Top 5 Solar-Powered Security Cameras of (2024)

Solar-powered cameras are the most convenient power source. If you’re thinking about adding a new level of security to the outdoors of your site or business centers, a solar-powered security system is the best choice. The global solar-powered security cameras market is expected to grow from USD 1.02 Billion in 2017 to USD 2.48 Billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 10.5% from 2017 to 2030.

This blog talks about the working of solar-powered security cameras, where to use them, and which cameras could be the right choice for your business/site.

A solar-powered security camera uses solar panels to turn sunlight into electricity. This electricity is then used to power the camera. When there’s no sunlight, the camera uses power stored in rechargeable batteries. These cameras are great for places with the possibility of power cuts. They are also perfect for monitoring construction sites or remote areas where running cables is too expensive or impossible.

Solar-powered security cameras are designed to absorb ambient sunlight’s energy directly. If the camera is placed in the dark, it will continue to work in night vision mode as long as the internal battery is charged. After this, the camera will no longer work until it is again charged by the solar light.

Solar panels on the camera collect sunlight and convert it into electricity. This is the first step in powering the camera.

The electricity generated by the solar panels is in direct current (DC) form. This DC electricity is changed into alternating current (AC) using an inverter to power the camera.

The converted AC electricity is then used to run the security camera, allowing it to capture and record footage.

When the sun is shining, the solar panels often generate more electricity than the camera needs. This extra power is stored in rechargeable batteries.

These six solar-powered cameras are packed with features to keep your home safe day and night.

Let’s dive into the pros and cons of the top solar-powered cameras for 2024!

As you search for a product that offers supreme value for your investment, we recommend the Ring Spotlight Cam Pro , recognized as the leading value-for-money solar-powered security camera in 2024. The rise in popularity of do-it-yourself home security systems is undeniable, and this wireless camera contributes significantly to the trend. The Ring Stick Up Cam Solar not only sends notifications to your phone but also facilitates two-way audio, an alarm system, and provides cloud video storage.

This leap forward in home security technology has been transformative over the past decade. Without delving too deeply into specifics, it’s safe to say that the Ring Stick Up Solar panel camera performs as advertised, translating to impressive operation. The solar charging capabilities are more than adequate, the image quality is superb, and the app, complete with an alarm function, does its job well. However, we hope to see certain enhancements in future models.

If you already own a Ring device, such as the Ring Doorbell 2, a smart light bulb, or another Ring camera, you’ll be familiar with the app’s functionality. An added feature of this Stick Up Camera, not found in the doorbell, is a small button with an alarm function. When pressed, the camera emits a screeching alarm sound designed to deter potential intruders. This setup process is thoroughly streamlined with easy-to-follow audio and visual instructions. In less than 5 minutes, you can have your camera mounted on a bookshelf in your living room or outside, without the need for additional mounting equipment.

Few solar devices match the sturdy construction and premium feel of the Ring Solar panel. It’s weighty and exceptionally well-crafted. The video quality is high-definition, and the recording speed is commendable fast, significantly improved from two years ago. The infrared night vision works optimally within the near field of view, spanning several meters.

The Ring Stick Up Camera Solar is a fantastic choice for indoor or outdoor security. It integrates seamlessly with other Ring cameras or a Ring Doorbell via the same app. The high-definition picture quality is top-notch, and Amazon’s AWS File Clip processing speed has increased exponentially in recent years.

The Reolink Argus 3 Pro, the runner-up best solar-powered security camera for 2024, is an established brand renowned for top-tier outdoor security cameras. Reolink offers a rich portfolio of indoor and outdoor models to cater to diverse needs. The Argus 3 Pro stands out with its well-balanced feature set and competitive pricing, making it a formidable contender against premium cameras offering similar features.

The front of the Argus 3 Pro houses all sensors and lights, a camera, a PAR motion sensor, a pair of reflectors, 6 IR LEDs, and a microphone. The back features the speaker, situated next to the charging port and screws. A small rubber flap at the bottom conceals the power switch, microSD slot, and reset button. Installation of the Argus 3 Pro is a breeze, thanks to the included wall bracket and kit. For alternative mounting options, Reolink provides a 2-meter retractable nylon strap that fits into the bracket, enabling attachment to poles or tree branches. For indoor installation, a simple base with rubber mounts allows adjustable tilting of the camera.

