Are you tired of dumping money into AA batteries for your Reveal by Tactacam cellular trail cameras? If so, here’s the perfect solution to help you save time and money. The Tactacam External Solar Panel is a game-changing accessory for deer hunters seeking an economical and sustainable power solution to replace those costly Energizer Lithium AA batteries.
By understanding the value and benefits of utilizing the Tactacam External Solar Panel over traditional AA batteries, hunters can enhance their hunting experience while being environmentally conscious. This review will cover the features, benefits, and our experience in the field with the Tactacam External Solar Panel. You’ll discover why it stands out as a cost-effective and eco-friendly power solution that is a must-have feature for serious cellular trail camera users.
Reveal by Tactacam’s 12-volt External Solar Panel
Reveal by Tactacam’s 12-volt External Solar Panel with integrated rechargeable Lithium battery is designed to provide power to all brands of Trail Cameras – even if the host camera batteries are dead.
Retail: $59.99
- Durable plastic construction
- Rechargeable 12V battery
- Weather-resistant
- Includes power cable
Solar Panel or AA Batteries?
One of the critical considerations for hunters using trail cameras is ensuring a reliable power source for uninterrupted operation. Traditionally, AA batteries have been the go-to option. However, they can be expensive and require frequent replacement, leading to ongoing costs and potential disruptions during crucial hunting periods. The Tactacam External Solar Panel offers an alternative approach that harnesses the power of the sun to keep your hunting camera running efficiently. Let’s explore the benefits and advantages of using the Tactacam External Solar Panel:
Sustainable Power Solution:
The Tactacam External Solar Panel taps into the renewable energy source of the sun, providing a sustainable and environmentally friendly power solution. By harnessing solar power, hunters can reduce their reliance on disposable batteries and minimize their ecological footprint, making it a responsible choice for nature enthusiasts.
Cost Savings:
One of the primary advantages of the Tactacam External Solar Panel is its potential for long-term cost savings. By eliminating the need for frequent battery replacements, hunters can significantly reduce their expenses over time. While the initial investment in the solar panel may seem higher, the savings accumulated from not purchasing numerous AA batteries make it a cost-effective choice in the long run.
Uninterrupted Operation:
With the Tactacam External Solar Panel, hunters can ensure uninterrupted operation of their hunting cameras. The solar panel charges the camera’s internal battery during daylight hours, providing continuous power even in remote locations. This feature eliminates the need for periodic visits to change batteries, allowing hunters to focus on scouting and monitoring game activity without disruptions.
Versatility and Compatibility:
The Tactacam External Solar Panel is designed to be versatile and compatible with various hunting camera models, including Tactacam cameras and other popular brands. Its universal design and easy-to-use connectors make it a convenient accessory for hunters looking to enhance their camera setup.
Features and Performance:
The Tactacam External Solar Panel offers a range of features and delivers reliable performance to meet the demanding needs of deer hunters. Let’s delve into the key features and performance aspects:
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High-Efficiency Solar Panel:
The Tactacam External Solar Panel features a high-efficiency solar panel that captures solar energy effectively, even in low-light conditions. The advanced photovoltaic technology ensures optimal power conversion, maximizing the charging capabilities of the solar panel and minimizing charging times.
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Weather-Resistant Design:
Hunting often involves exposure to various weather conditions. The Tactacam External Solar Panel is built with a weather-resistant design, ensuring it can withstand rain, snow, and other environmental elements. This durability ensures reliable performance in challenging outdoor environments, allowing hunters to focus on their hunting strategies with peace of mind.
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Quick and Easy Installation:
Installing the Tactacam External Solar Panel is a simple and straightforward process. The panel comes with mounting brackets and adjustable straps, enabling easy attachment to trees, posts, or other suitable surfaces. Its lightweight and compact design make it highly portable, allowing hunters to move and reposition the solar panel as needed.
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LED Charging Indicator:
To provide real-time feedback on the charging status, the Tactacam External Solar Panel features an LED charging indicator. This indicator allows hunters to monitor the solar panel’s performance at a glance, ensuring that the camera is receiving sufficient power for continuous operation. The LED indicator eliminates any guesswork, providing valuable information for optimal camera management.
Where to use and NOT use the Tactacam External Solar Panel:
Utilizing solar panels isn’t an option for every application and neither is cellular trail cameras, but for different reasons. The solar panel needs direct sunlight to keep your camera going strong. I don’t run solar panels on all of my trail cameras, only the ones that are in direct sunlight, such as field edges and food plots. Once the foliage falls from the trees, I’ll move the cameras onto mock scrapes and pinch points deep in the timber. Having the ability to set the trail camera
This isn’t to say that you can’t use them during the summer over mineral sites in the timber, because it can be done. However, I pair it up with Energizer Lithium AA batteries and I don’t know whether the solar panel or the lithium batteries are doing the brunt of the work. It’s nice to have both options because I don’t have to worry about the trail camera going dead.
The Tactacam External Solar Panel is a must-have for cellular trail camera owners. I have zero complaints thus far and I’m entering 12 months of use on mine. When paired with my Reveal XB, it’s a set-it-and-forget-it trail camera.
