Solar Powered Surveillance Cameras
Solar-powered surveillance cameras are eco-friendly and cost-effective. They eliminate the need for electric wiring, reducing installation costs and energy bills over time.
Look for features like camera resolution, field of view, solar panel wattage, night vision, motion activation, and remote monitoring. Also, consider storage options. Most manufacturers provide local and cloud storage for recording and reviewing footage.
Easy to Install
Solar-powered security cameras capture direct sunlight to power themselves and transmit footage wirelessly. A built-in rechargeable battery stores energy to ensure that the camera can continue operating for extended periods during overcast days or at night. These cameras can also work in remote areas where there is no access to electrical infrastructure.
To make sure your solar-powered security camera works properly, mount it in a sunny location that will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Avoid installing it in a north-facing location, since it will receive less sunlight and may not function at all during the winter. It is also important to account for the amount of sunlight received by trees and other overhangs around your home, since they can degrade the camera’s CMOS image sensor.
If you are worried about storage space for recording footage, look for models that provide local or cloud storage options. For example, Lorex offers cameras that support local storage with up to 32GB of memory and can transmit recorded footage over a Wi-Fi network or 4G LTE service provider for remote monitoring.
Some solar-powered security cameras require a separate solar panel to charge the camera, while others like Blink integrate their panels into the camera’s mount. The latter option is more convenient and doesn’t require any extra components or wiring.
Easy to Maintain
If you want to keep an eye on what’s going on in areas that aren’t accessible by wired cameras, solar powered surveillance cameras may be your best option. Solar-powered cameras are wire-free and don’t require an internet connection to function, making them perfect for monitoring remote locations like wildlife preserves or other outdoor settings where it would be impractical to run electrical cables.
They use a high-grade solar panel that collects and converts sunlight into energy to power the camera. The accumulated electricity is then stored in the camera’s rechargeable battery for continuous use at night or best solar outdoor camera during cloudy days. The camera also comes with an on-board microSD card port for local storage.
Most solar-powered security cameras have a 780p or 1,080p resolution that allows you to identify people and vehicles in the distance. Some models come with an even higher resolution of up to 4K, allowing you to zoom in on details and capture faces in greater clarity.
Solar security cameras are able to operate during the winter because they utilize high-grade solar panels that can withstand colder temperatures. However, shorter daylight hours can limit the amount of sunlight that the solar panels are able to absorb. Some solar-powered security cameras, such as the Swann wireless cam pro, feature high-capacity batteries that can store enough energy to keep the camera running throughout the winter.
Weather-Resistant
The solar charger panels on these cameras collect sunlight to charge the built-in solar powered surveillance cameras rechargeable batteries. These batteries can then power the camera through the night, even if the sun isn’t out. This feature is a game changer for remote or geographically challenging locations that may not have access to electricity or the grid.
When selecting a solar powered surveillance camera, look for one that has a higher resolution to capture more detail. This will help you identify people or objects in the video footage and will improve the overall security of your property. You also want to choose a model with a wide field of view, so it can monitor more of your property at once.
To get the most out of your solar powered surveillance camera, place it in a spot that receives direct sunlight daily during peak sunlight hours. The best location is a south-facing wall or atop somewhere that has an unhindered view of the area you’re interested in monitoring. If you can’t install the solar panel and camera in the same exact location, many of these models give you some leeway with a lengthy cable between them that can be run around a corner to avoid blocking the cameras or restricting their views.
The wattage of the solar panel paired with your surveillance camera is important as well. A larger wattage allows the battery to be charged faster and deliver more power to your camera.
Long-Lasting
Unlike traditional surveillance systems that depend on fossil fuels for power, solar-powered cameras utilize renewable energy from the sun. They can help preserve the environment and prevent pollution while delivering superior features like night vision, two-way audio, and remote monitoring.
While the lifespan of solar-powered surveillance cameras depends on the quality of the solar panels and battery, well-maintained systems can last for many years. To extend the lifespan of your system, keep the solar panel clean and replace batteries regularly. Also, make sure that the camera’s sun-facing panel faces south (if you live in the Northern Hemisphere) or north (if you live in the Southern Hemisphere).
Solar-powered security cameras can be installed in hard-to-reach areas such as remote properties and vacation homes to deter unwanted intruders. The constant supply of power ensures continuous recording, reducing the chances of missing important footage in case of a break-in or theft.
Look for solar-powered security cameras with advanced storage systems that allow you to store footage in the cloud or on an SD card. Some models even offer free cloud storage for a limited number of cameras. You can choose from models with built-in 32GB local storage, or pay for a subscription through a compatible wireless carrier for unlimited cloud storage space. Also, select cameras with 4G connectivity that can work in places without WiFi, such as construction sites.