Limitations of Solar Surveillance Cameras
Choosing a solar powered security camera is a great way to save on power costs. However, you must be aware of the limitations of these cameras as they rely on direct sunlight to function.
The solar panel converts sunlight into electricity and charges batteries throughout the day. This energy keeps the camera running at night and through cloudy gray days.
Solar Panels
Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, which is stored in a battery and used to power solar surveillance cameras. This means you never need to take your camera down for charging, so it’s always ready to protect your home or business.
Solar security cameras also offer the benefit of being environmentally friendly. Since they are powered by renewable solar energy, they reduce your carbon footprint and reliance on fossil fuels. Solar-powered security cameras are ideal for remote locations where it’s too expensive and inconvenient to run power lines.
For best results, your solar-powered security camera should be located in an area that receives direct sunlight daily during peak sun hours. The peak sun hours vary by region, so consult your local weather forecast for the average number of sunny days in your area.
Most solar-powered security cameras use rechargeable batteries that provide power when sunlight isn’t available. Choose a model with rechargeable batteries that can record for at least 12 hours on a single charge. The longer-lasting batteries are essential if you live in an area that doesn’t receive much sunlight year-round.
Some security camera manufacturers have their own solar panel options that work with their products, while others let you purchase third-party solar panels. If you choose a third-party solar panel, make sure it’s compatible with your camera and fits the space where you intend to mount it. It’s also a good idea to check whether your security camera has an integrated solar panel, which eliminates the need for extra components.
Rechargeable Batteries
A solar security camera needs a battery that can store energy from the sun and provide power for solar surveillance cameras nighttime recording. The rechargeable batteries are also important if you live in an area that has cloudy weather or gets little sunlight at certain times of the year.
The best solar cameras have batteries that last at least a full day even when the sun isn’t out. They should also feature a video app that allows you to view recordings and check the status of the solar panel, charging controller and mounting system. Some models have advanced features like two-way audio, geo fencing and integrated intruder sirens.
When comparing solar security cameras, pay attention to their camera resolution, field of view and solar panel wattage. Higher-resolution cameras offer sharper images, while a wider field of view covers more ground. Look for a security camera with night vision and motion activation, which enable the camera to record videos when someone moves near it.
Solar-powered security cameras use infrared night vision or a color spotlight to capture footage at night. They can also transmit data over the internet and enable remote monitoring. Some solar surveillance cameras have an internal SD card that stores the latest recorded videos, while others require a separate SD card for this purpose. The size of the SD card is important as well. Generally speaking, a 64GB SD card can record about 36 hours of 2K 4MP videos.
Internal Memory Cards
Solar security cameras with internal memory cards provide a simple way to save and review footage without the need for internet connectivity. These camera options are particularly effective for remote areas where access to power and internet connections is limited or impossible.
The type of memory card used by a solar-powered camera will vary, but most are compatible with SD cards up to 128GB in size. Some solar-powered camera models offer the ability to record videos locally on an SD card, which can save you money in the long run by eliminating the need for cloud storage (typically requiring a monthly fee).
Other features of solar-powered cameras with internal memory cards include the ability to stream live video, the option to schedule recordings, and the capability to receive email and mobile notifications when motion start-stop car battery is detected. Some solar-powered cameras also feature a loop recording function, which will automatically overwrite older recordings so that you have a continuous video history of the most recent activity.
The internal battery powering a solar trail camera with an SD card can keep it working in challenging weather conditions or rugged terrain for months at a time. This flexibility makes solar trail cameras ideal for a wide range of remote locations, including public and private sites with no WiFi or 4G coverage.
Wi-Fi
Solar security cameras rely on solar panels to convert sunlight into power, so they don’t need to be wired to the grid. Instead, they typically contain rechargeable batteries that store excess energy and keep the camera working throughout the night. If you live in a cloudy area, make sure to choose a camera that has a battery capacity that can last through multiple gray sunless days.
The solar-powered nature of these cameras means they don’t need a power cord to function, but you do need to have a WiFi connection to view the live feed on your phone or laptop. That said, many solar security cameras include a 4G cellular network that can transmit live video to your phone, even when there’s no WiFi available. The Reolink Go Plus, for example, can record and transmit 2K video and offers person/vehicle detection, two-way audio, strobe light, and other features for effective surveillance.
The wireless connectivity of solar CCTV systems can introduce vulnerabilities, so it’s important to implement robust security protocols and stay updated with firmware updates to minimize the risk of hacking or other threats. Solar CCTV systems also require regular maintenance, including cleaning the solar panel to maximize energy absorption and ensuring batteries have a sufficient lifespan for continued functionality. Lastly, some solar CCTV systems can only support up to a certain number of cameras, so it’s important to carefully consider where to install the camera and solar panel for optimal performance.