What Do You Need To Know About Solar Panels And Trail Cameras?
If you have a Spartan Camera, “You Don’t Have To Be There!” However, if you have a solar panel for your trail camera, then you won't have to be there!
All trail cameras require a battery supply to function and, depending on your settings, you may require more power to keep your camera working more then 12 months. Typically, using a trail camera could require two to five trips per year to replace your batteries. And that is with optimal settings and an energy-efficient trail camera using lithium-ion batteries.
Solar panels are not only a long-lasting energy solution. They can be combined with other power options to optimize your battery life. When paired with an external battery, the cons of using a solar panel practically disappear. Solar panels will keep your cameras running all day and switch over to external battery power during the evening; which means you won’t have to worry about your camera working after the sun goes down!
Save time and money by buying a solar panel kit. These kits come with everything you need to keep your camera running.
Solar panels are simple to set up:
1. Use a dedicated mount to secure your panel to a tree
2. Plug directly into your camera or battery box if needed
3. Manage the cables to prevent snagging.
4. Done!
Solar panels are quickly growing in popularity, especially for Spartan cameras capable of direct solar connection. They have internal controllers that can handle up to 15 watts without an issue. With the direct-connect capability of Spartan GoLive and GoLive2 camera models, solar panels are a simple and quick plug-in-play power solution.
However our GoCam serise does not have an internal regulator. For the GoCam or GoCam2, you will need to use Spartan Battery Box, which connects between the solar panel and your camera. The battery box includes a built-in solar controller and a meter so that you don’t end up shorting the GoCam.
The 12V external battery included in our regulated battery boxes is powerful enough to keep your camera running for most of the year, depending on your camera settings and environmental conditions.
While external batteries and battery boxes may seem bulky, setting them up is quick and easy. The nature-resistant design of the battery box and cables makes it a durable and reliable power solution for all of your Spartan cameras.
Never lose track of how much power your camera is using by downloading the Spartan Camera Management App. You can set the external power indicator to read exactly what power setup you have on each camera. For more information on the battery indicator and how it works, check out our Knowledge Base articles: Battery Indicator and Information.
Need to purchase solar panle or battery box? You can find them here:
- GoCam2 Solar Kit with battery
- GoLive Solar Kit with battery
A Note on Plug-and-Play Caution
While plug-and-play setups are convenient, it’s important to use the manufacturer-recommended equipment. Solar panels have different outputs measured in wattages that convert solar energy to DC power to a voltage that your trail camera can use. According to BatteryStuff.com, you need a solar panel controller for a panel that outputs over 5 watts. The voltage needed by the camera can vary as well, so it's important to distinguish between 6-12 volts.
Be sure to check your trail camera product manual or with a support team to verify that the trail camera can self-regulate the incoming power. The risk of not using a controller and/or inverter can be catastrophic to your equipment.
