Troubleshooting Solar PanelsUpdated 2 months ago
Based on average camera activity and settings, you should replace the camera's AA batteries based on the below guidelines.
Standard panel: Roughly every 2-4 months or as needed.
Premium panel: Roughly every 6-12 months or as needed.
Mega panel: Batteries are not required unless a backup power supply is desired.
Your camera comes with an optional low battery notification which will notify you if available power drops below 30%. This can be configured by logging in to Barn Owl HQ, click on the three dots beside your camera name, and click on AI & Alerts.
On the bottom of the solar panel is a black button which, when pressed, displays the charge level as a series of red lights. If you see fewer than 3 solid red lights, I recommend taking the panel inside to charge overnight and perform the test again the next morning. If the light pattern hasn't improved, this may indicate a solar panel failure which we can further investigate. I also recommend checking the power ports on the solar panel and camera, and charge cable between them. Also, if your panel has multiple OUT ports, please ensure the camera power cable is plugged into 12V OUT only.
Standard panel: Roughly every 2-4 months or as needed.
Premium panel: Roughly every 6-12 months or as needed.
Mega panel: Batteries are not required unless a backup power supply is desired.
Your camera comes with an optional low battery notification which will notify you if available power drops below 30%. This can be configured by logging in to Barn Owl HQ, click on the three dots beside your camera name, and click on AI & Alerts.
On the bottom of the solar panel is a black button which, when pressed, displays the charge level as a series of red lights. If you see fewer than 3 solid red lights, I recommend taking the panel inside to charge overnight and perform the test again the next morning. If the light pattern hasn't improved, this may indicate a solar panel failure which we can further investigate. I also recommend checking the power ports on the solar panel and camera, and charge cable between them. Also, if your panel has multiple OUT ports, please ensure the camera power cable is plugged into 12V OUT only.
1) Before Deployment
• Charge the solar panel using the 12V adapter charger until fully charged (typically 8 hours).
• Press the test button to check charge level. A good charge will display 3-4 solid red lights.
2) Mounting the Solar Panel
• Using the provided strap or mounting bracket, orient the solar panel to maximize sun exposure.
• Typically, orienting the solar panel towards the south will maximize sun exposure.
• The orientation may require seasonal adjustment.
• Using the provided cable, connect the solar panel to the camera.
• Place the rubber grommets on the cable connectors.
• Connect the solar panel's "OUT" to the camera's "12V DC".
• Make sure the connectors are fully inserted into the solar panel and camera.
3) Managing the Camera's Power Consumption
• With 8 hours of direct sunlight, the solar panel should remain charged throughout the day.
• If the solar panel is draining, consider changing camera settings to reduce power draw.
• Limit the number of daily photos.
• Limit the camera to daytime operation only.
If your solar panel is correctly charged and connected, yet your camera is draining batteries, please contact Customer Support at 720-594-649 or [email protected] for assistance.