Environmental Impact and Long-Term Value
Aside from the immediate benefits of cost savings and convenience, the Tactacam External Solar Panel contributes to a reduced environmental impact, making it an attractive choice for eco-conscious hunters. By transitioning from disposable batteries to solar power, hunters can play their part in conserving resources and minimizing waste. Additionally, the long-term value of the Tactacam External Solar Panel becomes apparent when considering the prolonged lifespan of the device compared to the continuous expenditure on disposable batteries.
PROS:
CONS:
Should You Buy the Tactacam External Solar Panel?
If you haven’t made up your mind on whether or not you should buy the Tactacam External Solar Panel, here’s my opinion. Yes, you certainly should have a few in your arsenal, especially on field edges and other areas where sunlight is plentiful. Some of the areas where you’re running cell cams may be dark and densely covered in overhead vegetation (trees), so it might not be as dependable. When you factor in the cost of lithium batteries, it’s a no-brainer for me. This product will save you time and money for seasons to come.
By harnessing solar power, hunters can enjoy long-term cost savings, reduce their ecological footprint, and have peace of mind knowing their cameras are powered by a reliable and renewable energy source. The Tactacam External Solar Panel’s high-efficiency design, weather resistance, and user-friendly features make it a valuable accessory for hunters seeking enhanced camera performance.
Ready to buy? You can find the Tactacam Reveal External Solar Panel in stock at most major online retailers: Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, Scheel’s, Amazon, Walmart, and more.
AUTHOR BIO
Hi, I’m Camron is the owner of Hunting Gear Deals. I’m an avid bowhunter with a knack for finding smoking deals on hunting gear. Currently, I work in the oil & gas industry as an Environmental, Health, and Safety professional but my goal is to continue to grow Hunting Gear Deals and turn it into a full-time job.
Instagram- @huntinggeardeals
Frequently Asked Questions
- How does the Tactacam Reveal External Solar Panel work?
- Simply plug it into the bottom of the camera and place it in an area of direct sunlight. The more sunlight, the better. Don’t forget to charge the battery inside the solar panel before installing it to the camera.
- Is the Tactacam Reveal External Solar Panel compatible with other trail camera brands?
- Yes, it’s universal for all 12-volt cameras that will accept a solar panel.
- What is the charging time for the Tactacam Reveal External Solar Panel?
- It depends on the amount of light that the solar panel receives throughout the day. The more direct light, the quicker it will charge.
- Can the Tactacam Reveal External Solar Panel charge the camera’s internal battery directly?
- It will change the battery pack that Tactacam sells as a combo with this solar panel.
- Does the Tactacam Reveal External Solar Panel work in low-light conditions?
- Not well. It’s a solar panel, so it needs light to work.
- Is the Tactacam Reveal External Solar Panel waterproof or weather-resistant?
- Yes, it as held up great.
- Can the Tactacam Reveal External Solar Panel be used in remote locations without access to electricity?
- Yes, that’s the intent. You can utilize this solar panel on some non-cellular trail cameras as well.
- How long can the Tactacam Reveal External Solar Panel power my trail camera?
- TBD – It’s lasted all season and I haven’t had to replace batteries in the camera yet. However, the accumulation of snow, ice, or heavy foilage will likely keep it from getting enough light to recharge.
- Does the Tactacam Reveal External Solar Panel require direct sunlight to charge?
- The more light, the better. Insufficient lighting will reduce the charging capabilities and your solar panel could run out of power.
- Is the Tactacam Reveal External Solar Panel easy to install and mount on a tree or post?
- Yes, but be sure to secure the cable because it can be unplugged from the camera rather easily.
- Does the Tactacam Reveal External Solar Panel come with mounting accessories?
- Enough to mount it to the tree, but if you need to mount it on a t-post, you might have an issue.
- Can I use multiple Tactacam Reveal External Solar Panels together for increased charging power?
- I’m not an electrician, but I don’t see the point.
- Will the Tactacam Reveal External Solar Panel work in extreme temperatures?
- So far, however, I don’t live in an extremely cold environment.
- What is the warranty period for the Tactacam Reveal External Solar Panel?
- I’m not sure.
- Do you need batteries inside the camera for the solar panel to operate?
- Surprisingly no, you do not need batteries in the trail camera. Just make sure the solar panel is fully charged when plugging it in.
- How quickly will the Tactacam Reveal External Solar Panel pay for itself?
- Who loves math? Chances are you don’t, but we all enjoy making good investments. With today’s lithium battery prices, you could buy approximately 30 Energizer Lithium batteries for the cost of one solar panel.
- What cameras can the Tactacam Reveal External Solar Panel be used on?
- The Tactacam Reveal External Solar Panel was initially designed to power Reveal by Tactacam cellular trail cameras, such as the Reveal X, Reveal X Pro, Reveal X 2.0, and Reveal XB. However, this solar panel is universal and can be utilized on a wide-variety of 12-volt trail cameras.
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AUTHOR BIO
Hi, I’m Camron the owner of Hunting Gear Deals. I’m an avid bowhunter with a knack for finding good deals on hunting gear and love to help you save money on hunting gear. I’m also the owner of the popular Bucks, Bulls, & Bears email newsletter that’s built to educate and entertain hunters. If you haven’t subscribed, you’re missing out! Last but not least, I’m proud to say that I work for Whitetail Properties as a Land Specialist in Ohio. If you’re in the market for hunting property, shoot me an email and I’d love to help you find your dream property.
Instagram- @huntinggeardeals
