What is a solar powered security camera?

Jun 29, 2023

Off-grid but never offline.

Updated May 12, 2023

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Constant vigilance is the best tool for home security. Whether mounted to the side of a rental unit, or guarding the back entrance to a shop, solar powered security cameras offer unresting eyes that never tire of watching over our homes.

These highly-versatile camera systems are installable anywhere around your property, since they don't need any existing power source to operate. Plus, you don't have to worry about a charging the battery, as a solar panel provides constant power to your security system, making it an eco-friendly choice for reliable home security.

Many of the best outdoor security cameras from household names like Arlo, Ring, and Wyze are compatible with solar panels.

Considering a solar powered security camera? Here's what you need to know.

Solar-powered cameras are a great way to put renewable energy to use—even on cloudy days.

Solar security cameras connect to solar panels, which draw power from sunlight.

Some, like the Eufy SoloCam S40 include a built-in solar panel. While others, like the Reolink Argus Pro 3 have an external solar panel.

$130 at Amazon

$120 at Amazon

The systems contain electrical power inverters, which converts the energy derived from the solar panel from direct current to alternating current.

Most DIY outdoor security camera systems use a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection, whether mesh, or a solid Wi-Fi extender.

You can also connect solar-powered security cameras to the grid for backup power. However, the security cameras we recommend work independently from the grid and rely on sunlight directly to the solar panel to function.

Many solar-powered security cameras also contain rechargeable batteries. These batteries are recharged throughout the day as the panels convert sunlight to energy, keeping the camera working at night and throughout cloudy, gray days.

Many batteries store enough energy to keep the camera operational over the course of multiple gray sunless days. If you live in a cloudy part of the country, pay special attention to battery quality and lifespan.

Different solar powered security cameras are compatible with different smart home environments, too. Which one your camera is compatible with will depend on the type of security camera you choose.

Research this before you buy and pick a camera compatible with the devices you own and use in your home. For example, if your smart assistant of choice is Alexa, find a solar-powered security camera that's compatible with the Amazon Echo ecosystem, like the Ring Stick Up Cam Solar HD security camera.

$140 at Amazon

It’s a good idea to install solar panels in a location with plenty of light. Often the best spot is a south facing wall, or atop somewhere high up with an unhindered view.

However, this might not always be the location you want your camera. Many solar security cameras give you some leeway with a lengthy cable between the devices. In these cases, you can install the camera and panel around the corner from one another, so the solar panel gets the light it needs and the camera captures the view you want.

For example, you might want to place yours by an entrance where packages get delivered. Or, near a shed.

Depending on the camera, some can double as security systems that flash lights or blare sounds at interlopers or would-be-thieves, like the solar-powered Ring Spotlight Cam Plus.

$200 at Amazon

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Quality solar-powered security cameras should give you years of use. As with most technology, check the product warranty when you buy a solar security camera. Many, like Ring, come with a one-year limited warranty. Yet this camera should last much longer under normal conditions.

$140 at Amazon

It’s a good idea to check whether a camera is actually weather-proof before you buy, as well as its operating temperature. For example, the Ring Stick Up Cam has an operating temperature of -5°F to 120°F.

It’s important to remember that even if a camera can operate in sub-freezing temperatures, many batteries lose charge at this temperature. Occasionally you may need to bring your battery indoors to recharge it during a deep cold snap. A battery's low temperature performance will vary by type.

It's ideal that your entire security system works in conjunction with one another. Try the all-in-one Ring Stick Up Cam Solar HD security camera.

If you’re the type of person that frets about compatibility, and doesn’t feel comfortable buying until you’ve quadruple checked the specs on the technologies you’re planning to pair, then the Ring Stick Up Cam Solar HD security camera is a perfect choice.

This all-in-one system takes one of the best security cameras on the market in its own right, and makes it even more versatile. The system is installable anywhere you have Wi-Fi, weather resistant, and easy to connect to your Alexa smart home.

$140 from Amazon

This Reolink security camera comes in a bundle with a solar power.

The Reolink Argus 3 Pro is one of our favorite security cameras, offering compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant. The camera is available bundled with a Reolink solar panel, so you can buy everything you need in one fell swoop.

This Reolink security camera records in 2K and has a built-in light that offers up to 230 lumens of brightness. The camera is ideal for hot and sunny locations, with an operational temperature range of up to 131°F. Overall, we found the solar panel to charge quickly to record even in bad weather. For the money, this solar powered camera offers plenty of value, recording at 15 frames per second and offering color night vision.

$150 from Amazon

Rain and snow is no match for the Wyze Solar Panel and outdoor camera.

The Wyze Cam V3 is our best value camera, and unsurprisingly, Wyze’s solar panel offers similarly good value. Built to work with the Wyze Cam Outdoor the 2.5-watt solar panel brings consistent solar power for a good price.

The Wyze is a small and discreet camera, making it easy to hide out of sight. It offers intelligent alerts that differentiate between people, pets, and cars.

$29 at Amazon

$80 at Amazon

The Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera performs well during day and night, with exceptional 2K HDR for outdoor visuals.

The Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera, one of the best security camera's weve tested, offers its own solar panel. The Arlo Solar Panel is compatible with the Ultra, Pro 3, Pro 4, Pro 5, Go 2, and the Arlo Floodlight. The panel comes with an adjustable mount and an 8-foot power cable.

The Arlo Spotlight is an excellent nighttime guardian. The camera yields nighttime color video, and can flood motion in a spotlight or emit a siren sound, scaring away intruders or enterprising nighttime opossums.

$52 at Amazon

$159 at Amazon

The Eufy SoloCam S40 comes equipped with a built-in solar panel.

Eufy’s SoloCam S40 takes a different approach than the rest of the cameras on this list. Instead of pairing a security camera with a separate solar panel, the SoloCam S40 combines them, offering an all-in-one device with a longlasting internal battery.

We like the Eufy solar powered security camera for its featureset, solid build, and good battery. The Eufy app is easy to use and offers adjustable settings that allow you to customize the camera experience.

$167 at Amazon