7 Best Solar Powered Security Cameras 2024
Solar powered security cameras are becoming increasingly popular due to the many benefits they offer. They are environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and easy to install. Solar powered security cameras are the perfect way to keep an eye on your home or business while helping to protect the environment.
Used in conjunction with sets of solar security lights, they make a formidable and effective security system.
**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links but this does not affect the price you pay.
Environments Perfect for Solar Powered Security Cameras
For inhospitable environments, isolated job sites, hard-to-access regions, remote-site security cameras or as an alternative to a wired security solution, solar powered security cameras can be an excellent choice.
The environments solar powered security cameras can be used in are numerous and include, but not limited to:
- Home, grid and off grid.
- Farms.
- Temporary Sporting or Cultural events.
- Wild life monitoring.
- Fly tipping monitoring.
- Industry – Construction sites, remote oil and gas refineries.
How Do Solar Powered Security Cameras Work?
Solar powered security cameras have small solar panels that are able to transform sunlight into power to charge the cameras’ built-in rechargeable batteries. Connected to the solar panels through inverters, the cameras also convert your Solar security cameras direct current (DC) power to alternating current (AC) power when the sun is out. Power stored within the battery capabilities allows for continued operation after dark.
Advantages Of Solar Powered Security Cameras Over Traditional Cameras
Solar-powered security cameras offer several advantages over regular wired security cameras that rely on electricity.
Firstly, solar-powered cameras are highly energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. They harness the power of the sun to generate electricity, eliminating the need for traditional power sources and reducing carbon emissions. This makes them a sustainable and cost-effective solution in the long run.
Secondly, solar-powered security cameras are incredibly versatile and flexible in terms of installation. They can be easily installed in remote areas or places without access to electricity, providing surveillance in locations where traditional wired cameras would be impractical or impossible to deploy. This makes them ideal for monitoring outdoor areas, construction sites, farms, and other off-grid locations.
Furthermore, solar-powered cameras offer greater resilience and reliability. They continue to operate even during power outages, ensuring uninterrupted surveillance. This is particularly crucial for maintaining security during emergencies or in areas with unreliable power supply.
Another advantage is the ease of maintenance. Solar-powered cameras typically have long-lasting batteries that can store excess energy for nighttime operation or during cloudy days. This minimizes the need for frequent battery replacements and reduces maintenance costs.
Disadvantages Of Solar Powered Cameras Over Traditional Cameras
There are no disadvantages to using solar powered security cameras, however there are a few points to consider when setting up your system.
Continuous bad weather can affect the amount of power stored, cameras battery will still charge during bad weather but at a much slower rate.
Cameras cannot be installed in areas where there is likely to be shading, whether that be from over hanging branches from trees, buildings or any other obstruction.
Cost of solar powered security cameras may have a higher initial cost over wired security cameras.
Features To Consider When Choosing Solar Security Cameras
Solar Panel Power
The solar panel that comes with the security camera should be able to provide enough power to keep the camera’s recording function operating for at least eight hours. At the same time, the panel should permit charging the battery to be able to operate through the night as well. The higher the wattage charges the battery faster and provides more power to the security camera.
Battery Capacity
The solar powered security camera should be fitted with rechargeable batteries that can be used when sunlight is not present to power the camera and drain them in the process. The batteries must be able to provide at least 10 times as much power as the sun’s maximum output.
The more features the camera has eg wireless connection and night vision, the larger the storage capacity of the battery needs to be. Also the larger the battery storage capacity, the more energy that can be stored.
Memory Storage
Data can be stored in a cloud service or an SD card. To store data in a cloud, your device needs to be able to connect to Wi-Fi. With cloud storage, you can access the files at any time.
Wi-Fi or 3/4/5G
You can either choose to install cameras with WiFi as a feature in which case you can transmit to cloud storage and access your files, if WiFi is not available then you can transmit through 3, 4 or 5G if camera supports this feature with a card slot.
Resolution
Ideally you want a resolution of at least 1080p to offer stable image quality both day and night.
Night Vision
Security cameras are now equipped with night vision, thanks to infrared (IR) technology. This allows us to see in the dark, making our security systems that much more effective.
