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I have successfully powered the VSat itself from heavy duty truck batteries, 1 or 2 dependant upon the actual VSat. This allowed charging the batteries separately from the generator, when it is running. This could also be done with solar on trickle charge to the batteries. As for running servers and PC’s from solar. This is possible, but the size (& cost) of the solar panels may make this not viable. It may be cheaper to run the generator, but protect the computers and servers with a voltage regulator (AGVC) and power them all through a UPS. This would give an element of protection from voltage and frequency variations in the generator. Whatever you do care should be taken to protect the computers from mains powered spikes. In locations where there are huge variations in power (voltage) supply, a better option is to use laptop computers on battery only and have spare batteries. The Batteries can then be charged separately, when not in the laptops. So if there is a problem with the power supply only the batteries on charge will be damaged, not the laptops. Even the server can be run on a laptop. Another couple of general housekeeping points: 1. If the servers are not needed outside of office hours, it is a good idea to shut the servers down and disconnect them from the power supply overnight. It goes without saying that the regular computers should be unplugged from the electricity supply when not in use. 2. If using truck batteries, then the batteries should be topped up with distilled water, NOT battery acid. This will prolong the battery life. Battery Acid should only be used if the hydrometer reading indicates low acidity. (fairly rare in warm climates).

Regards,

Carolyn