Planning a 72-hour continuous communications exercise and trying to decide between a Honda EU2200i inverter generator vs expanded solar array for primary charging. Station load averages 8A during active periods (IC-7300 + laptop + logging).

Current battery bank: 2x 100Ah LiFePO4 in parallel. Have 200W solar with MPPT controller but concerned about cloudy weather limiting charge capacity.

Generator pros: Consistent 1800W output, proven reliability
Solar pros: Silent operation, no fuel logistics

Looking for real-world experience with multi-day setups. How do you balance the noise vs reliability trade-offs?

Run the math first - your 8A load means 192Ah per day. With only 200Wh usable capacity, you'll need constant charging regardless of method.

I'd lean toward the Honda for primary with solar as supplemental. The EU2200i is whisper quiet and you can schedule charging during designated periods.

Been running 96-hour exercises for years. The hybrid approach works best - use solar during daylight hours to offset daytime consumption, then brief generator runs (2 hours morning/evening) to top off batteries.

This minimizes fuel usage and noise signature while maintaining adequate reserves.

What about adding a third 100Ah battery? Your setup seems underpowered for 72 hours continuous. With 300Ah total you'd have better flexibility and could potentially run solar-only with good weather.

The Victron SmartSolar 100/30 would handle up to 440W panels if you want to expand the array later.