kind of gimmicky to me but maybe not?

Looking at these in particular.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FW54J5T6/ref=sspa_mw_detail_5?ie=UTF8&psc=1&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9kZXRhaWw&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0GBV8KLFY/ref=ox_sc_act_title_6?smid=A2KEJAMZRAQ0GJ&psc=1

arakboss · 2026-06-02T21:30:00-0700

arakboss said:
Anyone had experience with the bifacial PV panels? Seems kind of gimmicky to me but maybe not?

Looking at these in particular.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FW54J5T6/ref=sspa_mw_detail_5?ie=UTF8&psc=1&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9kZXRhaWw&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0GBV8KLFY/ref=ox_sc_act_title_6?smid=A2KEJAMZRAQ0GJ&psc=1

If I spend much winter time there, seems like the bifacial panels could make a significant difference. I have some old white metal roofing panels I can set the panels on and prop up one roofing panel behind the PV panel as well.

arakboss · 2026-06-03T08:48:58-0700

I am going to sleep on it but I am most likely going to ask the wife to order this PV panel set up.

https://www.amazon.com/MHPOWOS-Waterproof-Efficiency-Kickstands-Blackouts/dp/B0FW54J5T6/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?crid=2PDDMNKSWP6N6&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CeFlil6dNAVMFTtpaBywUmjnzJBR-9ReynMPt5FGZE-Dw1yOD1Y3Q6XtaFQxMEGxYYhyu1f3dxzXJnaJUxp1sRdsGm8Zdavz8kbqzrETBjkbzpG0OfPZpni9peveHY9Yw1P2i9Ofhl1QEDfoyHcONhwh-wc1UWqKkT3pxxX-CqaX8Q6wjbB-NwSyNdRwP_Z96azEXr5eqklWdqPBybb0Jw.jtl8DMgC1KUBAaMh-SeAjGUVCW75Rp8KFizpXkMoY0I&dib_tag=se&keywords=200%2Bwatt%2Bportable%2Bsolar&qid=1780500063&sprefix=200%2Bwatt%2Bportable%2Bsolar%2Chi%2C175&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRm&psc=1&th=1

It's narrow enough I can fit it on top of our patio table for testing purposes. 200 watts will be more than enough to handle most cabin needs.

I don't think I will try to haul this up the mountain though. Instead I will just take extra tool batteries like @Koda suggested.

I will rig up one of my 55 gal plastic drums with a swivel plywood top to set the panels on. The barrel will get the panels above the tall grass level and provide a dry place for power station or other devices being charged.

My existing 64 watt roof mounted panel got very limited sun in Spring and Fall due to sun ducking below trees for much of the days.

I will set up this portable unit in the meadow area of the property which gets sun for much longer periods.

Who knows, it might even generate enough power to support an Iceco VL45.