If you are planning on using radio communications for a time when phone and internet are not available, and you don’t have a dependable battery power system, then all that nice radio gear will do you no good. There are plenty of different combinations and options for independent electrical power, but they all come down to batteries to store, a system to charge, and whatever parts are needed to connect it all together and make it work. Let’s look at one system as an example. Note that there is nothing special about this setup, and there are lower cost ways, and probably better ways to do parts of this – but it works.
Portable Power Box
Bioenno BLF-1270A 12V, 70Ah Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) Battery – Lower power rating batteries are also available at lower cost. In addition the larger capacity batteries, having a smaller battery can be part of an easy-to-carry portable rig.
Powerwerx MPPT-300-14.6, DC-to-DC Solar Charger Controller for Bioenno 12V LiFePO4 Batteries – This connects the battery to photo-voltaic (solar) panels. It must be matched to the type of battery – they are not interchangeable.
Wire, connectors, etc., to put it all together
The Power Pole system of connectors has become a ham radio standard, and if you’re working with other hams, being able to plug any radio into any power source is important, plus it is a very well-designed system and is quite rugged.
PV Panels (Photo Voltaic) come in all different designs, so figure out what suits your specific needs. If you are looking for a portable system, these panels are a good choice. For a permanently mounted set of panels, you’ll find a wide selection available. The ones used in this particular system are rather old and no longer available.
The standard connector system for PV panels is the MC4 connector and the UL-4703 wire they are designed for. This is built for weather extremes, is UV-resistant, and rated for direct burial.