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Solar Garage Lights

Jo Said:

Solar Powered Garage Door Opener?

We Answered:

Most garage door openers have a 1/3, 1/2, or even 3/4 HP split phase motor. You would need to have a relatively expensive sine wave inverter of 1000 watts or more to run such a motor. You'll also need a large battery bank to supply it. Commonplace "modified sine wave" or "modified square wave" inverters will burn it out.

Get one of the openers that has battery backup. Keep the battery charged with a relatively small panel and you're good to go.

For lighting look for 12 volt CFL - compact fluorescent lamps. These are made for campers and off grid use.

Charge your battery operated tools in the house.

A generator would be your best choice for running saws or compressors.

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