By Timothy Dale and Bob Beacham | Updated Mar 16, 2023 10:18 AM
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Keeping a home secure from vandals, porch pirates, and wandering animals can help ensure the safety of both the property and the family. While a system that relies on electrical power can be helpful, a solar-powered security camera can function regardless of whether it’s overcast or the sun is shining brightly.
The solar panel camera uses an internal battery to store energy from direct and ambient sunlight and will gather energy anytime the sun is up. When the sun goes down, the camera operates on the internal battery, so there’s never any worry about the camera losing power. Since there are so many options on the market, we’ve gathered some of the top products below to help you find the best solar-powered security camera for any home security system. Keep reading to find out why these products made our list.
We researched the most sought-after solar cameras in their respective categories and discovered that the best models are determined by their battery capacity, video resolution, field of view, storage capability, and ease of installation. Plus, there are other special features included by select brands.
The above models generate electricity very efficiently and are made with high power capacities of 5,200 to 15,000 milliamperes per hour (mAh), making them low maintenance after installation. With resolutions of 720 to 1,080 pixels (p), the above models also provide a clear picture and visibility that can be very helpful when there are intruders or porch pirates. As for storing the footage, each is made to be Wi-Fi compatible or meant for use with an SD card, though storage is limited and maintenance is higher with an SD card-reliant model.
In searching for the best options available, some of the best solar-powered home security cameras also include two-way audio, passive infrared sensor (PIR) motion-detection, 1P65 water-resistant ratings, night vision, and compatibility with smart-home systems. Finally, each of these picks is easy to install.
The list below of some of the best solar-powered security cameras has been compiled based on each product’s features. Additionally, product efficacy and overall value were factored in to help shoppers find the best solar-powered security camera to help keep their home safe and secure.
The Reolink Argus solar-powered security camera has an impressive range thanks to its 355-degree horizontal rotation and 140-degree vertical tilt. The camera also has a broad field of vision that stretches up to 105 degrees and an intuitive PIR motion-detection system, so users can be confident that this camera will track and record any human movement around the home.
The solar-powered security camera continuously charges the 6,000mAh battery, which can operate the camera without charging for up to 4 weeks depending on settings, usage, and temperature. It can also connect through Wi-Fi to popular smart-home systems, like Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant, as well as through the Reolink app with a mobile device for remote access to the camera from any WiFi–accessible location. The camera has QHD resolution and built-in night vision capable of seeing and recording up to 33 feet away at night.
Get the Reolink Argus solar-powered security camera at Amazon.
The Ring Spotlight Cam Plus features a 1,080p camera that provides clear images both day and night. Motion activation can be set to custom zones, and it has the ability to differentiate people from pets or wild animals, thus reducing false alarms. Owners can choose instant notifications via smartphone and either interact with visitors or set off lights and sirens to deter intruders. These deterrents can also be set to go off automatically.
The Ring Spotlight Cam Plus can work as a single stand-alone device or be integrated with Ring’s popular smart doorbells and lighting to create a complete home security system. It will also work with Alexa to provide an instant view of what’s going on outdoors from within the home. Further versatility to listen and speak to people is possible with some Echo and Fire TV combinations.
The included panel provides consistent solar power, and the device can hold two batteries for longer life and protection. Ring estimates that the simple setup usually takes no more than 10 minutes, and the camera works in temperatures ranging from -5 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Get the Ring Spotlight solar-powered security camera at Amazon or Ring.
The affordable Zumimall solar-powered security camera has a compact design, and its white painted finish looks good with most home exteriors. The camera comes with an IP66 weatherproof rating that ensures it won’t short out during a heavy thunderstorm. The 2K video resolution and night vision allow it to see and record up to 33 feet away in near darkness, though having a porch light on at night will help with the video clarity.
