Request a Quote

When deploying the ATL4500 or ATL4500G for long-term construction monitoring or off-grid time lapse projects, a reliable power source is non-negotiable. Weather conditions fluctuate, but your camera’s operation shouldn't.

To ensure uninterrupted operation, we highly recommend a robust, slightly oversized solar setup. This creates a reliable power buffer that keeps your camera running through consecutive stormy days and short winter daylight hours.

Here is our in-depth, battle-tested guide to building a flawless solar power system for your ATLI cameras.

1. Understanding the Power Consumption

Before buying components, it’s crucial to understand the baseline power needs. The ATL4500G/ATL4500 has a stated consumption of 75-80 Wh per day when all advanced features (like 4G connectivity and cloud uploads) are enabled.

To comfortably cover this daily draw and build a reliable safety net for bad weather, we recommend the following standard off-grid configuration.

2. The Core Components

The Solar Panel: 12V, 100-Watt Monocrystalline

A 100W panel is essential for maximizing energy capture. Even if 100W sounds like more than you need for a 80Wh/day device, its larger surface area is a lifesaver. It allows the system to still generate meaningful power on overcast and rainy days, ensuring system stability during unpredictable weather.

The Li-ion Battery: 12V, 30Ah LiFePO4

This capacity acts as a critical buffer, providing enough storage for over 4 full days of operation with zero sunlight. We strongly recommend choosing LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) chemistry over traditional lead-acid batteries due to its superior lifespan, efficiency, and safety in extreme outdoor temperatures.

The Charge Controller: 10A MPPT Controller (Crucial Requirements)

An MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) controller acts as the "brain" of your system. It optimizes charging, protects your battery from overcharging, and is up to 30% more efficient in low light compared to cheaper PWM controllers.

Important Buyer's Note: You must purchase a charge controller that supports three specific endpoints:

  1. Solar Input

  2. Battery Connection

  3. A dedicated "Load" Output (This is where the camera will connect).

Avoid controllers that only have terminals for two connections, as they cannot power the camera safely and efficiently alongside the battery.

3. Essential Cables and Wiring Guide

Getting the right components is only half the battle; wiring them correctly is vital for the long-term health of your system. Here is exactly what you need to connect the system:

  • Solar to Controller: You will need a pair of Solar Extension Cables (MC4 to Bare Wire).

  • Battery to Controller: You will need a pair of Heavy-Duty Battery Cables with Ring Terminals.

 

Pro Tip: For safety, ensure the positive wire has an in-line fuse built into it.

  • Controller to Camera (The "Load" Connection): We provide a dedicated 12V DC power cable with your ATLI camera, which terminates in a 5.5 x 2.5 mm Female Connector. To wire this into the MPPT controller, you must purchase a simple 5.5 x 2.5 mm Male to Bare Wire Adapter (Pigtail).

 

Best Practice for Camera Wiring

 

When your electrician or installation team sets this up, they will strip the ends of the cables connecting to the controller so they are bare wires, slotting them directly into the terminal blocks.

Always connect the camera's bare wire adapter directly into the "Load" terminals on the MPPT controller, rather than connecting it directly to the battery. This setup protects the battery from deep discharge and allows the system to auto-reboot efficiently if power is ever completely drained and restored.

Scaling Up: Powering a 4G LTE Hotspot Router

If your project requires the solar power system to run both the ATLI camera and a Wi-Fi router to provide a local network, the standard 100W/30Ah setup will not be enough to handle the router's continuous power draw.

For a dual-device scenario, we recommend sizing up your system to at least a 120W+ solar panel and a 50Ah+ LiFePO4 battery.

FAQ

Q: How do I determine the right size solar panel system for my needs?

Our recommendations assume the camera is installed in a location with typical daylight hours of 12-14 hours per day. If you're in an area that gets a lot of rain, has very low daylight hours, or experiences very short daylight hours in the winter, you should definitely consider using a higher wattage solar panel and a larger capacity battery. It's a good idea to keep track of your camera's power consumption based on how you actually use it.

Q: Can I use a foldable solar panel?

If your camera and solar system are installed at a height, pay close attention to safety. Strong winds can make foldable solar panels unstable and potentially dangerous. Consider using a more secure mounting solution or a rigid panel in windy locations.

Q: Will using Wi-Fi or 4G LTE affect power consumption differently?

The difference in power consumption between using Wi-Fi and 4G LTE for the camera itself is generally not significant. However, if you want the solar power system to also power a Wi-Fi router to provide a Wi-Fi network, then you will need a larger solar panel and battery system to handle the router's additional power draw.

Q: What if I want to also power a Wi-Fi router with my solar panel system, so the camera can connect to Wi-Fi?

Adding a Wi-Fi router will increase the overall power consumption of your system. Use a higher wattage solar panel and a higher capacity battery (e.g., 100W panel, 60Ah battery). Calculate your specific energy needs. Place the router for good Wi-Fi coverage and protect it from the weather.