Why More Hunters Are Using Solar Trail Cameras and How to Set Yours Up Right

Scouting is one of the most important parts of a successful hunt, and trail cameras have become the go-to tool for gathering intel before the season opens. But there’s one recurring issue hunters deal with year after year—dead batteries.

Whether it’s from extreme temperatures, frequent motion triggers, or remote placements that are hard to reach, losing power on your trail cam can cost you valuable patterning information. That’s where the Reveal External Solar Panel comes in—and why more hunters are making the switch to solar power.



At Grafton Archery & Outdoors, we carry the Reveal External Solar Panel for good reason: it helps North Carolina hunters keep their cameras powered longer and reduces the need for constant battery swaps or mid-season trips into pressured areas.

What the Reveal External Solar Panel Does

The Reveal External Solar Panel is designed to work with compatible Reveal trail cameras (check your model for compatibility) and provides continuous power using a built-in rechargeable battery and solar charging system. It connects via a weatherproof cord and is mounted near the camera for consistent energy input.

Unlike internal AA batteries that need to be replaced every few weeks during high-traffic periods, this external panel stores solar energy and maintains your camera’s operation even during extended periods of overcast weather. When set up correctly, it can keep a camera operational for weeks or even months at a time without any manual maintenance.

Benefits for Bowhunters

For bowhunters in North Carolina, pre-season scouting starts well before opening day. Getting consistent data on travel routes, scrape lines, food source timing, and bedding patterns requires cameras that stay active 24/7.

The Reveal External Solar Panel helps in several ways:

• Reduces intrusion: Less time walking in to replace batteries means less pressure on deer.
  
  
• Saves money: Fewer disposable batteries used throughout the season.
  
  
• Increases reliability: Keeps your camera recording movement when batteries would otherwise fail.
  
  
• Suits remote locations: Perfect for hard-to-reach spots or off-grid setups where battery changes are a hassle.
  
  

For those running multiple cameras, adding solar panels is an easy way to maximize uptime and minimize disruption—especially in early fall when every hour of daylight counts.

Best Practices for Setup

To get the most out of your Reveal External Solar Panel, placement is key. While the panel doesn’t need full sunlight all day, positioning it to catch morning or midday sun will significantly improve its efficiency.

Here are a few tips we share in the shop:

• Mount the panel facing south or southeast to get the most consistent light throughout the day.
  
  
• Avoid heavy tree canopy or thick brush that may block light.
  
  
• Use the adjustable mount to angle the panel slightly upward for optimal exposure.
  
  
• Check the weatherproof connection to the camera to ensure it’s snug and properly sealed.
  
  

While the panel is weather-resistant, it's still smart to inspect it periodically during the season—especially after heavy storms or wind.

Available Now at Grafton Archery & Outdoors

We stock the Reveal External Solar Panel year-round at Grafton Archery & Outdoors because it’s one of the simplest upgrades you can make to your camera setup. Whether you’re running a single unit or building out a full grid of cameras across your property, adding solar helps you scout smarter and stay out of your spots longer.

Let us know if you need help pairing it with your current Reveal camera model or setting up your gear before the season starts. Our team can walk you through the basics in-store and answer any compatibility questions you might have.