How can I power garden shed with no power supply close?

Question

Hello folks

I am looking for some advice on getting power into my small garden shed which is in the back yard and not close to power.

I'm looking to run a light and possibly charge a few 18 volt batteries Ryobi.

I have been thinking of several ways I could go about this. I am wondering if there could be something I am totally missing and would dearly like some advice please.

I'm looking at cost effective, less that it would cost to have power from my home to my garden shed.

Biggest of all: user freindly.

*  Installing a solar panel set up, but thought it maybe too complicated and expensive for this old-gal.

2.  Possibly an Inverter & Charger Auto Pack?

3.  Or a solar generator camping type kit?

My tools are all 18V which limits me a little, I did come across a Ryobi 18V ONE+ 150W Inverter And Charger Auto Pack

https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-18v-one-150w-inverter-and-charger-auto-pack_p0875177

I have also found a bigger one

https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-36v-power-station-inverter-tool-only_p0285286

From what I've read will only suit 36V battery system.  Which is not an option, as I can't afford to change all my tools to 36V.

Thanks for any advice anyone has

This Old~Gal

Old-gal24 · Answer

@JacobZ

Many thanks

So much information, great one.

I know it will cost me far too much just to put power on in my little shed.  And kept thinking there has to be a simpler way of doing things.

Thank you so much for bringing  the other items to my attention as I hadn't spotted any of them.  More so the Ryobi power-station, as I have 8 or 9 possibly 10 batteries, a few getting a little older now and not holding their charge as long as others but I still use them.

Thank you once again Jacob, you have certainly given me something to think about.

Old~Gal

JacobZ · Answer

Hi @Old-gal24,

Great question and you’re definitely on the right track already. The good news is you’ve got a few simple, cost-effective options that don’t require running mains power.

The issue with the smaller 18V inverter that you've linked to is that it runs exclusively off battery power, so it would be great for running lights, but it would not be good for charging your batteries as it would essentially just transfer power from one battery to another. If you were just running the lights, I'd go with this option, but if charging is important, you'll have to look at something else.

For charging as well as running lights, the easiest and most user-friendly option would be a portable power station. These are basically plug and play, no wiring or setup headaches.

If you've already got a few Ryobi batteries, this

https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-18v-one-1800w-powerstation-tool-only_p0742944

would be a good option. It can run directly off your existing 18V batteries, so you can charge them in your home then bring them out to the shed. The benefit over the smaller inverter is that it can also be connected to a compatible USB C solar panel to charge up your batteries.

Another option is this

https://www.bunnings.com.au/jackery-600w-black-600-plus-portable-power-station_p0649097

. It has its own built-in battery, so it's completely self-contained and very simple to use. It’s more of an all in one solution and will comfortably run lights and chargers without needing separate tool batteries. It can also be charged using a compatible solar panel such as this

https://www.bunnings.com.au/jackery-saga-100-black-solar-panel_p0537657

.

If it were me, I’d go with the Ryobi powerstation if you already own 4 or more Ryobi batteries, or the Jackery unit if you want something simple and all in one. You can always charge your batteries in the house to begin with and add a solar panel later if you decide you want to recharge it out in the shed.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob