i'll be spending 4 months in a tent this grow season. though i'm looking forward to the
books, writing, and
chicken tv i do want to have some lighting system for cook preparation and minor building projects.
i've been inquiring into car batteries for our
chicken paddock system for some time. but i want to experiment with a one-tote aquaponics system which will require a small pump and aerator. what seems to be the best option is to create/purchase a
solar charger of some kind that can be attached to batteries strategically located in the
greenhouse (fish), pasture and vegetable beds (electric netting), and at the camp site and workstation.
grouped questions:
1. can several car batteries power a circular saw for a couple hours? i don't understand electrical science at all and have been trying without much success.
i know this requires an inverter to get AC devices to run on them. are there risks for damage in the conversion?
2. trickle chargers have been recommended but many that i see don't include battery tenders (still unsure what these are) or charge controllers. overcharging and draining batteries seems a bad thing for its lifespan and possibly for the
land around it (overcharging can possibly erupt from the heat accumulated). does anyone have clear designs/explanations on DIY construction of units that can easily get shuttled to various locations? some trickle chargers are designed for continuous use, does this mean they have a charge controller in them?
3. there are
solar charging units sold by
fence companies as well which can charge 2 deep cell 12v batteries at once. if it has a 10watt panel on it how fast can something like this top off 2 in northeastern PA? i was hoping to have multiple chargers rather than one expensive one, but i'm also willing to spend the money if it means keeping my fish and fowl happy.
should i be looking at a 15 watt panel instead, for three 5 watts?
4. i was imagining 1 battery for the fowl paddock (40' x 40'), one for the aquaponics, 1 backup either of these systems, and another 1 for the camp site and occassional power tool (also additional back-up if necessary). is there tech a novice in electrical power of all kinds would not be aware of?
5. what are the advantages to marine batteries? i can't find their voltage easily. i've read recommendations for using motorcycle batteries with their calcium and lead mixes for high-powered activity (power tools?) and connected 12v for steady low usage. is this advisable?
thanks in advance.