The solar panel comes with a 4-meter fixed micro USB cable, designed to connect to the camera’s charging port under a weatherproof rubber seal. The Argus 3 Pro delivers up to 2K, 2560×1440 resolution, producing clear, and detailed images. While the 122-degree field of view will inevitably cause some distortion at the edges, the overall detail remains impressive. The camera captures sharp images at both close and medium range. The Argus 3 Pro is equipped with basic object recognition, identifying people, cars, and other objects. Each category can be customized to ignore specific areas in the frame, a crucial feature if the camera overlooks a busy road or sidewalk.

The Argus 3 Pro is a compact yet robust solar security camera, engineered to perform optimally in the most remote areas. Despite its minor shortcomings, it proves to be a reliable choice for those seeking a versatile, solar-powered security solution.

The Eufy Cam 3, also dubbed the best mid-range solar-powered security camera of 2024, is a game-changer in the realm of home security. Eufy has always been a forerunner in providing local storage and a subscription-free model. However, the Eufy Cam 3 is their first security camera that excels in facial recognition without necessitating cloud connectivity. For those who value privacy and are not keen on subscriptions, this camera could be the ideal choice.

The Eufy Cam 3 offers crystal-clear 4K footage, built-in artificial intelligence for accurate subject and face identification, and integrated solar panels for continuous charging. The home-based 3 Hub facilitates local storage with an internal memory of 16 gigabytes and an option to expand up to 16 terabytes by an integrated hard drive. The standout feature of Eufy Cam 3 is its facial recognition capability. The built-in machine learning AI, named Bionic Mind, is designed to detect and tag faces. When a recognized face appears, an alert bearing the name pops up on your phone. If an unfamiliar face is detected, it alerts you about the presence of a stranger. You can manually add familiar faces and train the system using a photo from your phone’s gallery or by clicking a new one.

The Eufy Cam 3 also excels in detecting humans, pets, and vehicles. You can customize activity zones and adjust detection sensitivity according to the location. The cameras capture footage in 4K and the video quality is excellent. The video is sharp and detailed, and the 8x zoom allows you to focus on specific areas without losing significant clarity. The cameras record in 4K by default, and the quality is automatically adjusted for streamlining based on your connection.

The Eufy Cam 3 is a reliable and advanced mid-range option for those looking for a solar-powered security camera with superior technology and features.

To help you save money, we’ve carefully selected the Blink Outdoor with Solar Panel Charging Mount for you. As of 2024, this product is regarded as the most cost-effective solar-powered security camera available on the market. The Blink Outdoor is an intelligent, wireless security camera that offers high-definition visuals during the day and infrared night vision capabilities. It also boasts two-way audio and motion detection features, which allow you to see, hear, and communicate with visitors via the Blink Home Monitor app.

The primary power source for your Blink Outdoor security camera is solar energy. Thanks to the Blink’s solar panel charging mount, this state-of-the-art charging mount provides uninterrupted power to your security camera, guaranteeing peace of mind as you won’t have to concern yourself with the possibility of your camera’s battery dying. This implies that you can keep an eye on your property without worrying about the camera running out of power at a crucial moment.

The solar panel charging mount presents an eco-friendly alternative to discarding batteries. Another noteworthy feature of the solar panel charging mount is its flexibility. You can simply rotate the solar panel when it’s attached or detach it and reposition it up to two metres away from the camera. This will not block the camera’s view while it charges. The design of the mount is compact and discreet, making it virtually unnoticeable while providing continuous sustainable charging.

Users also benefit from receiving motion detection alerts on their phones with the ability to customize motion zones through the Blink Home Monitor app, ensuring you are only alerted when necessary. An added convenience is the compatibility with Alexa. The Blink Outdoor security camera setup is straightforward and quick. Connect the outdoor to Wi-Fi and follow the instructions provided in the app. Position the bracket in direct sunlight using the included kit or opt for a no-drill installation.

The Blink Outdoor with solar panel charging mount offers a host of benefits, cost-effectiveness, and environmentally-friendly charging, flexibility, easy setup, and smart features. It definitely deserves a thumbs up.