Motion Sensor
Can be used to detect when something is moving in the camera’s field of view. This can be useful for security purposes, as it can help to trigger an alarm or record footage of a potential intruder. Can also save on battery power, as the camera is only powered on when the sensor is triggered.
Weatherproof/Waterproof Protection
The solar panels and security cameras both have internal circuits which can get damaged if exposed to water. Therefore, both must be weatherproof/waterproof.
Make sure that you are purchasing a product that has IP rating IP44 (splash proof and less protection from dust etc) or better still IP65 (solid ingress from dirt dust debris. Water protection but not submersion).
Camera Range
Most security cameras have a range of about 60 to 100 feet (18 – 30metres). However, the range can be affected by factors such as the type of lens and whether the camera is used indoors or outdoors. For example, a camera with a wide-angle lens may have a shorter range than a camera with a telephoto lens. An outdoor camera may have a longer range than an indoor camera because there are no walls or other obstacles blocking the view.
Best Solar Powered Security Camera Options
As the market for solar powered security cameras continues to grow, so does the competition. With so many brands and models to choose from, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. That is why we’ve done the research and compiled the best to help you make an informed decision.
When it comes to solar powered security cameras other cameras from two of the top security camera manufacturers should also be considered, HKVision and Axis. Their products are well-made and offer a great value for the price, albeit more expensive than the options in this review.
#1 REOLINK Solar Security Camera. Argus PT
- 100% Wireless and Solar Powered: The Argus PT runs on 2.4/5 GHz WiFi and stays fully-charged with the Reolink Solar Panel.
- Tilt & Pan and Stunning Night Vision: Argus PT can rotate its head 355° horizontally and 140° vertically.
- 4MP SUPER HD VISION: Equipped with 2K (2560 x 1440) high resolution.
- Intelligent Detection & Instant Alerts: With advanced PIR detection, this outdoor WiFi camera can distinguish people and vehicles accurately.
- IP64 Protected from total dust ingress. Protected from water spray from any direction.
#2 REOLINK Solar Security Camera. Argus Eco
- With a built-in rechargeable battery and 2.4 GHz WiFi connection, the Argus Eco can be mounted anywhere with no cords or cables needed.
- Videos can be securely stored locally on an SD card (up to 128GB, not included). which you can access and playback anytime and anywhere via Reolink APP/Client.
- With a CMOS sensor, the security camera presents a crystal and sharp view in 1080p full HD even at night. 6X digital zoom helps to see more details.
- Infrared LEDs that illuminate up to 33 feet bring excellent night vision, letting you see further.
- IP65 Protected from total dust ingress. Protected from water spray from any direction.
#3 ieGeek Solar Security Camera Outdoor. 360°PTZ Solar Camera. ZS-GX1S
- ieGeek solar outdoor security camera is equipped with 1/3 CMOS color sensor, providing crystal clear images and videos regardless of weather conditions.
- 4 IR lights automatically sense ambient light and switch to color night vision mode, the monitor distance is up to 50ft/15m.
- Only supports 2.4Ghz WiFi which has better penetration and wider wifi range, not 5GHz.
- 355°horizontal rotation & 120°vertical rotation & 4X digital zoom can be controlled on the app.
- With a 130-degree wide-angle, the PTZ solar camera guarantees a panoramic shot of every corner of your home, shop, garage. You can also make real-time calls through the built-in microphone and speaker.
- IP65 waterproof design can completely prevent dust and splash water from entering.
#4 ANRAN Solar Security Camera. 360°PTZ. 5MP Solar Camera
- Using advanced technology, ANRAN outdoor solar wireless camera provides you with 5MP ultra HD 360° security protection, ensuring no blind spots. Even at night, intelligent spotlight mode allows you to see the 5MP HD color picture.
- When PIR motion detection sensor detects unexpected visitors, the solar security camera with floodlights and siren will automatically activate and send you an instant notification via the 2.4G network.
- Remotely access your WiFi camera anytime to see what’s going on. With a built-in microphone and speaker, you can establish a 2-way conversation with any visitors.
- IP65 waterproof design can completely prevent dust and splash water from entering.
#5 SOLIOM S600 Solar Security Camera
- The S600 is a 1080p full HD day time video and motion-activated spotlight color night vision; with the 4 white LEDs capturing clear colorful videos at night, can even see through the dark up to 32 feet in very low light conditions.
