Tactacam Reveal Solar Panel: Which Model to Buy and How to Set It Up
Tactacam Reveal cameras are some of the most popular cellular trail cameras in the woods, and almost every Reveal owner eventually asks the same question: is the solar panel worth it? Cellular cameras burn through batteries, and each trip to swap AAs leaves scent and noise at your best spots.
Tactacam sells several solar options, and they are not all the same. This guide compares the main Tactacam Reveal solar panels, explains compatibility, and shows how to set one up so your camera runs all season.
Quick answer: For most Reveal owners, the Reveal Solar Panel 2.0 (about $60) is the standard pick: it has a built-in lithium battery, mounts easily, and works with most Reveal models and many 12V cameras. The newer R5 panel (V3) adds a larger surface and a 5,000mAh battery, and the Folding panel is the most powerful option for heavy use or shady sites.
Tactacam Reveal Solar Panel Options
| Model | Battery | Notable features | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solar Panel 2.0 (RV-EXT-V2) | Integrated lithium, listed at 5,200mAh | 73% more capacity than the previous panel, integrated bracket, 12V output | $59.99 |
| Solar Panel R5 (External Solar Panel V3) | 5,000mAh lithium-ion | Larger surface area, barrel jack connection, adjustable bracket | $69.99 |
| Folding 12V Solar Panel (RV-SP-V02) | 7.2V/4,900mAh (12V/3,000mAh) | Most powerful; charges up to 400% faster than the V2 panel | $99.99 |
Sources: Tactical Store and Rogers (Solar Panel 2.0), Tractor Supply and Kinsey’s (R5/V3), and Sportsman’s Outdoor Superstore (Folding). Prices vary by retailer.
Reveal Solar Panel 2.0
The 2.0 is the panel most Reveal owners buy. Retailers list it with an integrated lithium battery that can be charged by sunlight or by cable, 73% more capacity than the original Reveal panel, and an integrated mounting bracket. Focus Camera lists a 2.5W panel output and solar conversion efficiency above 18%, and notes it can recharge Tactacam’s V2 Lithium Cartridge when paired. James River Archery lists 12V/1.5A output with 5V wall-power input.
Listed compatibility: Reveal X, X-Pro, X 2.0, X 3.0, Pro 3.0, X SK, and XB, plus Reveal Ultra on some listings. It is also described as compatible with most 12V trail cameras from other brands.
Reveal Solar Panel R5 (V3)
The R5 is Tactacam’s newer design. Tractor Supply describes a larger surface area for more efficient power, a 5,000mAh built-in backup battery to carry the camera through nights and cloudy stretches, and a barrel-jack connection for faster setup. It is listed as working with Reveal cameras except Gen 1. At least one buyer review on that listing reported a compatibility problem with an X 2.0, so confirm your exact model and connector before ordering.
Reveal Folding Solar Panel
The Folding panel is Tactacam’s heavy-duty option, described as its most powerful panel and able to charge up to 400% faster than the V2. It lists 12V/2A output and a larger battery. It makes sense for:
- Cameras sending lots of photos or video
- Partly shaded sites where a small panel struggles
- Northern winters with short days
- Security use with frequent check-ins
Is a Tactacam Solar Panel Worth It?
Tactacam’s own pitch, quoted on Jay’s Sporting Goods, is that frequent site visits to swap batteries add unnecessary human pressure. That is the real value. A panel usually pays for itself in a season or two of lithium AAs, and it lets you leave the camera alone during the rut.
It is less useful if the camera sits in deep shade, you only run it for a few weeks a year, or your settings are already very light on power.
How to Set Up a Tactacam Reveal Solar Panel
- Charge the panel fully at home using the included cable.
- Update the camera and confirm it is sending photos before you go.
- Mount the panel above the camera with the bracket, facing south in the Northern Hemisphere and tilted toward the sun.
- Connect the cable to the camera’s external power port and route it neatly against the tree.
- Keep batteries or a cartridge in the camera as backup, if your model supports it.
- Check the battery status in the Reveal app after a week.
For general solar tips, see our guides on solar powered trail cameras and how to connect a solar panel to a trail camera.
Common Problems and Fixes
- Camera still drains: the panel may be shaded. Move it to a sunny gap or upgrade to the Folding panel.
- Not charging at all: check the cable, connector type, and model compatibility.
- Squirrels chewed the cable: run it tight to the tree or use a cable guard.
- Panel stolen: use a lock box. See trail camera security boxes.
More Reveal help: Tactacam Reveal not sending pictures, Tactacam Reveal plans, and how to set up a Reveal X.
How Long Will a Reveal Run on Solar?
There is no single number, because runtime depends on sunlight, temperature, and how hard the camera works. A Reveal on a sunny field edge that sends a few dozen photos a day can often run for long stretches with little attention. A camera in heavy shade that sends hundreds of photos and frequent videos may still drain slowly, even with a panel attached.
The factors that matter most are:
- Hours of direct sun on the panel each day
- Season: short winter days and a low sun reduce charging
- Temperature: lithium batteries are less efficient in deep cold
- Photo and video volume, plus how often you request on-demand images
- Signal strength: a weak signal makes the modem work harder for every upload
Watch the battery level in the Reveal app for the first couple of weeks. If it holds steady or climbs, your setup is working. If it keeps dropping, move the panel to a sunnier spot, reduce photo volume, or step up to the Folding panel. Our guide to trail camera batteries explains how batteries and solar work together.
Mounting Tips That Make a Difference
- Mount the panel above the camera so it catches more sun and is harder to bump.
- Avoid branches overhead. Even partial shade on part of the panel can cut its output noticeably.
- Keep the cable short and tight to the tree to reduce chewing and snagging.
- Use the same tree when possible. If the camera spot is shaded, mount the panel higher on the trunk where it reaches a sunny gap.
- Clean the panel on each visit. Dust, pollen, and leaves reduce charging.
Quick Facts
- Solar Panel 2.0 lists 73% more capacity than the previous Reveal panel (retailer listings).
- Solar Panel 2.0 output is listed at 12V/1.5A; panel output 2.5W (James River Archery, Focus Camera).
- R5 panel has a 5,000mAh battery and works with Reveal cameras except Gen 1 (Tractor Supply).
- The Folding panel charges up to 400% faster than the V2 (Sportsman’s Outdoor Superstore).
- Solar 2.0 is listed as compatible with most 12V trail cameras.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Tactacam solar panel work with other brands?
The Solar Panel 2.0 is listed as compatible with most 12V trail cameras. Check voltage and plug type.
Do I still need batteries with the solar panel?
The panel has its own battery, but keeping backup power in the camera is smart for long cloudy stretches.
Which panel is best for winter?
The Folding panel, thanks to its higher output, especially in northern states.
Will the R5 work with my Reveal X 2.0?
It is listed for Reveal cameras except Gen 1, but at least one buyer reported an issue with an X 2.0. Confirm with Tactacam or the retailer.
How should I angle the panel?
Face it south in the Northern Hemisphere and tilt it toward the midday sun.
Is solar better than a lithium cartridge?
They work best together: the cartridge stores energy and the panel recharges it.
Final Thoughts
A Tactacam Reveal solar panel is one of the most useful upgrades you can buy for a Reveal camera. The Solar Panel 2.0 suits most setups, the R5 adds more surface and an easier connection, and the Folding panel is the choice for heavy use or tough light. Match the panel to your model, give it real sun, and you can stop scheduling battery runs around your hunts.