Ham Radio Clubs Discover Solar Power

It’s only natural that ham radio operators would be drawn to using solar power. Quite often it’s the amateur radio guys who are the only points of contact during emergencies.  During emergency situations when all the electricity is off they use gasoline powered generators to operate their equipment.

Last weekend the Southwest Missouri Amateur Radio Club tested their equipment using solar panels. The $4,000 worth of panels, two storage batteries and other equipment were on loan from Power Source Solar. The operators were pleasantly surprised they were able to make it through the night with that setup.

Steve Palmer, president of the Southwest Missouri Amateur Radio Club said using solar power to run their radio equipment is “the wave of the future.” Palmer added the cost would have to come down before most ham radio clubs could it.

It was ham radio operators who provided the only communication from a Joplin Missouri hospital after the May 22nd tornado.

Adding solar power as a back up or even primary source of power strengthens the ability of these ham radio operators to get out emergency messages that can save lives.

More at the Springfield News-Leader.

Visit the Southwest Missouri Amateur Radio Club.

Ham Radio Clubs Discover Solar Power