- Broader View with 320°pan and 90°tilt
- 100% Wire-Free 3G/4G LTE camera with color night vision
- 9000mAh rechargeable batteries with solar panel
- Built-in PIR Human-AI motion detection technology and siren alert to warn off intruders.
- Two-way audio(Built-in speaker and microphone)
- Support Micro SD card(Max 128G, not included in camera)and one-month free trial cloud storage. The wireless camera doesn’t support 5G wifi
- Weatherproof outdoor security camera – IP66
#6 Blink Outdoor Solar-Powered Security Camera
- Blink Outdoor is a wire-free smart security camera with HD day and infrared night vision, two-way audio, and motion detection that lets you see, hear, and speak to visitors from the Blink Home Monitor app.
- Get motion detection alerts on your phone with the option to customize motion zones in the Blink Home Monitor app so you’re only alerted when you need to be.
- Record and view in 1080p HD video during the day and with infrared HD night vision after dark.
- Requires an Always-on high-speed internet connection (such as broadband, fiber, or DSL). Wifi network: 2.4 GHz 802.11b/g/n.
#7 SOLIOM SL800-4G Solar Powered Security Camera
- Designed for 4G LTE Coverage：SOLIOM 4G security cameras can work anywhere nationwide with 4G LTE coverage,100% wire-free. Does not work with WiFi.
- Perfect security solution for remote, large areas.
- Pan Tilt & Wide Angle：The 4G LTE security camera outdoor wireless can turn its head 320°horizontally and 90°vertically pan and tilt, and 3X digital Zoom.
- Built-in 9000mAh high-capacity rechargeable battery.
- Weatherproof outdoor security camera – IP66
Comparison of Security Cameras
Here’s a detailed comparison of the seven security cameras to help you determine which one best suits your needs. Each product has its own unique features, specifications, and benefits.
Key Specifications
| Feature | REOLINK Argus PT + Solar Panel | REOLINK Argus Eco Ultra | ieGeek Security Camera Outdoor | ANRAN 5MP Security Cameras | SOLIOM S600 3G/4G LTE | Blink Outdoor (3rd Gen) + Solar | SOLIOM 4G LTE SL800-4G |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 5MP 2K+ | 4K | 2K/3MP Quad HD | 5MP | 1080p | HD | HD |
| Night Vision | Color Night Vision | Enhanced Color Night Vision | Color Night Vision | IR and Color Night Vision | 1080p Night Vision | Infrared Night Vision | Color Night Vision |
| Communication | 2-Way Talk | 2-Way Talk | 2-Way Audio | 2-Way Talk | 2-Way Talk | 2-Way Audio | 2-Way Talk |
| Pan/Tilt | 355°/140° | 360° | 355°/120° | 360° View | 320°/90° | – | 355°/95° |
| WiFi | 2.4/5GHz | 2.4/5GHz | 2.4GHz Only | 2.4GHz Only | Not Required | Yes | Not Required |
| Power Source | Solar Powered | Solar Powered | Solar Powered | Solar Powered | Solar Powered | Solar Powered | Solar Powered |
| Motion Detection | PIR Motion Sensor | AI Detection | PIR Motion Detection | PIR Motion Detection | PIR Motion Detection | Motion Detection | PIR Motion Detection |
| Storage Options | Local (microSD up to 128GB) | Local (microSD up to 128GB) | Local | Local (microSD up to 128GB) | Local (microSD up to 128GB) | Cloud (30-day free trial)/local | Local (microSD up to 128GB) |
| Additional Features | Smart Home Integration | Smart Vehicle/Person/Pet Detection | Alexa Compatible, 4dbi Dual Antennas | Compatible with Alexa | 4G LTE, SIM Card Required | Alexa Compatible | 4G LTE, 24/7 Recording |
| Weather Resistance | Weatherproof | Weatherproof | IP65 Waterproof | IP65 Waterproof | Weather Resistant | Weather Resistant | IP66 |
| Price Range | Mid | High | Mid-Low | Mid | Mid-High | Low | Mid-High |
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best solar powered security cameras are those that are versatile and can be used in a variety of settings. They should be able to operate in both home and commercial settings, and be able to withstand the elements. Solar powered security cameras are a great investment for any business or homeowner who wants to improve their security system.
