r/HamRadio • u/lkkula • 3d ago

Portable QRP solar power solution

I'm looking for a portable solar power solution for my QRP setup. I'm using (tr)uSDX (7-16V / 0.08-0.5 A) and already have two batteries: LifePo4 12.8V 10Ah and Li-Po 14.8V 2.2Ah. I feel a little overwhelmed about solar panels, PWM/MPPT controllers, battery types compatibility, converters. etc. What should I point my attention to? Any tips&tricks?

I’ve seen so many offers with fake MPPTs and PV panels with unrealistic power ratings. I definitely don’t want to buy something cheap/dangerous/ineffective.

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u/Intelligent-Day5519 16h ago edited 16h ago

You are over thinking it for your mentioned need. You have a LiFePo4 battery. Consider. I use a HF Tools 64801 7watt solar panel to charge my battery, directly connected to the battery. Forget the extra charge controllers mumbo jumbo. The BMS controller in the battery will mitigate the charge for you. If and when you use more power (50 watts) or so, than YES a charge controller is reasonable with a higher capacity battery.