Shack Power From The Sun

I normally power my main radio desk with solar.  This setup includes a FD-DX10, a FT-710 and usually a low power rig or two, plus a laptop and a few accessories, all powered by the solar system.

The heart of the system is a Renogy 12v 100Ah Lithium Phosphate “Smart Battery.”  Solar panels feed a Renogy solar controller.  The controller LCD provides data about input voltage, current, etc.  A Renogy smart battery monitor reads out a variety of parameters, including the percentage of charge.

An L-shaped wooden bracket on top the battery holds the controller, the battery monitor, and a PowerPole fuse panel.

The main source of power for this system is a collection of four 100W panels wired in parallel.  Three are against the south side of the house, and the fourth is on the roof of the car port facing west.  This is probably twice what is necessary but until recently a large tree shaded the area and earlier I had placed the panels in various spots to catch the sun at different times of the day.

A high-amperage DC switch (top photo, red, lower left) allows me to switch between battery and power supply when desired.

I also use this battery to charge a small power bank that charges my devices such as my iPad (for logging) and phone and provides a source of portable power when needed.

Most of the system is from Renogy.  They make good products and my college buddy Jim, KD2ZVM, a Renogy dealer, was able to help design my system.   (Jim is available to consult and advise from a ham’s perspective and provide quotes on selective products.)

Solar power is handy in the rare instances when the grid is down and it saves a bit of money on electricity.  Mostly, though, I like knowing I’m running my gear from the sun.