The solar-powered security camera is WiFi-enabled and can upload the video and audio data to online cloud storage. However, if the user isn’t comfortable with online storage, this camera is also compatible with local SD storage, though it doesn’t come with an SD card. The camera doesn’t record continuously because the data storage would fill quickly with unnecessary video. Instead, it begins recording when the PIR motion sensor system detects a human within 33 feet, so the user only gets relevant video.
Get the Zumimall solar-powered security camera at Amazon.
This solar-powered security camera has a bullet-style design with a 110-degree field of vision that records video in 2K resolution. The IP65-rated camera works in temperatures ranging from 14 to 131 degrees Fahrenheit and is a good option for locations outside the range of the Wi-Fi router, like a garage, workshop, shed, or barn. This is because the camera has a built-in 4G LTE network that can provide wireless connectivity through several mobile carriers. The brand recommends T-Mobile for those in the U.S.
Up to 7 days of audio and video data can be stored free on the Reolink cloud server, where it can be reviewed and managed using the Reolink app and a compatible tablet or smartphone. The solar-powered security camera has night vision with a 33-foot range, and it’s equipped with PIR motion detection, which triggers the camera to begin recording. The rechargeable, high-capacity battery allows the camera to function without charging for up to 6 months, so the home is monitored even when the power goes out.
Get the Reolink 4G solar-powered security camera at Amazon.
The Ring solar-powered security camera is made with a two-way audio system and is compatible with Amazon Alexa, allowing users to integrate their home security with the rest of their smart-home devices. It includes the ability to control the camera through voice commands and view a live feed from the camera through compatible devices like Echo Show. It’s also designed to resist rain, sleet, and snow with an IP65 weatherproof rating.
The solar-powered security camera comes with several privacy features that offer the option to customize privacy zones so the camera isn’t picking up audio from the next door neighbors. Video is recorded in 1,080p resolution, and it can be viewed, shared, or simply stored for up to 60 days with the Ring Protect Plan at an additional monthly cost.
Get the Ring Stick Up Cam solar-powered security camera at Ring.
The ieGeek solar-powered security camera comes with a sleek bullet-style design and features a separate solar panel and dual antennas that enhance the Wi-Fi signal reception. This security camera has an impressive visual range, capable of tracking and recording motion up to 65 feet away, even at night, using the built-in infrared night-vision mode.
The camera is designed with a wide 130-degree field of view, which partly makes up for the fixed positioning of bullet-style cameras. It also features 2K resolution and PIR motion detection that uses algorithms to improve human recognition. When real-time alerts are received via the CloudEdge app, the user can communicate with the individual at the device through the two-way audio system, helping deter vandals and burglars or communicate with package delivery personnel.
Get the ieGeek solar-powered security camera at Amazon.
The dome-style solar-powered security camera comes with the option to store video and audio data internally on an SD card (not included) or to save the data directly to online cloud storage. It features a versatile design that can capture video and audio from almost any direction due to the movement of the camera head.
The camera has PIR motion-detection technology that is made to automatically move the camera head within a 320-degree horizontal rotation and 90-degree vertical tilt, ensuring that the 120-degree field of view captures relevant images to be reviewed immediately or stored for later viewing.
The camera has a motion-activated spotlight and built-in night vision with a visual range of 32 feet in dim lighting. It records the video data in 1,080p resolution, so it’s easy to see who has visited the home, and users can even communicate directly in real time through the two-way audio system and Soliom+ app, which is free to use.
Get the Soliom solar-powered security camera at Amazon.
Many solar-powered security systems rely on Wi-Fi, but in remote locations or those without an electricity supply, this often isn’t available. Ebitcam’s 4G LTE cellular security camera is an effective solution. Using the 4G mobile network, it can provide day and night video from virtually anywhere. The powerful 5-watt solar panel needs just 2 or 3 hours of sunlight per day, and there’s a high-capacity 10,400mAh backup battery if the weather is particularly bad. The IP65-rated case protects it from harsh conditions.
