As a market, solar power managed to resist the bumps and bruises picked up by most other industries during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s a rapidly growing market, encouraged by tax incentives and changing attitudes towards green energy.
As it turns out, solar-power is increasingly popping up in smaller and smaller scales—not least of all in security solutions.
Solar security cameras, also known as solar panel security cameras, charge via the sun, requiring no cable, outlet, or batteries for power.
Often sold as a combination of a solar panel and compatible security camera with rechargeable batteries, the solar-panel unit converts solar energy into electrical power.
Here’s everything you need to know.
How Do Solar Security Cameras Work?
Solar-powered security cameras use high-quality solar panels to capture the sun’s rays and convert them to direct current (DC). The direct current is then converted to alternating current (AC) via an inverter, which may subsequently be utilized to power solar security IP cameras and batteries.
When the sun isn’t shining, the rechargeable batteries that store the solar panel’s extra electrical power may be used to power the wireless solar-powered security cameras.
Contrary to popular belief, solar cameras can generate power on rainy or foggy days because visible light can penetrate through rain and clouds. But the efficiency will undoubtedly decrease, meaning solar-powered CCTV security cameras will perform best when exposed to as much direct sunlight as possible.
You won’t have to worry about outside solar-powered security cameras on rainy days because (if the manufacturer has any sense) they are waterproof.
When Do You Need a Solar Security Camera
Many governments, including those in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, are providing incentives (tax credits, rebates, FIT programs, and so on) for installed solar products, including panels for homes and solar cameras, in order to stimulate the development of solar power technology.
Statistics reveal that, because of solar incentives, the cost of solar, including solar-powered wireless security camera systems, has been reduced by 70% while the number of solar panels installed has climbed by 6,000% from 2005 to 2014.
Given that solar-powered security cameras are set to become an irreversible trend, it is recommended to get solar-powered wireless home security cameras now to stay ahead of the curve (incentives won’t last forever).
Solar security cameras for your house or company may also help you save money on insurance by providing documentation when you need to file a claim.
Are Solar Powered Security Cameras Any Good? The Benefits, Explained
While there’s no denying the palpable increase in concern for the environment, any new, booming industry begs the same question: is it a gimmick?
Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of solar-powered security cameras to discover what you may anticipate.
1. Solar security cameras may be installed in a variety of locations
A solar-powered security camera does not require any connections to outlets to operate. As a result, it may be employed in a variety of surveillance applications, especially outdoor settings such as remote sites or difficult-to-reach locations.
Vacation homes, sheds, building sites, vineyards, farms, barns, yachts, warehouses, RVs, and other similar locations are common places to put a solar-powered security camera. For other wireless alternatives, check out our article on best wireless security cameras.
Recommended reading: Security Cameras Without WiFi? It’s Possible
2. It’s simple to set up and move
The DIY solar-powered wireless security cameras are simple to install in any area because no untidy cables or drills are required, making them a cost-effective security choice.
Better yet, you can quickly relocate your solar security cameras as a project progresses or is completed, such as when building sites or new hoses are being built.
3. Ecologically friendly
Solar-powered security cameras do not pollute the environment or generate pollution to the same extent that garbage and throwaway batteries do.
Solar-powered security cameras don’t require any infrastructure, and can help monitor and conserve regions like wetlands thanks to their mobility and reliability.
4. Day and night monitoring is possible with solar cameras
Night monitoring is possible thanks to rechargeable batteries. In addition, some companies’ WiFi solar security cameras have starlight sensors, which may give vivid color night vision – a significant improvement over other security cameras.
5. Scalability
If you want to add two or three additional cameras at a later date, the solar-powered security cameras are also a versatile and expandable option. You may also watch livestreams of numerous solar IP cameras on your smartphone.
6. Solar-powered security cameras have a long life expectancy
Most solar panel manufacturers provide a standard guarantee of 25 years, implying that the solar panel for security cameras may still supply at least 80% of electricity after 25 years and requires minimum maintenance.
Which Solar Camera Is Best? Our Top 5 Picks
We’ve chosen five of the best solar-powered security cameras that can function with or without a WiFi network based on our extensive industry research and comparison.
Reolink Argus 2
The Reolink Argus 2 is the first solar-powered security camera released by Reolink, and it has received great appreciation from consumers and professional media for its extensive capabilities and stylish appearance.
Reolink Go
The cellular solar-powered security camera Reolink Go allows you to view footage in real-time on your smartphone, anytime and anywhere, even without the Internet, because it was designed to function in situations where WiFi and electricity are not accessible.
Recommended reading: Security Cameras… On Your 4G Data Plan? The Complete Guide to Cellular Security Cameras
SOLIOM
This Soliom camera is designed to provide the greatest surveillance possible. The device has a highly accurate and responsive PIR motion detection system. Even better, the camera already has software installed that allows it to check the data. You won’t get any false alarms this way.
Ctronics Pan Tilt Solar Security Camera
This Ctronics gadget has a remote control and is totally wireless. Using the PIR sensor and alarm detection, you can effortlessly collect footage of your home. Overall, this camera is quite handy and simple to set up. When you’re finished with the installation, you can leave it up.
ENSTER Pan Tilt Solar Powered Security Camera
The camera has a 360-degree vision, which is necessary for observing everything in and around your property. Because the camera is wire-free, it can rotate without the chance of it becoming tangled. You may place the camera anywhere you like after the first complete charge.
FAQ
Do solar-powered security cameras need WiFi?
The camera will need to be connected to your wireless network. In most circumstances, they will connect to a 2.4 GHz wireless network rather than a 5 GHz network. While this may be inconvenient for those who have higher-speed internet, the majority of people still use 2.4 GHz at home. If you wish to record and transfer your data, you’ll need to turn on the wifi.
How long do solar-powered security cameras last?
The average camera’s battery will last anywhere from three to twelve days without needing to be recharged. It will largely be determined by the camera’s brand and the battery’s capacity. We advise you to consider a backup battery. You can easily charge one while the other powers the camera in this manner.
Do solar cameras work in winter?
On overcast or rainy days, a solar-powered security camera can still generate electricity. When there is light coming in, the solar panel will continue to charge your solar cameras. Even in the worst-case scenario, when there is no direct sunlight at all, your solar IP camera may still function normally thanks to the rechargeable batteries.
Do solar cameras work at night?
Solar security cameras are equipped with components that assist in the collection of solar energy. The energy is then converted into DC power and stored in the system’s batteries. The camera may be used all day, even in the evening, because of the stored battery.
Conclusion
By using the sun to generate power, solar security cameras are a fantastic option for those frequently on the go, or just anticipate moving their cameras around rather frequently.
With no need for wires and electrical outlets, they are designed with true mobility and ease of use in mind.
With the solar industry experiencing unhindered growth, it’s likely we will see more and more consumer electronics adopt solar-power panels to overcome the annoyance of wall outlet charging and the harm caused to the environment by conventional batteries.
For now, security cameras are leading the pack, and it’s not a trend that will disappear anytime soon.
Recommended reading: Best Battery Powered Security Cameras: Your Questions, Our Picks