Wireless Solar Outdoor Camera
Wireless solar outdoor camera allows you to monitor a remote area without the need for an electrician. They can also work off the grid and are a good choice for regions with unpredictable power supplies.
Reolink Go offers a host of unique features like 2-antennas for better connectivity, 8G local storage, 2K HD resolution and two-way audio. The motion sensor can detect human/vehicle detection and sends sensitive alerts.
Battery Life
Depending on the quality of solar panel used to power the camera and how much direct sunlight it receives, battery life can vary. The number of motion detection events and notification notifications the camera sends out will also impact battery consumption. Some cameras may have a feature that lets you control the sensitivity of its motion detection settings to strike a balance between security and energy conservation.
When selecting a wireless solar outdoor camera, it’s also important wireless solar outdoor camera to consider whether it’s compatible with smart home systems like Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa and Google Home. Cameras that integrate with these smart devices can be controlled remotely and displayed on your smart display or TV. This type of integration is particularly useful if you want to monitor your home while on vacation or away for long periods.
A solar-powered camera is a great way to save on power costs and reduce your carbon footprint. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the solar panel will not generate electricity if the weather isn’t optimal, such as rainy or cloudy days. The good news is that all solar-powered cameras come with backup power sources that will help the camera stay charged even in bad conditions. In addition, many solar-powered cameras allow you to store motion recordings locally to a microSD card or back them up in the cloud for an added level of protection and convenience.
Low Temperature Performance
The solar camera’s ability to function in cold temperatures is a significant consideration. Even the best solar cameras may experience some decline in power output as the temperature drops. However, if you have a good quality model that includes a battery swap option (such as the Ring Stick Up Cam Solar HD), you should be able to maintain full functionality in extreme cold conditions by switching out the battery and recharging it.
Most modern solar-powered outdoor security cameras are designed to provide reliable performance in a wide range of weather conditions. This includes rain, sleet, cloudy weather and snow. Some of the models on this list feature a robust battery that can charge more quickly in optimal conditions, and others offer local video storage on an SD card and/or cloud storage options with different plans starting at $5 a month for five cameras (including AI object detection, activity zone, 60 days of free cloud recording and two-way audio).
To ensure your solar camera continues to perform well in poor weather conditions, you’ll need to place it in a south-facing location that receives sunlight daily during peak hours. In addition, you’ll want to keep the solar panel clean to ensure it can continue to absorb sunlight efficiently. This may mean washing it with a standard garden hose once a year or so to remove dust, grime, bird droppings and other debris that can block its effectiveness.
Rechargeable Battery or Solar Powered
Depending on the model you choose, solar outdoor cameras come with either an internal rechargeable battery or a solar panel to generate power. Both options are reliable and can last a long time in sub-optimal weather conditions like rain, snow or cloudy skies.
To help you determine what kind of wireless solar outdoor camera battery powered solar security camera is right for you, consider the following key factors:
Amount of Local Storage
When shopping for a solar outdoor security camera, pay attention to how much SD card capacity it supports. This will determine how long a video can be recorded before the older footage is overwritten with newer ones. The amount of recording time can be further increased by choosing a camera that comes with a cloud storage option.
Whether or not a camera offers this feature is important, especially for locations that may not have Wi-Fi available. Many solar outdoor security cameras will allow multiple users to access the camera at the same time and even share the live view with other family members or co-workers. The Reolink Argus 3 Pro, for instance, can support up to 12 users at once.
Another option is to buy a solar security camera with built-in 4G wireless capability, which will let you monitor remote areas that do not have WiFi networks or power. Some models, like the Reolink Go, work as a cellular security camera and can be used to monitor barns, boats, constructions sites, cabins, vacation homes and even rental properties.
Night Vision
If you want to see what’s going on outside at night, consider the night vision capability of a solar outdoor camera. Most models use infrared technology or a colored spotlight to give you clear footage. Many of them connect to Wi-Fi and/or cellular (3g, 4g, and increasingly 5g) so that you can remotely view the feed from your smartphone no matter where you are.
Look for a model that can record videos to an SD card (most offer up to 128GB). If you want to save the recordings in the cloud, choose a solar security camera that supports this feature. In addition, you should check whether the camera can send alerts to your phone or email when motion is detected.
Because solar-powered outdoor cameras do not rely on electrical wiring, they are easy to install and are less susceptible to power failures. However, you need to ensure the camera receives enough sunlight for normal operation. For best results, mount the camera on a wall facing south and out of reach from potential thieves or vandals. For example, the Reolink Argus 3 Pro features a weatherproof design and a high wall mount to prevent easy thefts. The camera can also be configured to turn on its flashing lights during alerts to deter intruders. It also features 2-antennas wireless signal enhancement to improve coverage area and reduce dead ends.