8 Tips for Better Solar Trail Camera Set Ups
Solar powered trail cameras harness a free and sustainable energy source. With the simple tips we cover in this guide, you can improve your solar trail camera set up and make the most of the sunshine.
For those new to solar trail cameras, also see our Solar Trail Camera Benefits & Drawbacks article.
Camojojo Trace 4G trail camera with add-on solar panel
Familiarity with a new camera
Some solar trail cameras function effectively in indirect light, while others may not, largely influenced by the camera's activity level (number of records) and whether it's capturing video or still photos. Photo capture consumes significantly less power compared to video. Before deploying a solar trail camera into a harder-to-reach location, test it for a few days in a garden or a nearby location. This will give a sense of how it performs and optimum camera positioning to draw in solar energy to best effect.
Charge before use
Solar panels work in tandem with a rechargeable battery pack. Charge the battery pack to 100% before deploying the camera to gain maximum battery life. Most trail camera solar panels are designed to maintain battery level or slowly charge it.
Beware of shadows!
Obstructions like canopies or any objects casting shadows on the camera during the day can affect direct light exposure and the camera’s ability to charge. Seasonal changes play a role too, especially in woodlands containing deciduous trees like oak and beech, which quickly change foliage in spring. In contrast, evergreen trees like conifers retain foliage throughout the year, so the shadows these trees cast stay more consistent.
SpyPoint Flex-S with built in solar panel
Solar panel position
Some solar panels, like those in SpyPoint cameras, perform well with ambient sunlight, while others need more direct sunlight due to power demands. The direction of the solar panel matters for efficient energy capture, especially with seasonal changes affecting daylight.
For optimal performance, aiming a trail camera northward reduces the risk of overexposed images and lens flare. However, this may not provide enough sunlight for charging if the solar panel is built into the camera, as opposed to a free-standing solar panel. Aiming the solar panel southward ensures consistent sunlight intake throughout the day, and, for most trail cameras, facing in a southerly direction will not cause excessive glare. So, if the camera has a built-in solar panel, aim it southward. For free-standing solar panels, aim the solar panel southward and the camera northward. The opposite applies for locations south of the equator.
Solar panel angle
The optimal angle for a trail camera’s solar panel is typically between 30-45 degrees. This range allows the panel to capture ample sunlight across various locations and seasons. If the panel is too vertical, it limits exposure, while a flat angle not only restricts exposure but also captures debris like falling leaves.
Sufficient memory card capacity
One significant advantage of a solar trail camera is its hands-off nature due to significantly extended battery life, allowing for prolonged camera deployment. Ensure the memory card has sufficient capacity to accommodate for this. SD card compatibility and size limitations vary among camera models, so refer to the camera user manual to determine the maximum size of memory card that can be installed.
Maintenance
Ensure the panel remains clear of debris for optimal functionality. Angled between 30-45 degrees, most debris such as leaves typically slide off the solar panel.
Battery-booster tip for wireless solar trail cameras
Solar-powered wireless trail cameras, controllable via mobile apps, offer adjustments to multiple features, including camera activity. This feature can prove very useful in scenarios of rapid battery depletion caused by busy wildlife activity or extended cloudy periods, especially when the camera is placed in hard-to-reach locations.
For instance, some models allow users to temporarily deactivate the camera's PIR sensor, halting captures altogether to give the camera time to recharge. Meanwhile, cameras such as the SpyPoint range enable adjustments to the capture delay (also known as motion delay) for longer intervals, reducing the camera’s potential activity level. The downside to this is that wildlife captures may be missed, but the benefit is a camera that keeps on running.
SpyPoint Link Micro-S wireless trail camera
In summary
The full potential of a solar trail camera can be unlocked by taking a few extra steps in set up. Getting to know how the camera performs on different settings and starting from a fully charged battery are key, then it comes down to positioning the camera and solar panel effectively for best performance.
Solar trail cameras can prove useful in hard to reach places, such as nest monitoring.
Solar Trail Camera FAQs
How do I maximise the battery life of a solar powered trail camera?
Charge the camera's battery pack to 100% before deployment. This ensures maximum battery life.
How do shadows affect the functionality of a solar trail camera during the day?
Shadows from obstructions like canopies or objects can hinder direct light exposure, impacting the camera's ability to charge.
What's the best position for a solar powered trail camera?
Aim the solar panel southward for consistent sunlight intake throughout the day. This will also avoid excessive lens flare in the camera.
What's the recommended angle for a solar panel on a trail camera?
Optimal panel angle ranges between 30-45 degrees for most locations and seasons.
How do you extend the battery life of a wireless solar trail camera?
Some wireless trail cameras offer adjustments via smartphone apps to control features like the PIR sensor or capture delay. For instance, deactivating the sensor or setting a longer delay between captures can temporarily allow time for the camera to recharge, ensuring continuous operation.
