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Author Topic: Solar Power for Portable  (Read 290 times)

KA4KOE

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Solar Power for Portable
« on: March 01, 2023, 08:14:42 AM »

I'm curious about solar power usage by those going portable. Yes, I know it is likely not needed for the majority operating portable with the latest LiFEPO4 battery options out there. But, I'm planning on the unexpected events/emergencies/etc., where one has a radio on for an extended period. Plus, I like solar panel technology, especially NOS military grade. I currently have a pair of prototype Green Path 100W folding panels which are MILSPEC 810E/F rated. The panels can get wet and stay wet. I find that with good sun, I can more than keep up with AH usage with high duty cycle modes from my batteries.

Philip
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AE5X

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Re: Solar Power for Portable
« Reply #1 on: March 01, 2023, 11:20:39 AM »

The one thing I can contribute is that w/o solar, a 12AH LiFePO4 battery lasts 2 hours when operating my FT-891 at full power (100 watts). With a 100W solar panel feeding the battery (via a charge controller of course), I have operated on a mostly sunny day for 5 hours and returned home with a still fully charged battery.
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K6AER

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Re: Solar Power for Portable
« Reply #2 on: March 01, 2023, 06:20:32 PM »

I'm curious about solar power usage by those going portable. Yes, I know it is likely not needed for the majority operating portable with the latest LiFEPO4 battery options out there. But, I'm planning on the unexpected events/emergencies/etc., where one has a radio on for an extended period. Plus, I like solar panel technology, especially NOS military grade. I currently have a pair of prototype Green Path 100W folding panels which are MILSPEC 810E/F rated. The panels can get wet and stay wet. I find that with good sun, I can more than keep up with AH usage with high duty cycle modes from my batteries.

Philip

OK your panels are very cool but was their a question to be answered?

BTW all solar panels are weather resistant.
« Last Edit: March 01, 2023, 06:23:06 PM by K6AER »
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KA4KOE

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Re: Solar Power for Portable
« Reply #3 on: March 01, 2023, 06:49:27 PM »

Not really a question per se, but what are your experiences, expectations, opinions about solar for your ham radio operations. I wouldn't soak PowerFilms in water for extended periods. Perhaps waterproof is more appropriate, but that is besides the point that is being explored.
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K5LXP

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Re: Solar Power for Portable
« Reply #4 on: March 01, 2023, 08:42:24 PM »

I don't consider solar to be a primary power solution for most anything.  No question it could likely be nice to have in some circumstances but it's not reliable enough to count on, especially an "emergency".  By the time you implement a system that can ride through clouds and ~18 hours of no sun a day, you save a step by just bringing more batteries, or a generator.  Solar adds cost, weight, bulk and complication to a much greater degree than storage or a generator so unless this is a casual operation where failure is an option, or "solar only" for some reason, it isn't among my first choice for powering radio equipment in the field.

Mark K5LXP
Albuquerque, NM
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AC7CW

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Re: Solar Power for Portable
« Reply #5 on: March 02, 2023, 08:17:05 AM »

OH8STM has many youtube videos on remote setups
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Novice 1958, 20WPM Extra now... (and get off my lawn)

KA4KOE

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Re: Solar Power for Portable
« Reply #6 on: March 02, 2023, 05:15:29 PM »

Indeed. I am familiar with Julian's work and follow his channel.
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