The Arlo Pro 4, coupled with the Arlo solar panel charger, has been hailed as the top solar-powered security camera in 2024. This cutting-edge model stands out in the crowded market with its seamless smart home integration, 2K video resolution, cost-effective cloud storage, and elimination of a base station. This contemporary camera is not the cheapest option available, nor is it without flaws.

After extensive testing and comparison with high-end competitors like Google Nest Cam and Ring Spotlight Cam, users agree that Arlo Pro 4 offers the best blend of advanced features and value for money. Installation and connection to various smart home devices such as lights or smart displays are straightforward processes. The Arlo Pro 4 is a wireless setup, a significant upgrade from its predecessor, the Arlo Pro 3, which requires a base station. This reduces the need for expensive and bulky equipment.

Although the Arlo Pro 4’s price tag might be higher than competitors like Reolink, it offers superior connectivity options for those who prioritize smart home capabilities or use Apple products. Its impressive motion zone adjustments and the broadest field of view, 160 degrees, among recommended cameras make it stand out. Motion zones help minimize movement alerts by ignoring high-traffic areas near your home, like sidewalks or bus stops. If you need to cover a large area, a wide field of view allows you to do so with fewer cameras.

One exceptional feature of the Arlo Pro 4 is its color night vision and infrared modes. The color night vision uses a built-in spotlight to illuminate subjects near the camera when movement is detected, offering more detail. However, the infrared night vision setting is more discreet. The behavior and brightness of the spotlight can be adjusted according to your preference. Arlo’s cloud storage retains videos for up to 30 days before deletion. This duration is generally sufficient to download and keep important clips for longer.

Overall, the Arlo Pro 4 with the Arlo Solar Panel Charger proves to be a powerful, versatile, and user-friendly choice for home security. This model delivers top-notch performance at the best possible price-quality ratio.

When choosing a solar-powered camera, it’s important to keep a few key features in mind to ensure you get the best performance and reliability.

Here are the key features to look for in a solar-powered security camera:

The efficiency of the solar panel is crucial as it determines how well the camera can convert sunlight into energy. High-efficiency panels are more effective and can still charge the camera on cloudy days or in low-light conditions. This ensures that the camera remains operational even when sunlight is not optimal.

A reliable battery backup is essential for the camera to function at night or on cloudy days when there’s no sunlight. Checking the battery capacity can show how long the camera can run at a full charge. Some cameras have replaceable or expandable battery options, providing flexibility and extended usage for uninterrupted surveillance.

Higher-resolution cameras provide clearer and more detailed images or videos, which is crucial for effective surveillance. For standard use, look for cameras with at least 1080p resolution. A 4K camera might be more suitable for more detailed video surveillance & monitoring needs. Additionally, ensure the camera has good low-light performance if used in areas with limited lighting.

The connectivity options available in a camera determine how you can access and control it remotely. Wi-Fi connectivity is standard for home use, providing easy access and integration with home networks. Cameras with 4G or LTE options are ideal for remote locations without internet access. It’s important to make sure that your chosen connectivity option is compatible with your home network or data plan to avoid connectivity issues.

Outdoor cameras must withstand various weather conditions to be reliable over time. Look for cameras with high IP ratings (e.g., IP65, IP67), which indicate protection against dust and water. This ensures the camera can handle rain, snow, and dust without malfunctioning. Additionally, choosing a camera made of durable materials like metal or high-quality plastic can provide long-term durability and reliability.

Smart features enhance the functionality and convenience of the camera and check compatibility with your smart home platforms, such as Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, or Google Home. Motion detection alerts you to any activity within the camera’s field of view, while AI integration can distinguish between people, animals, and other objects, reducing false alerts. Some cameras offer additional features like two-way audio, facial recognition, and cloud storage, which can be useful according to your needs. These features not only improve the overall security but also add a layer of convenience to the user experience.

If you are looking for solar-powered security cameras to help you monitor the exterior of your business site, improve employee security, and keep your business protected, Spotter Security is your go-to security provider. With over 20 years of experience in security, Spotter Security has helped businesses across multiple industries secure their sites, including manufacturing, education, retail, construction, trucking, and warehousing.

With the right approach, solar-powered surveillance cameras can augment the rest of your security system by tracking who comes and goes and monitor general activity across the entire premises. Doing it correctly can pay dividends and make sure that your security system does not miss an incident or let you down.