Solar Wireless Security Cameras
Unlike traditional wired security cameras, solar wireless cameras utilise renewable energy, reducing reliance on non-renewable resources. They also support remote monitoring and smartphone alerts.
Look for a model that supports a wide field of view, high camera resolution, and reliable night vision. You should also consider factors such as battery capacity and cloud storage.
Solar Panel
The solar panel in a solar security camera converts sunlight into electricity, allowing the camera to operate without wires. For optimal performance, place your solar camera in a sunny location that receives direct sunlight daily during peak sun hours. For example, a south-facing wall that gets full sunlight for at least six hours daily is ideal. You may also want to account for overhangs and trees in the area to ensure your camera and solar panel are positioned so that each can get adequate light.
Many solar cameras also feature advanced battery power systems that allow for a day and night of non-stop surveillance without needing to be manually recharged. Look for a battery capacity of 5,000 mAh or higher for wire-free cctv camera convenience. Many solar cameras are also designed to work with smart home devices, including Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This functionality is particularly helpful for those who want to remotely access footage from their smart displays and TVs.
Solar-powered cameras generally require little maintenance, but it is important to regularly check and clean the solar panel. You may also need to replace the battery if you have had it for a while or if the power output has decreased. The most frequent maintenance issue is adjusting the angle of the lens to focus on your desired areas.
Battery
The rechargeable battery inside a solar powered security camera is what powers it when sunlight is unavailable. Depending on the model you choose, the size of the battery may be as little as 2 amp hours or as large as a 50 Amp hour. It is important to determine how much power the camera and any communication equipment you have will use on a daily basis, then match it with the battery capacity. Most solar security cameras will also have additional features that require extra power, such as two-way audio and motion detection.
The best solar security cameras will be able to absorb sunlight for maximum power generation, while still working at night. It is recommended to mount the solar charging panel and camera in a sunny location, and to keep them free from shade and obstructions. It is also common to place the solar panel and camera in a high area, such as on a pillar or roof.
A wire-free solar-powered home surveillance system is easy to install and maintain. There are no coaxial or Ethernet cables, but instead, a single USB cable runs from the solar charger panel to the camera. When selecting a camera, look for key features such as its camera resolution, field of view, solar panel wattage, and whether it has motion activation and smartphone alerts.
Wi-Fi
The best solar wireless security cameras connect to your home’s WiFi network, so they can transmit video footage and receive instant alerts on your smartphone. These wire-free security devices operate independent of the electrical grid and can be placed virtually anywhere, such as in a backyard or on the roof of your RV.
If the camera doesn’t come with cloud storage, it can save motion detection videos to a microSD card instead. For example, a 64GB SD card can hold about 36 hours of 2K 4MP videos. However, cloud storage provides redundancy and is more convenient for long-term use.
Another important factor to consider is the battery capacity, which is measured in milliamp hours (mAh). Make sure the camera’s batteries have a cctv cameras factory sufficient size to power essential features such as night vision or two-way audio.
Solar-powered security cameras have rechargeable batteries that are charged throughout the day as the solar panels convert sunlight into electricity. These batteries keep the camera operational even at night and during cloudy, gray days. In winter, the low sun angle reduces charging efficiency, so it’s best to bring the camera inside or to a shaded area to keep the batteries fully charged. You’ll also want to consider the camera’s operating temperature range, as some models only work in warm weather. Other solar-powered cameras require a power cable to provide constant electricity when it’s cold or rainy outside.
Storage
Solar-powered security cameras work independently from the grid and rely on direct sunlight for power. They typically come with rechargeable batteries and are designed to function for several months on a single charge, making them ideal for remote or off-grid locations like the back of an aluminum fence or the top of a barn roof. They can also be used to monitor outdoor equipment, boats, RVs and more.
Unlike wired models, which require a clunky set-up process with multiple parts and cables, solar security cameras provide a simple, hassle-free installation that can be completed in just 10 feet or less of distance between the camera and solar charger panel. Look for a sunny spot within this range, commonly next to the camera or on the roof or around the corner, and then mount the solar charger panel to capture as much sun as possible throughout the day.
Most solar-powered security cameras feature infrared night vision and spotlights to record video at night, as well as a weatherproof design that can withstand rain or snow. It’s worth noting that the battery won’t charge as efficiently during colder weather, so you may need to bring the camera inside to recharge if you live in an area with frequent gray, sunless days.
Many solar-powered security cameras offer a microSD card storage option in addition to cloud storage and streaming options via apps. A larger battery size can also help ensure a continuous charge, even if the camera isn’t getting as much sunlight during the day.