Field of view is excellent, with 360-degree rotation, 105-degree wide-angle capture, and 4x digital zoom. The advanced PIR motion detector has a low false-alarm rate and provides auto alerts. Unusually, a 32G microSD card is included for video recording. The Ebitcam comes with a SIM card, 300mb of free data, and will automatically connect to AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon, thus providing coverage of around 99 percent of the U.S. land mass. There are no fees for the card, though a data plan will be required for ongoing service.
Get the Ebitcam solar-powered security camera at Amazon.
No Wi-Fi? It’s no problem with the Xega 4G LTE cellular security camera. Thanks to a powerful 5-watt solar panel, it doesn’t need electricity either. Even if the weather is bad, the high-capacity 14,400mAh backup battery can run the device for up to a year between charges. This makes it an ideal solution not just for areas where Wi-Fi is unreliable, but also for remote buildings and jobsites. With an IP66 rating, it will also stand up to rain, wind, and snow.
The Xega has a 2K camera that gives excellent day and night videos with 355-degree rotation, 95-degree tilt, and a range of up to 65 feet. There is motion sensing that can differentiate between animals and people, and it will automatically track movement and send an alert via smartphone. This also allows two-way conversation. An array of spotlights and LEDs can illuminate the darkest areas. In combination with an ear-piercing siren, these all provide excellent intruder deterrents.
The free SIM included is compatible with AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon cellular networks, though a data plan will be needed for ongoing service. Recordings can be stored in the cloud or on flash cards of up to 128GB, though as is common, these are both extra.
Get the Xega solar-powered security camera at Amazon.
All of the solar-powered security cameras we looked at have some kind of digital video recording (DVR), but none have the capabilities of the Eufy S330. The camera has a resolution of 4K (3,840p x 2,160p). It also has 8x zoom so it can capture exceptional detail. Video quality is good enough to offer BionicMind facial recognition, with AI that can learn to differentiate between friends and strangers.
Images captured can be recorded to a local hard drive or the cloud. The included drive is a useful 16GB, but for those who need extended capacities, up to 16TB can be provided. Although extra cost is involved, it is then possible to make thousands of hours of recordings.
The Eufy S330 has IP67 weather protection that will withstand the harshest environments and a built-in solar panel that makes it a breeze to install. It comes as a two-, three-, or four-camera kit, giving the opportunity to provide security cover over extensive areas. However, there is no single camera option, so the initial investment is considerable.
Get the Eufy solar-powered security camera at Amazon.
When searching for a solar-powered security camera to go with a home security system, driveway alarm, or smart lock, it’s crucial to consider several factors, including the capacity of the solar panel, how data is transmitted from the security camera, and the image resolution.
The capacity of the solar panel refers to the quantity of energy the unit is able to gather and send to the internal backup battery to store. Some solar panels can be less or more efficient, but the average solar-powered outdoor camera will have one or two solar panels that operate for between 6 and 8 hours a day in order to store enough energy to fill the battery capacity.
The storage capacity of an internal battery of a solar-powered security camera is measured in mAh, and these rechargeable batteries can vary in size depending on the number of features the camera needs to power, like two-way audio, Wi-Fi connections, and night vision.
However, it takes an average of 6 to 8 hours for a rechargeable battery on one of these cameras to charge fully. They can operate for anywhere between 1 week to more than 3 months without additional charging. Keep in mind that most cameras with solar power are actively recording only when the motion detector is triggered or when the user connects to the camera.
Solar-powered security cameras can come equipped with internal memory cards that store recorded audio and video images. These SD cards are then uploaded to a computer for easy viewing. However, wireless solar security cameras compatible with Wi-Fi have quickly become a standard feature among security cameras, allowing the user to view and manage the data through a computer, tablet, or mobile device.
Data can also be transmitted through a 4G or 5G network in areas where Wi-Fi isn’t readily available or if it isn’t reliable. These security cameras feature the same 4G or 5G service that a smartphone or tablet can use when they cannot connect to Wi-Fi. Just keep in mind that this service will likely come at an additional cost through a local and compatible wireless carrier.
