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Top 8 Best Solar Powered Security Camera (Reviewed Jan 2020)
- January 18, 2020
Last update on 2023-09-04 at 01:27 / Affiliate links / Ratings / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Solar-powered security cameras are here, and they’re incredibly easy to install, maintain, and use. Interested in getting one? Continue reading, and you’ll learn more.
Having a solar security system sounds expensive and tricky. Not everyone is acquainted with solar-powered technology (in fact, I only got into it a few years ago), so it seems too exotic and complicated. But with modern advancements in security tech, installing a solar-panel device is quick, easy, and affordable. All you need to do is find the best solar-powered security camera for home protection out there, and I’m here to help you with that.
The following list contains the best products powered by the sun that 2020 had to offer. In addition, I’ve also provided a buyer’s guide to help you decide which system will work best for your house and provide you with the best video coverage.
Comparing the Cameras
Image
Product Name
Description
Our Rating
The Reolink Argus 2 has HD quality recording with 1920×1080 resolution images and videos, perfect for both day and night motion detection.
5/5
$$
Connecting using both 4G-LTE and 3G networks, the Reolink Go is the best solution for people who are often away from home.
5/5
$$$
Two batteries with 6,000 mAh capacity and recording even when the Wi-Fi is down make Hiseeu C10 a reliable and useful solar-powered product.
4/5
$$
Wi-Fi compatible and fully wireless, Reolink Argus Eco proves that Reolink security products keep evolving and pushing onward.
3.6/5
$$
Not only is YESKAMO easy to install, but its 6,000 mAh battery gives it that durable edge over the competition.
3.6/5
$$
SOLIOM stands out in the world of solar-powered camera security, thanks to its integrated solar panels and easy wireless installation.
3.6/5
$$
No products found.
HeimVision HMD2 is easy to install, fully wireless, and offers flawless motion detection at any point during the day.
3.6/5
$$$
No products found.
No products found.
FUVISION has surpassed its competition, thanks to its movable integrated solar panels, durable outer casing, and high-definition video recording capabilities.
3.4/5
$$$
No products found.
Last update on 2023-09-04 at 01:27 / Affiliate links / Ratings / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Best Solar Security Products of 2020 (Full Review)
Now, let’s talk about my top choices for the tankless electric water heaters. I’m also going to discuss all of their features and benefits and include a short explanation of different sizing guides. I’m even going to tell you who my winner for the best electric tankless water heater is and how you can make it work for your home.
Best Choice
Last update on 2023-09-04 at 01:27 / Affiliate links / Ratings / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. Reolink Argus 2
You’ll notice that I will mention Reolink products a lot throughout this review. That’s because I feel that their products are among the most reliable on the market right now. In fact, at least three of their products will grace this list, so let’s kick it off with Reolink Argus 2.
Visually, Reolink Argus 2 is beautiful. But it’s not just the black-and-white exterior that I enjoy. That dark lens can capture videos and images in 1920 by 1080 resolution. In addition, the lens covers 36 feet of area and has splendid night vision.
Of course, Argus 2 comes with a miniature panel. However, you can also connect it to a rechargeable battery via USB. Overall, the setup process is incredibly straightforward, and even an Average Joe like me can do it.
Last update on 2023-09-04 at 01:27 / Affiliate links / Ratings / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Reolink Go
When I hear the words “two-way audio” and “built-in microphone,” the product instantly gets my attention. Devices like Reolink Go with audio options are excellent since they give you an extra layer of safety. Yes, clear video is an important part of it. However, if a burglar somehow manages to break into my house, having both their face and voice on record will make it easier for the police to capture them.
Reolink Go is a durable little bullet-shaped product. The IPX65 rating tells you all you need to know about how well it stands against the dust and the rain. The bullet shape allows it to move in a versatile manner, giving you a good field of vision.
Interestingly, Reolink Go is not Wi-Fi-compatible, which I personally don’t like. However, it does support both 4G-LTE and 3G networks, so it’s still a fantastic device for those of us who are “on the go.” All movements are captured and stored on a Micro SD card.
And speaking of movement, the best feature of Reolink Go is the motion sensors. Thanks to the instant smart PIR motion alerts, you will get notifications on anything that Reolink Go’s lens captures. The 33 ft starlight night vision allows for spectacular nighttime recording.
Naturally, Reolink Go wouldn’t be on a top list like this one if it didn’t connect to a solar panel. You do have to buy the panel separately, but once you do, the Reolink Go will easily connect with it. You’re a simple USB connection away from saving energy while keeping your home safe.
Last update on 2023-09-04 at 01:27 / Affiliate links / Ratings / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. Hiseeu C10
Having 1080 full HD recordings is a must with every high-quality security cam, but it’s rare to see one that captures movement as quickly as Hiseeu C10. With a reach of over 30 ft, this little beauty has almost everything I need in a great product.
With two rechargeable Panasonic batteries at 6,000 mAh, the C10 can work continuously for 120 days. Moreover, a single 3,000 mAh battery takes as few as five days to fully charge. That way, C10 gets to work “full time” without a break in recording. Naturally, the C10 comes bundled with a panel, which is as weather-resistant as the device itself, with a rating of IPX65.
Unlike other products, the Hiseeu C10 comes with its own 32 GB Micro SD card. However, if that’s not enough for you, you can upgrade to a 128 GB card, which you do need to buy separately.
Motion detection is excellent with C10. The smart PIR motion sensors can detect mammals and send motion alerts directly to the CloudEdge app, where you can peruse the footage. Moreover, you can adjust the sensitivity using the same app.
