Solar Panel Success

[Julia Clark]

I noticed that in the notes on the Wiki that there hasn't been any official test of the Voltaic solar panels on the box, so I want to add my experience with it.

I've been running the box on solar power with the Voltaic Systems panel for about a month and a half now. I have it Jerry-rigged with rubber bands at the moment as the cord is very short and my husband and I are trying to figure out a way to mount it on the CrowBox pole, but we haven't really got it down yet.

Other than that, it's worked great for me. I haven't had to take the battery out to charge it since I installed the panel. The battery is fully charged 100% of the time now, even in overcast/rainy conditions. The birds aren't bothered by it and haven't messed with it, so I'm pretty confident that it will continue to do its job until eternity.

Has anyone else installed one? I'm curious to hear other opinions!

[Michael Kapp]

Julia,

This is awesome to hear!

By any chance, could you please provide a link to the exact Voltaic battery and solar panel you are using? 

Providing pictures would be helpful too. If you provide pictures and a description of how you think you would like to mount it, I can help 3D model something for you and possibly get it printed out. 

I started going down the solar panel route, but I couldn't justify the costs, when I had an outlet near by. 

Thank you,

Michael

[Todd]

That's awesome to hear.

I have the voltaic batteries as well (V25, 6400 mah) and paired with their 5W/6v solar.  I've got the solar panel mounted on the back off the post.  I just made a tray of sorts and screwed on a ball joint hinge to the back.  I mounted the panel in there and screwed that on to my post.  I also have a Ring camera with a solar panel attached (and I've never had to to power the camera).

I get varied results.  I'm in Seattle, so not as much sun in the non-summer months.  And currently we're at the phase 2 (step on perch to open it) as we've got a set of new crows trying to learn it.

Between the crows and the stellar jays (of which there are 6 or 7, and greedy), they will jump on the feeder constantly until out of peanuts (usually within 10 minutes of refilling it), and then continue to jump more.  So the battery gets quite a work out.

In the winter, I can make it 2 days or so.  Summer, 4 or 5 days.  I have a second battery that I just switch when I go to refill the peanuts.

When I've been at phase 3, it tends to last much, much longer....

Todd

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[Julia Clark]

Mike,

I'll attach some images of my janky set up.  I'm currently using the 2 watt kit suggested by the wiki, but it looks like they only sell 5 watt and up now: https://voltaicsystems.com/5-watt-solar-charger-kit/

[Julia Clark]

[Julia Clark]

[Julia Clark]

[Michael Kapp]

Thank you for all the pictures. It looks like there might be 2 screw holes at the top? If so what are the dimensions? 

I am thinking of modeling something so you can screw into it and it has an arm that can get screw or glued to the crowbox (or mount). I can have it be 2 pieces so the angle would be adjustable. 

Please DM me since there isn't file sharing allowed through groups.

Thank you,

Michael

On Friday, December 5, 2025 at 12:36:32 AM UTC-5 Julia Clark wrote:

[CHEN宜虹]

Hi Julia,

I'm currently building my own Crowbox and came across your post about the Voltaic solar panel. It’s exactly what I want to do!

I saw the photo you shared, but since it shows the fully wired and assembled setup, it's a bit hard for me to trace exactly where all the wires go. I am still a complete beginner when it comes to electronics.

Would you mind sharing a simple schematic, a rough wiring diagram, or just a brief step-by-step explanation of what connects to what?

Also, I am planning to add a camera to my box. Do you have any advice on how to wire a camera into this solar power setup?

Any help would be hugely appreciated. Thank you so much!

Best regards,

Julia Clark 在 2025年11月3日 星期一凌晨1:51:14 [UTC+8] 的信中寫道：

[Kevin Wang]

Based on the post, they bought a kit that uses a phone battery bank that outputs a regulated 5v like for your phone, but also a solar charging kit from the same company, i.e. compatible / made for the purpose of charging outdoors. Note you do not want a battery bank with an integrated solar panel, because that means leaving the battery out in the weather, which will kill it. Also don't try and cover the panel with a waterproof box, it will block half your solar input and cause more rust from trapped humidity. In Voltaic Systems seems to specialize in outdoor rated panels which is meant to be left out in the sun and rain. Good luck