The solar roof is a covering, fitted to the existing roof of your Bird Buddy feeder. It is connected to the camera module via a USB-C cable that is safely tucked under the exterior of the feeder to prevent any weather or water damage.

You should be able to see a little lightning bolt icon and "charging" status on the feeder battery's status when the solar roof is exposed to direct sunlight. This is how you can make sure the solar roof is working.

Being a source of renewable energy, the solar roof will reduce the frequency of having to additionally charge Bird Buddy via the USB-C cable, since it provides a continuous charge during daylight. The charge from the solar roof is regulated by the built-in charging circuitry to make sure the battery is well protected from overcharging and optimized when plugged into the solar charger. The battery life will depend on your specific set-up and notification settings, sun exposure and Bird Buddy's activity. You can read more about the effects on battery life here. 

In this article, you can find:

• The dimensions and specifications of the solar roof
• Optimal charging conditions
• Installation instructions
• Cleaning and maintenance instructions

Dimensions and specifications

The solar roof features:

Optimal charging conditions

The efficiency of the solar roof will depend on weather conditions and your individual setup. More sun exposure will, of course, provide more power, so the optimal charging times are during the day, between spring and autumn, before the days get shorter. The solar roof should point toward the equator, so if you live in the northern hemisphere, you want to point it south, and in the southern hemisphere, you want to point it north.

Installation instructions

1. Align the solar roof add-on with Bird Buddy's roof and press together lightly until you hear a clicking sound which indicates that the solar roof is securely mounted. It can be placed either way but make sure the cable is facing the back of the feeder.
2. Pull the rear door handle to uncover the small opening at the top and then slide the entire rear window panel out of the main body of your feeder.
   
3. Remove the duster from the top of the camera module to uncover the USB-C port and insert the USB-C charging cable which is a part of the solar roof.
   
4. Reattach the rear window by sliding the panel back into the grooves and you're all set.
   
   If your solar roof comes pre-installed, you can take it off (moderate force is necessary) and swap sides.
   
   NOTE: If you're using the solar roof and the hanging cord at the same time, you might be worried that both of these elements do not fit through the cord slide. No worries: the fit is very tight but there's plenty of room for both and the plastic USB cord will not get damaged if slightly pinched.

Cleaning and maintenance

The solar roof should be cleaned when it looks like it has accumulated dirt or dust, as this might diminish its efficiency. Clean with water and mild detergent.