Solar Powered Ham Station

Presented by Jim EricksonKB0DBJ

Reasons to run Solar PowerSelf SufficiencySave Money on electric billDon’t need expensive power

supplyClean, Quiet PowerEquipment lasts longer, runs

coolerChallengeIdeal for remote locationsSince power is at a premium,

teaches efficient use of antennas

Negatives of a Solar Station

Not practical for high power or heavy duty cycle

Equipment can be expensiveRequires a large storage systemVoltage drops at night & cloudy

days

Components of a Solar Station:

Solar PanelControllerStorage system (battery or

batteries)

Types of Panels:MonosiliconPolysiliconAmorphous

Most efficientWorks well in low lightMost expensiveHardest to findTake most roomLong Life

Monosilicon:

Polysilicon:Fairly commonAffordableStill very efficientWorks well in low lightLong Life (25 yrs)Take Less room

Amorphous:CheapEasy to findCan be

flexibleDon’t last

longNot

efficientHave

grayish appearance

Types of Batteries:Lithium basedAGM/gelAuto startingMarine

Lithium based

Very expensiveNot tolerant to abuse, such as: overcharging, extreme temps & mishandling Excellent power density (weight to

power ratio) Excellent power curveExtreme drop off Don’t recommend unless you need to

be VERY portable.

AGM/GellGood float voltageGood power curveModerately

tolerant of abuse.Can use inside.Easy to obtain,

especially surplus.Deep cycle

models available. Heavy

Auto StartingDecent float voltage

(13v)Easy to getShould not use

inside (vents hydrogen gas)

Tolerant to abuseCannot deep cycle Decent power curve,

do not discharge past 90%

Marine BatteryLower float

voltageDeep cycleCan be abusedEasy to getShouldn’t use

insideSteep power

curve, voltage drops rapidly

Really designed for resistive loads

Controller:

Prevents overchargingUses full potential of

panelProvides pulse charge

when fully charged to prevent sulfating

Other thoughts

It’s a good idea to have a voltmeter to monitor voltageStart you system small & enlarge as you goAn inverter can be added to power small 110v items

How big of a system do I need ?

The simple answer is: enough to cover you needs. You will find that as you use your system, you will want to grow it to cover other power needs. Mine started out as 10 watt panel with a18 ah battery.

Now it’s a 20 watt panel with a 90 ah battery, powering 3 VHF/UHF radios & a Kenwood TS-50 HF rig.

THE END