Solar Surveillance Cameras

Solar-powered security cameras can function uninterrupted when they are properly positioned and have an adequate rechargeable battery. They can also be equipped with 4G cellular technology to transmit data in areas where internet connectivity isn’t available.

When shopping for a solar-powered surveillance camera, check the following features: battery capacity, video resolution, field of view, and installation.

Resilient to Power Outages

Solar-powered security cameras operate independently of the power grid, relying on sunlight to generate electricity to run their built-in rechargeable batteries. These batteries store enough energy to keep them running throughout gray sunless days, even if the camera is constantly recording motion footage.

The solar panel bundled with a solar-powered security camera, or sold separately, absorbs sunlight during the day and converts it into electricity to power its cameras and storage functions. Because these cameras don’t rely on the power grid, they’re perfect for remote and off-grid locations that lack traditional power access.

While solar-powered security cameras primarily depend on sunshine for their functionality, they can also function at night. Their built-in rechargeable batteries can hold enough charge to power the camera for extended periods of darkness, with many models featuring infrared night vision and/or a color spotlight to capture images and video at night.

While they still rely on sunshine to function, solar-powered security cameras may struggle with shorter daylight hours in the winter. To combat this, choose a model that offers high-capacity batteries. Additionally, install your solar security camera in a location that receives sunlight all day long to ensure optimal performance. Snow, another common winter occurrence, can also cover the solar panels, inhibiting their ability to absorb sunlight. However, many of the top solar security cameras feature weather-resistant designs, ensuring they work seamlessly even in cold and snowy conditions.

Easily Scalable

Solar-powered cameras are easily scalable for large or remote areas that don’t have solar surveillance cameras easy access to the power grid. A solar panel converts sunlight into DC energy, which then feeds a battery inside the camera. This battery powers the camera at night, making them resilient to power outages. This feature is a game changer for areas with frequent blackouts or remote locations without access to electrical circuits.

Some solar-powered security cameras require an Internet connection to transmit data over WiFi or cellular networks. Others use built-in rechargeable batteries to store energy throughout the day and night, and still more work completely independent of a WiFI or cellular connection. Some even support two-way audio to communicate with a person in the vicinity of the camera. These features make them suitable for remote areas where there is no internet or cellular signal.

Many solar-powered cameras also offer local video storage on an SD card to keep footage accessible without a network connection. The size of an SD card can vary by model, so look for one with enough capacity to suit your needs. Reolink offers up to three terabytes of storage for free, while Ring and Arlo offer unlimited camera storage with their subscription plans.

Most solar-powered cameras depend on direct sunlight to recharge their batteries and operate at night. For this reason, you’ll want to place them in a location that receives plenty of sun daily during peak hours. Anchorage, Alaska, is the cloudiest city in the United States with 239 days of gray sunless weather, but cities like Portland, Denver, and Seattle get ample sunshine for their solar-powered cameras to function properly.

Environmentally Friendly

As the world becomes more aware of its impact on the environment, solar technology is becoming more and more prevalent in products used across a variety of industries. Video security is no exception to this trend, with a solar-powered camera allowing users to utilize a high-quality monitoring system in locations that lack power lines and electrical outlets.

The key to the operation of a solar-powered security camera is its built-in rechargeable battery, which absorbs and converts sunlight into electricity. During periods of sunshine, the camera’s batteries can store enough energy to allow for continuous operations at night and on cloudy days.

However, it’s important to note that the ability of a solar-powered security camera to perform in these less-than-ideal conditions can depend on several factors, including the solar panel’s design and performance. To ensure optimal results, the solar panel should be placed in a location that receives maximum exposure to direct sunlight throughout the day. This means installing it on a south-facing wall (if you live in the Northern Hemisphere) or atop a structure that provides unhindered viewing.

Furthermore, you’ll want to choose a solar-powered security camera with a high resolution, as this attribute enables it to capture images that are much more detailed than standard surveillance cameras. This allows you to Lithium Ion Battery easily identify individuals or objects in the footage, which can help deter crime and increase the effectiveness of your security system.

Simple to Install

Solar security cameras require no wires to operate, and they’re easy to set up. When you choose the right model, pay attention to battery capacity and storage memory. Look for models that can record locally on a microSD card and offer cloud storage accessible through the brand’s app. A 64GB SD card is sufficient for recording a few days of 2K 4MP footage, but if you want to record continuously, consider upgrading to a 128 or 256 GB model.

When you’re choosing a solar powered security camera for outdoor use, check whether it can withstand extreme weather conditions like heavy rain and snow. Then, ensure that its solar charger panel receives direct sunlight every day during peak sun hours (which differ by season and location). Mount the camera in a spot where the panel faces true south, or at least away from shade created by trees or buildings, to maximise the amount of power it generates.

To monitor your security camera remotely, look for a model that uses WiFI or 4G cellular data to communicate with your mobile devices. This way, you can check live view, use two-way audio, and record or review footage at any time. Lastly, consider the camera’s resolution and range. Higher-resolution cameras can capture more detailed images and have wider viewing angles. Then, pick a model that has motion control capabilities and motion sensors to send alerts when movement is detected.