Best Outdoor Security Camera With Solar Panel
Constant vigilance is one of the best weapons against home intrusion. Fortunately, solar-powered security cameras provide unresting eyes that never tire.
Some of the top solar-powered security cameras can also double as lights and blare noises to deter interlopers. These models typically support Wi-Fi and integrate with smart homes.
Look for features such as local storage, 2K video quality, and the ability to distinguish characteristics like height or eye color in your footage. Some solar security cameras also offer night vision.
1. eufy Security SoloCam S40
The eufy Security SoloCam S40 is one of the few cameras that actually comes with its own solar panel built into the body. It’s an impressive feature that eliminates the need to plug it in or deal with changing batteries.
The camera itself is also impressive, with a 130-degree field of view, 2K resolution and night vision. It can even detect heat and movement, and can automatically send a video clip of the activity to your smartphone when it’s triggered.
Setup is easy with a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection. You’ll need to download the eufy Security app and follow a few prompts to connect it to your home network. Once connected, the camera can easily scan a QR code displayed on your phone to get started. The camera can then be placed anywhere on your property. It can withstand all the elements, thanks to an IP67 rating that shrugs off humidity, dust storms and rainstorms.
The camera has many smart features including local and cloud storage, two-way communication and a siren. It also has a bright spotlight that can shine on anything moving around the area. It’s worth mentioning, though, that the spotlight and siren feature are somewhat hidden within the app. Placing them more prominently may make it easier to use them and deter intruders.
2. REOLINK Argus 2
The Argus 2 is basically the same as the original, but with a few notable changes. The most important upgrade is that it now wireless solar outdoor camera includes a rechargeable battery, so you no longer have to swap out CR123A batteries every few months. It also adds support for 2K video and a solar panel that provides constant power to the camera (optional).
Like its predecessor, it’s a great option if you don’t want to deal with the hassle of cloud storage or monthly fees, and you need an outdoor security camera that can record footage locally. It has a 130-degree field of view, color night vision, two-way audio, and motion detection. Plus, it’s 100% wireless and doesn’t require a base station, making it perfect for off-grid locations.
The Argus 2 also has a new feature that lets you manually adjust the settings to get better clarity at night, for example, if you want it to focus more on best outdoor security camera with solar panel the movement of people instead of cars. And if you’re worried about a thief breaking into your home, the new Argus 2 can send you an alert to your smartphone even when it’s offline. It’s the most advanced solar-powered outdoor security camera we’ve reviewed.
3. Ring Stick-Up Cam
Solar-powered outdoor security cameras are a popular choice for folks who want to cut down on energy costs and reduce their carbon footprint. They are easy to install and usually run on a battery that recharges with sunlight during the day. This makes them a great option for remote locations with no hard-wired power outlets nearby.
When choosing the best outdoor security camera with solar panel, pay attention to its battery capacity, video recording length, and resolution. Most modern solar-powered cameras record videos in 1080p full HD and can save them to SD cards for months. Some models can also store videos in the cloud for a limited time.
The camera’s night vision and infrared lighting are also important features to consider. Look for a camera with a wide viewing angle and long range so you can easily cover the area you need to monitor. It’s important to look for a camera that has a high IP rating as well. This rating indicates how water-resistant the device is, and it can range from not waterproof at all to submerging in several feet of water for extended periods with no ill effects.
The Ring Stick Up Cam Solar is a good option for those looking for a reliable solar-powered security camera with an easy-to-use app. It has excellent motion detection and sends alerts quickly when it detects activity. However, it’s important to be aware of Ring’s questionable partnerships with law enforcement and its limited smart home integration.
4. eufy Security SoloCam S80
Eufy’s lineup includes wired and battery-powered cameras with a mix of indoor and outdoor models. All the battery-powered models gear toward outdoor use with IP65 or the more robust IP67 weatherproofing to resist rain, snow, high heat, and freezing temperatures. Battery-powered cameras also feature onboard microSD slots for local storage up to 128GB. Some, such as the Solo OutdoorCam S40, include a spotlight that shoots color video at night to light a potential intruder’s path and scare them into a hasty retreat.
Most of the battery-powered cameras in Eufy’s lineup feature a rechargeable battery that lasts up to four months before needing recharging. Those with onboard microSD slots allow you to store video locally without a subscription fee.
The HomeBase 3 adds a quad-core ARM Cortex A55 processor, AI functionality, 16GB of video storage (upgradable to 64GB via a built-in SATA port), and smart home protocols like Apple HomeKit. It also offers a LAN port for ethernet and two USB Type-A ports for device charging and data transfer.
Almost all of the company’s cameras work with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant, which lets you keep tabs on your cameras with only your voice. Some, like the Solo OutdoorCam S40, feature 4K resolution for crisper details and higher frame rates. Others, including the dual-camera E340 video doorbell, can spot faces and motion thanks to AI tracking.
