When it comes to monitoring large outdoor spaces or entryways to your home, outdoor security cameras are a fantastic choice. The biggest challenge, however, is powering the camera, especially if it’s not near a power socket. Changing batteries every few months can be a real hassle, and hardwiring can be quite complicated and can add additional cost by using a qualified electrician…
… Fortunately, there’s a practical solution: Solar Panels.
By using solar-powered security cameras, you can avoid frequent battery changes and complicated hardwiring. It is worth noting that not every camera comes with Solar panels included, even those from the major brands.
Here we look at a few FAQs and recommend our top three picks for outdoor security cameras that can be used with solar panels.
How we test
Testing home security cameras can be challenging as their performance is not solely based on their technical specifications. So, we assess cameras based on their:
- Resolution
- Field of view
- Two-way talk
- Night vision
- Cloud Storage options
We also evaluate additional features such as:
- Smart Notifications
- Built-in Sirens, or Spotlights
- their Cost-Effectiveness
However, we don’t solely rely on technical specifications but also test each camera carefully to ensure that all its features work efficiently. We believe that smart notifications and sirens are only useful if they’re timely and audible, respectively. We also consider user experiences, as some cameras may suffer from disconnection issues or complicated apps.
Our recommendations are more personal and useful, as we test each camera for a week or more to evaluate the installation and usage experience. For solar-powered home security cameras, we’ve extensively tested each device, but not necessarily with their solar panels. We aim to expand our article in the coming months by adding more cameras with built-in solar panels and testing their solar panel performance comprehensively. Make sure to check back frequently for more recommendations.
No Outdoor Power Outlet/Socket?
Don't want to Drill through your Wall?
We got that Covered...
…These Outdoor Cameras Harness the Power of the Sun
Security cameras can be an amazing time-saver with regard to checking your property is safe. They come in many varieties, with alarms/sirens, floodlights as well as plenty of other features. However, perhaps the greatest challenge anyone faces when installing a Security Camera, is power: If the camera isn’t near a power source (and outside it normally isn’t) does that mean you have the problem of changing batteries like clockwork?
Using solar-powered chargers to operate outdoor cameras can greatly enhance their functionality. For those who have struggled with concealing wires or dealing with constant battery changes, solar-powered surveillance cameras offer a practical solution. However, not all cameras come with solar panels and they are often sold separately, even if they are compatible.
Although we are still in the process of testing solar-powered cameras, we have extensively tested a variety of cameras that can be used with solar-powered chargers. These outdoor cameras have proven to be reliable and effective when paired with solar panels.
“As an Associate I may earn from qualifying purchases“, so would like to take this opportunity to thank you should you continue, and I look forward to helping you out with your other security needs:
Our Best Solar-Powered Security Camera
Arlo Pro 4
Arlo’s £210 Pro 4 camera is a little pricier than some of the competition, but it’s a fantastic all-around device, boasting 2K resolution, a 160-degree field of view, two-way talk, a loud siren, a reliable spotlight, night vision and a load of other smart features and, unlike some other cameras, like the Arlo Pro 3 or Wyze’s solar-powered outdoor cam, you don’t need a base station to use the Pro 4.
To use the camera with a solar panel, you’ll have to buy the panel separately, which will set you back another £60. That makes this package a fair bit pricier than some alternatives, but the quality of the device, in my opinion, justifies that price tag.
Read our Arlo Pro 4 review.
Our Most Affordable Solar-Powered Camera
Ring Stick Up Cam
Ring sells a Spotlight Cam with its Solar Panel for £180
But if you want the best deal from the developer, you can get a Stick Up Cam with a Solar Panel for less than £130. That’s not bad, especially given the £90 Cam’s relatively solid specs:
- 1080p resolution
- Night Vision
- Two-way Talk
- 115-Degree Field of View
- Built-in Siren and other smart features
If you’re looking for a great deal, you can also find this package for even lower fairly frequently, especially during Ring’s Parent Company Amazon and their Prime Day Sale (11-12 July 2023).
Read our Ring Stick Up Cam review.
Our Best of the Rest Solar-Powered Camera
Wyze Cam v3 Pro
The Wyze Cam v3 Pro is an exceptional addition to the already impressive range of cameras offered by the company. Its unique features and updated design set it apart from its predecessor, the Cam v3, which is still available at a more affordable price point.
Despite not being marketed as the “Cam v4“, the “v3 Pro” comes with a price tag of $50, offering significant upgrades over the v3 and making it a more premium option for users.
The new design allows for a brighter 80-lumen spotlight to be added above the lens, making it even more effective at capturing footage in low-light situations. The camera’s 2K video resolution is also a major improvement on its previous specification.
- Very, very affordable
- Bright spotlight for colour night vision
- Video resolution: 2560 x 1440 pixels
- Affordable optional service plan
Wyze is and has long been the brand to beat in the budget smart camera space…
… If anyone is going to one-up the company, it makes sense that the challenge would come from Wyze itself.
Wyze’s latest camera, the Cam v3 Pro, isn’t really an update of the two-year-old Cam v3, but a fairly new animal with a moderately refreshed design and plenty of new features.
Why not call it the Cam v4? Probably because the £60 v3 is still on the market and seems to be remaining there. For a whopping £30 more, Wyze is offering consumers an upgrade, and the v3 Pro is taking us just a bit upmarket.
Read our Wyze v3 Pro review.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are Solar-Powered cameras any good?
The location of your solar panels plays a crucial role in the amount of energy you can generate from them. To ensure maximum efficiency, it’s important to position them towards the Equator and tilt them appropriately based on your Latitude.
Those living closer to the Equator tend to generate more power compared to those living in regions farther away from the Equator. Furthermore, weather conditions and seasons can also impact the power generated. However, solar-powered security cameras come equipped with backup batteries to store generated power, so even a few cloudy days won’t result in a loss of feed.
While not entirely foolproof, solar panels can considerably extend the battery life of your outdoor cameras or, completely eliminate the need for regular battery replacements, depending on your location.
How long do Solar-Powered security cameras last?
Much of this comes down to Region once again, but assuming you live in a good area for solar power (and you keep your panel properly angled and clean) many people report exceedingly rare battery replacements.
Do Solar-Powered security cameras work at night?
Solar-powered security cameras will work during the night using the battery power stored up during the daytime.
Remember: All of the cameras above have a built-in battery that normally last months. That means you shouldn’t run into issues with overnight battery drainage, however, if you do, it’s more likely a problem with the battery and NOT the Solar Panel.