solar charging batteries

[username]

I am tired of tossing disposable batteries into the garbage.
Am in search of information that would help me charge re-usable batteries of all sizes via solar which we have here most of the time.
We also have a backyard project that needs lighting for bbq's, parties, and such.
I would love to use the 2 deep-cycle batts I have in the garage for that and charge them via solar.
Not sure if my goal is to invert to AC or to use DC products.
Was an elevator mechanic for 34 years so I'm familiar with circuits, controls, tools, etc.
Just not quite sure where to get started.
Not a stranger to research.

Anyone out there doing something like this or can point me in the right direction?
Website links, books, anything.
I appreciate the effort.

[TheStepChild]

I have a small solar panel on top of my shop that charges a bank of 6 deep cycle batteries for lights (mostly 12 volt) and small tool use (invertor to 110). Need to go bigger on my panel, its just an rv type trickle charger.

[username]

TheStepChild - maybe small but it's a good idea, tks for reply
how often are you running tools off your inverter?
inverter wattage?
your batts are in parallel then?

[TheStepChild]

I don't run many tools or often. Shop is 2 blocks from home and I have power at home. Think the biggest invertor I have is a 750. Batts are all positives wired together/ all negatives together. Thinking about adding another bigger panel at the other end of building so I can have power at both ends easy. Place is kinda goofy design, 90'x20'
Installed a solar fan with its own panel to help ventilation. It pumps outside air in. Vents open at 70 F and close at 40F. Need to add some more of both the vents and fans.

[username]

So your batt's are in parallel.
I'm guessing they're 12 volt.
Sounds like a narrow building, 90x20, big though.
That's great.
What was the original purpose of the building?

[TheStepChild]

Building was built in 1964 as parking for the 'suits' at the factory across the street. Factory was demolished in 2000 and I bought the garage and parking lot in 2008 at a county tax auction.
Originally a 9 car garage. I changed the doors around to 2 - 18 ft'ers.
Yea, batts are all 12 volt.

[50 mpg by 2012]

Originally Posted by TheStepChild

I don't run many tools or often. Shop is 2 blocks from home and I have power at home. Think the biggest invertor I have is a 750. Batts are all positives wired together/ all negatives together. Thinking about adding another bigger panel at the other end of building so I can have power at both ends easy. Place is kinda goofy design, 90'x20'
Installed a solar fan with its own panel to help ventilation. It pumps outside air in. Vents open at 70 F and close at 40F. Need to add some more of both the vents and fans.

Have you considered thermostaticlly controlled peak (or ridge) in conjunction with eave (soffit or lower wall) vents. Used together, they will utalize solar heat gain in the roof to generate a thermo syphon with hot air rising to generate circulation.

I have been using this technique since the 1970s. No fan required.