I have to agree, that little tray would be a problem if your battery failed in the field and you were inside or it was an overcast day. Sig's Romeo 4T is titanium, has a solar panel, and has a round battery compartment, so, it can be done. In fact, Kotaboy32 did a video of a 515 that had exactly that. I reached out to Holosun and asked when that model would be available and was told it was a prototype and they decided to not go forward with it. Given the life of the batteries, and the fact that the solar cell does not charge the unit but only provides energy at the moment, I think the solar panel is not a big deal, but the ability to replace a battery quickly in the field without worrying about losing small screws is a bigger concern. If you think you will be in a situation where having access to spare batteries is a problem then the solar cell is a good option but only if all engagements will be outdoors in bright sunlight! I think I would go with the model that has the round battery compartment and not the solar cell, else will just spend the extra $100 and get the Romeo 4T and have both.
I have to agree, that little tray would be a problem if your battery failed in the field and you were inside or it was an overcast day. Sig's Romeo 4T is titanium, has a solar panel, and has a round battery compartment, so, it can be done. In fact, Kotaboy32 did a video of a 515 that had exactly that. I reached out to Holosun and asked when that model would be available and was told it was a prototype and they decided to not go forward with it. Given the life of the batteries, and the fact that the solar cell does not charge the unit but only provides energy at the moment, I think the solar panel is not a big deal, but the ability to replace a battery quickly in the field without worrying about losing small screws is a bigger concern. If you think you will be in a situation where having access to spare batteries is a problem then the solar cell is a good option but only if all engagements will be outdoors in bright sunlight! I think I would go with the model that has the round battery compartment and not the solar cell, else will just spend the extra $100 and get the Romeo 4T and have both.
This would be perfect if it had the round battery compartment.