Trail cameras and cellular cameras are continually improving, particularly in the area of battery life. There’s nothing more frustrating than having a camera die after just a few months. Consider the time you invest in reaching these cameras, putting unwanted scent in the woods, and the expense of high-quality batteries. That’s why, over the past few years, I have transitioned to using only solar cameras and solar panels—and I’ve never looked back.
SpyPoint Force Pro Series
I love the SpyPoint solar trail cameras, notably the Force Pro Series, which includes two models: the Force Pro S and the Force Pro S 2.0. Both cameras are equipped with an internal lithium battery that you can charge before taking them into the woods. Additionally, they accept eight AA batteries as a backup power source.
Over the past few years, I have used all my Force Pro Series cameras without the AA batteries, and they have consistently performed well in the field. These cameras store footage on SD cards, which means they don’t drain the internal battery. I have three of these cameras, and they have never run out of internal battery life, even while running them in 1-minute video mode all year round.
Force Pro S Force Pro S 2.0
30 Megapixels 48 megapixel camera
0.2-second trigger speed 0.2-second trigger speed
4K video with sound up to 1 minute 4K video with sound up to one minute
110-foot flash detection range 110- foot flash detection range
Color LCD viewing screen
Check out the Force Pro S in action…..
Solar and Cellular Together
In 2024, SpyPoint introduced the Flex S camera, which features an internal lithium battery that charges via a solar panel located on top of the device. Additionally, the Flex S allows for the use of a tray containing eight AA batteries or the LIT-22 battery as an extra power source. I purchased several of these cameras, charged the internal lithium batteries, and I’m pleased to report that all of them remain in the woods without needing a recharge.
Recently, I bought the 2025 Flex S Dark camera. This model has a larger solar panel on top, and I’ve noticed an improvement in battery life. I run all of my Flex S series cameras in video mode, and the internal lithium batteries are consistently staying charged. It’s fantastic to see the Flex S series cameras sending a large number of videos without depleting the battery power.
Flex S Dark
40 megapixel camera
0.3-second trigger speed
1080p 15-second videos
100-foot flash and detection range
Flex S Dark in action…….
Lithium Battery Solar Panels
I jumped on the lithium solar panel bandwagon in 2022 when SpyPoint introduced the SPLB-22 panel. This 10-watt solar panel has been a blessing. I have six of them connected to various SpyPoint cameras that all operate on video, and they have all performed incredibly well. The panels are durable and maintain their charge even during the cold winters in Pennsylvania. I haven’t had to recharge any of the SPLB-22 solar panels yet!
SpyPoint offers a smaller lithium solar panel known as the SPLB-10, which is a 5-watt panel. It performs just as effectively as the larger SPLB-22. I prefer the smaller panel because it is easier to conceal than the bigger one.
One of the best features of both solar panels is the flexibility they offer: you can place the camera wherever you want and position the solar panel in an area that receives the most sunlight. I highly recommend the lithium solar panels if you plan to keep cameras deployed year-round. I never have to worry about my camera running out of power.
