PowerPanel Frequently Asked Questions

I just bought a Moultrie PowerPanel; do I still need D-cell batteries in my camera?

Answer: Yes, the PowerPanel has a built-in 12-volt rechargeable battery that is charged by the solar panel, but the D-cell batteries are used as a standby battery in case the 12-volt battery does not have enough power to run the camera.

Should I use rechargeable D-cell batteries in my camera when using a PowerPanel?

Answer: No, rechargeable D-cell batteries are usually 1.2 volts instead of 1.5 volts, and will under power your camera. The PowerPanel will not recharge rechargeable D-cell batteries.

If I have a PowerPanel hooked up to my camera, when would the camera use my D-cell batteries and what kind of D-cells should I use in the camera?

Answer: The camera will revert to the D-cells batteries anytime the PowerPanel is too low to properly power the camera. An example would be several days of cloudy weather and the sun is not able to charge the PowerPanels rechargeable 12-volt battery, or a night of extreme activity and the PowerPanel drains too low to run the camera. In these cases, the D-cells would run the camera until the sun could recharge the PowerPanel battery. We suggest using a good brand alkaline battery such as Duracell or Energizer.

Does the PowerPanel need to be in full sun?

Answer: The more sun the panel is exposed to, the better the PowerPanel will work. It will work in partial sun, but is much more efficient in full sun. The real time solar value will show you how much energy from the sun your panel is collecting - the higher the number, the more energy being collected. One hundred on the meter is largest amount. Try to place the panel in a location that receives the most hours of sunlight.

What does the LCD screen on the PowerPanel do?

Answer: Real Time Solar Mode: Measures the amount of sunlight entering the solar panel at that moment. As you move the panel around, the value on the meter will change. The higher the number on the panel, the more energy there is going into the battery.

Internal Charge Mode: The amount of energy stored inside the PowerPanel. The higher the number on the meter, the better. If this number falls below fifty, you should relocate the PowerPanel to a different location.

Daily Solar Average Mode: The amount of energy received each day. This function is cleared and reset anytime the PowerPanel is off.

Weekly Solar Average: This is the amount of energy received each week. This function is cleared and reset anytime the PowerPanel is off. Anytime the PowerPanel is stored or not being used it should be turned off. Before using again, you should check the internal charge and, if necessary, allow time for it to recharge.