Powering a thermal camera with a solar panel

This document outlines how you can power one of the Cacophony Project's Thermal Cameras with solar. Apart from a camera cable you can buy all the components off the shelf. Here's a list of what you need with links to where you can buy them at the moment:

• 20W solar panel. Some customers run a modem with a wifi hotspot powered by the regulator. For this set up we recommend a 40W panel. This may also be necessary if you are running day and night.
• Regulator. If you want a USB port for a modem then you can get a slightly larger regulator. The regulator controls the charging and discharging of the battery.
• Battery - We have used a 38Ah lead acid battery. The size of the battery you need will depend on the worst patch of solar performance you expect to have. If you're in Antarctica  you'll need something bigger.
• Cable 1m and battery terminals
• Camera connector
• Battery box - we sealed the holes in the top to make it a little more waterproof and added a hole to the bottom to drain out any water that does get in.
• Camera connector - we can make this to whatever length you need.

Please let us know if you have any questions for your set up. Thanks to Auckland Council for sharing the set up they used at Shakespear Park.