discussion / Camera Traps  / 27 February 2023

Solar panel recs for camera traps

I have a small grant to support solar-izing part of our campus camera trap array and before finalizing purchases wanted to assess other's impressions of different solar pack models.  

We'll use Reconyx packs with Reconyx cameras, and have had good luck with those (esp. like the replaceable batteries, which has been the usual failure of other packs). We've had mixed/poor results with first gen Bushnell (6V) and Stealth packs and are currently assessing the newer versions of both of those- stay tuned.  Also "trialing" (N=~1) Browning (also has replaceable batteries), Tactacam, Elusive WL, Hudakwa (6V) and Herd360 packs but too early to assess those.  

The need is for mostly Browning cams, which all run on 12V with 5.5 x 2.1 mm power jack and will run year-round in MA (USA) with varying degrees of tree cover.

Does anyone have specific solar packs they like or dislike?  I'm especially interested in any that have been running more than a couple years (i.e., beyond warranty!).

Appreciate any thoughts.

-Chris




Hi Chris,

 

You could always consider building your own, using off-the-shelf panels, a small, inexpensive charge controller and a battery pack. Since the introduction of lithium battery packs, sealed-lead acid batteries have dropped in price a bit and make for good, long-term packs for cameras I've found. Going this route means you aren't as limited in terms of the size of the panel or battery pack you can use. A bigger panel could be useful if you are expecting relatively low levels of sunlight (e.g. under canopy cover), or you could run cable from a panel placed in a better position for sunlight exposure (and you might be able to do the same with a pre-built solar pack). Just an idea.

Cheers and all the best with your research,

Rob 

 

 

Hi Chris, we looked into solar powered battery systems for Reconyx because we had a customer want to use them along side our Solar BAR bioacoustic recorder. We made a power out port and custom cable to run his camera traps and also so someone else in France could use them with another company's bat detector. Typically they had a 10W solar panel, 8Ah lead acid battery and a charge controller built into a sealed box stuck to the back of the solar panel. You could save some weight by choosing a LiFePo4 battery instead like this but you can only use them when you know you will charge them when the temperature is over 0 degrees C or you will damage them. Use lead acid if you're not sure they will always be charged over 0 degrees C.

You can find MPPT solar charge modules on Aliexpress and Ebay. I used the search term "mppt solar charge module". LiFePo4 can be charged at the same voltage as lead acid and most lead acid chargers do constant current charging anyway becuse you can use it with lithium batteries then as well. It's better to get a LiFePo4 charger if you can get it to make sure it's constant current then constant voltage but they're pretty tough unless you charge them under 0 degrees.

A typical 10W 12v solar panel will have it's Maximum Power Point at 18v so your charge controller must be set to 18v as it's input voltage. The panel will make a maximum of 20v when it's not plugged into anything. A 10W panel will make about 0.5A so if you pick a 3A charger it'll get limited to 0.5A because of the panel.

A module like this where the parameters are adjustable might be good.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004728103789.html

On the other hand if you want something that can't be fiddled with after you made it get one with 18v MPPT voltage and set to charge a lead acid or whatever battery chemistry that you're using. Often using terms like lead acid when you search will help narrow it down. If you're going to use a 12v LiFePo4 note that's is a 3S 3.7v pack. That is 3 x 3.7v makes 11.1v (which they call a 12v pack).

If you're unsure feel free to email me at [email protected] to check what you're planning to buy.

If you're gluing a box with the charge controller onto the back of a solar panel use neutral cure silicone or check with the supplier about what glue you can use if you need something stronger than that.

If there is sufficient demand for these sorts of accessories please let me know and we can consider it as a product. 

Mark

Hey there! Not sure what your funding constraints are but I have been using Reolink Go PT, which is solar powered. This model has been discontinued. However they have an upgraded version. Adding link here. 



I have used this in the field in the swaps of Florida, exposed to heat, humidity and moisture. It has held up really well. Great sensors that can even be adjusted for sensitivity.