When it comes to outdoor and wildlife surveillance, ensuring consistent camera performance is crucial. Whether you're a hunter, wildlife enthusiast, or security-conscious homeowner, business owner, or landowner, maintaining a constant supply of power to your trail or security cameras can be a challenge–and in some cases, hooking a camera to an existing power line can be highly inconvenient or impossible. This is where the DEFEND solar panel comes into play. It offers an innovative and inexpensive solution that extends your solar security camera's battery life and can even remove the need for a battery pack at all.
This blog explores how the Tactacam solar panel works and why it’s a fantastic backup for traditional batteries, making the DEFEND camera the most reliable cellular security camera on the market.
How the DEFEND Solar Panel Works
The Tactacam solar panel works seamlessly with the DEFEND security camera. Here’s how it operates:
1. Harness Solar Energy
The Tactacam solar panel captures sunlight and converts it into electrical energy using photovoltaic cells. These cells are positioned to maximize exposure to sunlight, even when it’s cloudy.
2. Manage Power
The Tactacam solar panel regulates the power supply to the camera using a built-in charge controller so the panel doesn’t overcharge the connected camera’s battery; this protects both the camera and the solar panel from damage. It also prevents the battery level from getting too low, which could reduce performance or even lead to failure in when the weather is extremely cold.
3. Easy Integration
Setting up the solar panel is simple and only takes seconds. The panel has a weatherproof cable that connects directly to the DEFEND camera. Once hooked up, the solar security camera automatically draws power from the solar panel when it intercepts sunlight, and from the backup battery when sunlight is insufficient. This integrated design means you don’t have to frequently monitor power status. It is also possible to run the DEFEND without any battery at all—leave the battery bay empty and just hook up the panel to the unit.
4. Durable and Weather Resistant
The DEFEND solar panel is built for continual outdoor use and can withstand variable weather. Like all Tactacam cameras and accessories, it can be exposed to harsh conditions, from scorching sun to heavy rain or snow.
How to Use a Solar Panel to Supplement Your Security Camera’s Traditional Batteries
1. Extended Battery Life
The DEFEND solar panel can extend the life of your camera's batteries. With the solar panel, you minimize the need for battery replacements, or if you are using the lithium battery pack, you can go longer without having to recharge it. This is particularly beneficial for remote monitoring, where frequent battery changes are inconvenient.
2. Cost-Effective
Even though the DEFEND cameras are packed with battery-saving features, over time, it will still require new disposable batteries. If you frequently use your camera, the cost of replacing batteries can add up quickly, making the DEFEND solar panel a great option. Plus, for eco-conscious users, it’s a more environmentally friendly option since you reduce the number of discarded batteries.
3. Uninterrupted Monitoring
If you’re doing long-term monitoring, having a consistent power source is critical. The DEFEND solar panel reduces the likelihood of your camera losing power. It ensures that even in areas with little direct sunlight, your camera has a much better chance of staying on.
4. Ideal for Remote Locations
If your DEFEND is located in the backcountry or in a distant corner of your property, changing batteries regularly is a hassle. With a DEFEND solar panel, you can greatly reduce the frequency of those trips.
5. Reduced Environmental Impact
This one is straightforward: Fewer batteries = less waste. Each battery that doesn’t end up in a landfill saves you money and improves your sustainability. Use more than one camera? Then you can multiply your positive impact.
6. Year-Round Power Solution
The DEFEND solar panel is designed for year-round use, making it a versatile option no matter the season.
The Tactacam solar panel offers a reliable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly solution for keeping your cameras powered, especially in remote or difficult-to-access locations. By harnessing the power of the sun, it works in tandem with traditional batteries to ensure uninterrupted monitoring, even when direct sunlight is scarce. It’s a great investment for anyone looking to extend battery life, reduce environmental impact, and make the most of their trail or security camera setup.
Whether you’re a hunter, wildlife observer, or simply someone who wants to keep their property secure, the Tactacam solar panel is a tool that can provide peace of mind and long-lasting performance.