When reviewing video footage of a home provided by a solar-powered security camera, it’s important that the quality of the picture is crisp and clear so it’s easy to make out distinguishing characteristics in the case of a break-in, vandalism, or theft.
To help ensure that individuals outside the home can be identified, it’s a good idea to invest in a security camera with between 780p and 1,080p resolution. There are units with even higher resolution, like 4K, but this isn’t necessary for most users.
Solar-powered security cameras can roughly be sorted into two common categories based on their shape and design, including bullet and dome.
Buyers also look for a waterproof rating so they know the camera will work outdoors. This rating is provided in the format of IPXX, where IP stands for ingress protection. The first X is representative of the debris resistance, ranging from large solid objects, like a leaf, to minute solid objects, like dust and sand.
The second X represents the waterproof rating, which ranges from not water-resistant to being able to be submerged in several feet of water for extended periods of time with no ill effects. Ideally, a solar outdoor camera should have a rating of at least IPX5, giving owners confidence that the camera won’t shut down in light rain. For protection during a rainstorm, look for a camera with an IPX6 rating.
Before choosing a really great solar-powered security camera, it’s important to determine whether it’s compatible with the existing Wi-Fi, smart home, or 4G or 5G service provider. For most products, this information can be found in the product specs, or it may be provided directly from the seller or manufacturer.
Keep in mind that most products will work with any type of Wi-Fi. However, the ability to connect directly through a built-in 4G network and the capability to integrate with a smart home are less common features. It’s important to check the specifications so buyers will be certain that the security camera will function as expected.
Other popular features for solar-powered security cameras include two-way talk, which allows communication via a built-in microphone, and speakers on the camera so a conversation with someone on the porch can happen even when they are away from home.
Some shoppers also look for products with motion-detection and night-vision capabilities so that the home is safe and secure throughout the night. PIR motion detection is an advanced feature that uses computer algorithms to determine whether the object detected is human. If the object is not human, then the motion-detection system doesn’t send an alarm.
The installation process varies among products but, typically, installing a solar-powered security camera is relatively easy. These cameras don’t require a wired connection to any systems inside the home. Instead, they can be mounted on a brick wall, siding, or even the roof.
One key consideration is to make sure that the solar panel is placed in a location that receives sunlight every day. The more sunlight the solar panels receive, the more effective they will be at absorbing the sunlight and then recharging the internal battery.
Some products have a separate solar panel and solar-powered security camera so that these two devices can both be placed in ideal locations for their individual purposes. However, other products have one or more solar panels built into the security camera, so they require a place that will be able to absorb sunlight and keep an eye on the home.
If you have a few more questions about how solar-powered security cameras function, how long they last, and how to install them, then continue reading. Below are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about solar-powered security cameras.
Solar-powered security cameras are designed to work by absorbing energy from direct and ambient sunlight. If the camera were placed in a completely dark room, then it would continue working in night-vision mode for as long as the internal battery held a charge. After this point, the camera would no longer function until it was recharged.
Typically, a solar camera will require the camera and the solar panel to be mounted on a wall, post, or even the roof. The solar panel should be placed in the best available position to absorb sunlight, while the camera needs to be placed in the best location for keeping an eye on the house.
Mount it near the side door, front door, back door, windows, garage, or anywhere else you need coverage. Regardless of the product, always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for placement and installation to help keep your home safe.
The rechargeable batteries in solar-powered security cameras often can last from 1 to 3 years before they need to be replaced, ensuring ongoing home security.
It’s always a good idea to place a solar panel in the location with the best sunlight, but it isn’t necessary for the security camera to work. A solar-powered security camera can still gather energy from ambient sunlight if it isn’t under direct sunlight.
Solar-powered security cameras work in the winter, though they may gather less energy from the sun because the days are shorter. Outdoor security cameras make up for this energy shortage by limiting electrical output to motion sensors that trigger the camera, so the camera is not always on.
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