5 Best Outdoor Solar Security Cameras for Your Property
Updated: Feb. 01, 2024
Wires and batteries can be hard to deal with. See why green is the way to go with a rundown of the best solar security cameras.
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How Do Solar-Powered Security Cameras Work?
At the heart of solar security cameras is a sustainable and eco-friendly power source – the sun. These cameras are equipped with solar panels that capture sunlight and convert it into electrical energy. This energy is then stored in rechargeable batteries, typically lithium-ion or lithium-polymer, which power the camera’s operations. The combination of solar panels and advanced battery technology ensures a continuous power supply, eliminating the need for frequent battery replacements.
Security cameras work to keep your family safe and your property secure. But they also can be difficult to maintain, especially if you have to constantly climb a ladder to replace the batteries in a camera mounted up high. That’s why it’s worth considering the best solar security cameras.
Solar-powered cameras don’t require wiring, so they’re ideal for remote locations or places with no access to electricity, such as barns, RVs and boats. With wireless or cellular access, you can keep an eye out even if you’re miles away, simply by using a smartphone.
High-quality solar security cameras provide the same dependability of a wired camera, but with simple installation and no increase to your energy bill. Since you’re not throwing away batteries, they also are more environmentally friendly. Here are our picks for the best solar security cameras you can buy online.
Best Overall Security Camera
Reolink Argus Pro Outdoor Security Camera
See in high definition day or night with the Argus Pro+Solar Panel system, which can capture video up to 11 yards away in the dark of night with a 130-degree field of view. Voice control with Alexa allows you to adjust and see your live feed with voice commands, and a built-in microphone and speaker allows you to let anyone know they’re being watched. Video is recorded onto an SD memory card, and footage can be accessed and played back from anywhere at any time.
The no-wire installation process is quick and simple, and the camera easily connects to your home Wi-Fi network. These best solar security cameras have also shown their mettle in weatherproof testing, proving they’re more than capable of standing up to harsh weather conditions.
Pros
- Controlled via smartphone app
- 130-degree wide field of vision
- No subscription required
- Easy to install with a two-year warranty
Cons
- Requires Wi-Fi connection
Best Budget Security Camera
Zumimall Solar-Powered Security Camera
The two-way audio of the Zumimall solar-powered camera lets you speak directly with guests—or send a warning intruders. The smart PIR sensor sends notifications when the camera detects motion. It can be set to detect humans only, reducing false alarms from wandering wildlife. The 2K camera provides exceptional clarity for identifying faces, and infrared night vision allows clear viewing at night. The solar panel is adjustable to allow better absorption of sunlight, and the large-capacity battery can stand by for more over six months.
Pros
- Won’t break the bank
- Feed can be shared to multiple devices
- Built-in antenna provides a more stable Wi-Fi connection
- Supports free seven-day cloud loop recording with no subscription
Cons
- Lacks the flashier features of more expensive cameras
Best Weather-Resistant Security Camera
Solium S600 Solar Security Camera
The Solium S600 Solar Security Camera comes close to doing it all. With a 360-degree spotlight, 320-degree horizontal turn, 90-degree vertical pan and two-way communication, it provides a much broader and flexible view for home security. It’s able to withstand the coldest and hottest of temperatures. With the Soliom app, it gives you remote access to live footage that can be replayed or downloaded. This solar security camera uses an advanced motion sensor to reduce false alarms. If you need to cover a large area, the app can support up to eight cameras at a time.
Pros
- Weather-resistant from -4 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit
- Includes a lot of features for a budget-friendly price
- Motion-activated spotlight color night vision can see up to 32 feet in the dark
- Large solar panel and metal cover provide reliable service
Cons
- Camera doesn’t support 5G
- Only records when motion is detected
Best Security Camera with Night Vision
TBI Pro Solar Security Camera
Sporting two-way audio, the TBI Pro Solar Security Camera can detect motion up to 42 feet away in night vision mode, and offers crystal clear coverage in daylight. It connects to Wi-Fi, so you can monitor your camera from anywhere at any time. The 355-degree pan and 90-degree tilt gives you a wide area of coverage.
The 15,600 mAh rechargeable batteries—almost three times stronger than most—can last up to six months in cloudy conditions. With the 7-foot cord, you can install the solar panel two ways: on the camera or on the roof. This allows you to position the panels wherever they have the most access to sunlight while the camera can be installed in a low-light area.
Pro:
- Provides true color video up to 42 feet in night vision mode
- Can place the camera and solar panel in separate areas
- Has a 355-degree pan and 90-degree tilt
Con:
- On the expensive side
Best Security Camera with Spotlight
Ctronics Solar-Powered Security Camera
The waterproof solar panel of the continually self-charging Ctronics solar-powered security camera maintains functionality even on overcast days. It comes with a built-in spotlight that flashes a bright light to see colors during night vision mode. The 100 percent wireless camera has two charging methods: solar-powered or charger-powered.
The PIR sensor can spot humans, so you’re not getting notifications for every squirrel that runs by. It’s able to wake up in one-fifth of a second to capture human movements. The solar panel can be attached to the camera or installed separately, giving more flexibility for good light conditions. The solar panel is covered in weatherproof casing, so it can stand up to extreme rain, sun exposure and more.
Pros
- Has two built-in spotlights and two infrared LEDs
- Night vision can reach 82 feet with color video
- Features two-way audio and two charging methods
Cons
- SD memory card isn’t included
What to Consider When Buying a Solar Security Camera
How do you pick a good solar security camera? A lot of the important things are the same as with any other security camera. You want to consider the resolution, field of view, ability to pan for a wider perspective, motion sensors and night vision. Don’t forget to think about your own technology. For instance, is your smartphone compatible with the monitoring app? You’ll want access to remote monitoring and alerts. Make sure the camera either has Wi-Fi or at least 4G cellular coverage.
Another question to ask yourself before seeking out the best solar security cameras: Do you need two-way communication? Or a powerful light you can turn on remotely? All of those features will come at a price. All cameras should be weatherproof and rain-resistant if they’re going to be used outside. And, finally, a battery backup or solar storage battery is handy to use at night or in bad weather.
Types of Solar Security Cameras
There are two common styles of solar security cameras: domes, which have round bodies with clear covers that are flat-mounted, and bullets, which are cameras on posts that can be aimed at specific spots. Features and prices vary widely. More expensive versions can pan, tilt and zoom, and simpler options may be stationary and fixed on a particular area.
How We Found the Best Solar Security Cameras
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.
FAQ
How long do solar-powered security cameras last?
The best solar-powered security cameras can last for years, depending on the harshness of weather conditions. The charge in the solar batteries usually last several weeks, even if the weather is cloudy.
Do solar cameras need Wi-Fi?
Part of what makes solar security cameras so convenient is that you don’t have to worry about wiring and connecting them to power sources. But that means they do need wireless or cellular connections to connect to your security network, usually through an app. Most solar security cameras use either Wi-Fi or at least 4G cellular service—a few have upgraded to 5G. Also, find out if you can use security cameras without wifi.
How do you charge a solar camera?
Usually, you’ll need to charge the battery the first time you use the camera, using a micro USB cable to connect to the battery’s port. After that, the solar panel should keep it charged.
Originally Published: September 02, 2021
