Batteries are the lifeblood of any trail camera. Without them, the camera simply doesn’t work. Unfortunately, batteries are often the most expensive part of using the camera. Disposable batteries incur a cost that continues over the lifetime of the camera, going up each time you replace them. A rechargeable battery pack like the LIT-10 or LIT-22 is a more economical option and it can often last longer than disposable batteries, but eventually, it will need to be recharged.
This is where the benefit of solar power comes into play and can really improve your hunt. Since your cameras are already located outside, they’re already getting sunlight, so you might as well harness its capabilities to power your camera. There are a few different solar options you can choose from, so let’s see which one is right for you.
Solar Panel Upgrade
Most trail cameras don’t come equipped with a solar panel built into them. Some do (and we’ll cover them later), but in most cases, you’ll need to upgrade your existing cameras with an external lithium battery solar panel.
SPYPOINT offers two different options when it comes to external lithium battery solar panels. There is a smaller 5W and a larger 10W, so you can pick the amount of power and physical size that best suits your needs. Regardless of which one you choose, they’re both compatible with all SPYPOINT cameras.
The SPLB-10 5W model measures 7.9” x 7.5” x 1.8” and comes with a mounting arm and an installation strap. The arm swivels and rotates 360 degrees and tilts to 90 degrees so that you can position the panel at the right angle for optimum sun exposure. The larger SPLB-22 10W model measures 10.7” x 10.2” x 2” and comes with a mounting bracket and strap to make sure you can position and install the lithium battery solar panel in the perfect location.
These two panels are IP66 waterproof for performance in wet environments, so you don’t have to worry about issues that can arise with electricity and water. You can rest assured that your panel will keep charging and keep your camera working at peak performance.
Solar Panel Bundle
If you like the idea of keeping your cameras and panels separate because that better suits your needs, you can also look into a bundle option and save some money. The FLEX-M Solar Bundle includes one FLEX-M camera and one SPLB-22 10W solar panel. Purchased together, you save a minimum of $79.99 compared to buying them separately. Plus, the bundle is often offered on sale, which provides even better savings!
Integrated Solar Panel
Some people might not like the idea of separate solar panels. It could be argued that it’s just more equipment to keep track of and to haul in and out of the woods. That’s a valid point, and the best way to fix that problem is by getting cellular trail cameras with integrated solar panels. You get all of the benefits solar power offers with less stuff taking up space.
Two of SPYPOINT’s newer models offer the latest and greatest in solar power. Both the FLEX-S and FLEX-S-DARK cameras have an integrated solar panel that charges the internal rechargeable lithium battery. After you perform an initial charge on the battery using the 12V input cable before you install the camera, the integrated solar panel will keep the internal battery charged from then on.
If, however, you operate with the “two is one, one is none” mentality, you can also put a backup LIT-22 rechargeable lithium battery or a set of AA batteries in the camera just in case the solar panel—for some reason—doesn’t get enough sun to charge it adequately.
Up to You
Whether you choose to upgrade to solar panels, bundle with more cameras, or go the integrated route, you won’t regret making the switch to solar. The sun is always there keeping your cameras going so that you can worry about other things instead of wondering if you need to go change out or charge camera batteries.