Finally, I do have to note that my absolute favorite feature is how the C10 captures videos. Even if my Wi-Fi is offline, C10 will continue to do its thing. As someone who lives in a windy area where Wi-Fi can glitch from time to time, I wholeheartedly adore this feature.
Last update on 2023-09-04 at 01:27 / Affiliate links / Ratings / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. Reolink Argus Eco
Few cams can claim to be fully wireless. But then again, few are like Reolink Argus Eco. Being the final Reolink product on this list, the Eco is incredibly easy to set up, works 24/7, and comes with its own solar panel. There are zero cables involved as it works using Wi-Fi. All you need to do is install the app, and the voice instructions will literally tell you how to go about setting up the Eco. I personally love this since written and/or illustrated instructions can be a bit confusing sometimes. A voice that actually says, “place your device here, your panel there, etc.” saves me lots of time.
But it takes more than full-wireless capability to make a device stand out. I have to say that the Eco’s motion detection is amazing, especially the proven method of smart DIR motion sensors that capture anything large and moving. However, Eco goes the extra mile by ignoring false alarms, such as moths or other insects. Whenever there’s proper movement, Eco will send push notifications via an app. You also get email notifications and sound alarms.
Last update on 2023-09-04 at 01:27 / Affiliate links / Ratings / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. YESKAMO Solar Powered Security Camera System
The YESKAMO is quite small and light, making it easy enough to install. Now, what can make a lightweight product better if not the same battery power that the Hiseeu C10 uses? Once again, I get to enjoy the benefits of 6,000 mAh Panasonic batteries that don’t take long to recharge but work for 120 days nonstop.
The viewing angle of the YESKAMO is amazing, at 130°, giving me a fantastic field of vision and covering as many blind spots as possible. In addition, the smart PIR motion detection is just as great with YESKAMO as it is with any Reolink product. Add two-way audio and full HD 1080 recording to the mix, and you have yourself a fantastic product that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the others on this list.
Motion detection sends instant alerts to the app. However, there is a bit of an issue there. The app itself takes up lots of space on my phone. Usually, these apps are small and compact, so if I were YESKAMO, I’d look into downsizing their software and making it more compatible. Of course, the app itself is quite user-friendly and easy to maneuver.
Last update on 2023-09-04 at 01:27 / Affiliate links / Ratings / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
6. SOLIOM Outdoor Solar Battery Powered Security Camera
Nothing gets me as excited as seeing an innovative design. I say this because SOLIOM’s solar-powered wireless security camera is indeed solar, in the most literal sense. SOLIOM has a panel on each of its sides, making it look like a tiny futuristic airplane. I’ll go on record and say that this camera is by far the cutest safety product I’ve seen since the Arlo Baby smart monitor.
With an IPX66 rating, the SOLIOM is tough. In addition to waterproofing and strength, it’s also incredible at motion detection. LED lights even help it with night detection, providing 1080 quality videos and images throughout the 24-hour day cycle.
Last update on 2023-09-04 at 01:27 / Affiliate links / Ratings / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
7. HeimVision HMD2
HeimVision’s HMD2 device is, in my opinion, an excellent starting point when it comes to solar panel security. Of course, this might sound a bit controversial since this model does NOT come with a panel, which you have to buy separately. And while I agree that this fact is a setback for HMD2, I’ll still argue the case in favor of the product.
In the case of a “missing panel,” proper solar safety should cover a few basic features: USB connectivity, Cloud connectivity, and easy installation. Luckily, HeimVision HMD2 has all of the above, so connecting a panel is as easy as it gets.
Of course, the device itself has a lot to offer. High-definition 1080 cams capture footage clearly both during the day and night. In fact, it has some excellent night detection and a wide range of sensitivity options. Furthermore, it’s an IPX65 weatherproof product with access to Cloud storage.
Last update on 2023-09-04 at 01:27 / Affiliate links / Ratings / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
8. FUVISION Solar Powered Outdoor Security Camera
What better way to conclude a list than with a security cam that has adjustable solar panels? That’s right, the FUVISION sunlight-powered cam comes with IPX66 weather-resistant exterior, and its top side has a panel that you can adjust. Based on the angle of the sun, I can shift the panels to capture as much sunlight as possible.
The panels would be enough of a reason for me to buy FUVISION, but there is one feature that’s even better, and that’s the 10,400 mAh battery. It’s definitely one of the most long-lasting on the market, and it’ll definitely endure the 365 days of standby as advertised. Naturally, FUVISION also comes with high-definition video capture and excellent motion detection.
The Buyer’s Guide to the Best Solar-Powered Security Cameras
Camera Placement
In order to get the best out of a security device, we need to know a few key factors. Since I need top safety coverage, I must place my cams strategically around the house. That part is easy enough with regular security products, but there’s an extra layer there when your device is charged by the sun.
With that in mind, the next key factor is placing the panel in a spot where it will get the optimum sunlight throughout the day. A typical solar panel needs to be able to “work” during peak sun-hours. In other words, the best time for a panel to be active is when the sun manages to provide 1,000 watts of power per square mile. It’s not about the length of time the sun is actually up, though, which is what I thought at first. Instead, it’s about the highest intensity of sunlight.
Logically speaking, the best time to hit peak sun-hours is at noon. However, we need to take different seasons and climate conditions into account.
Weatherproofing Standards
Since my sun-charged device is on the outside, it should be able to withstand the elements. There are lots of factors to consider, but the most common ones are water and dust proofing. In terms of water, security devices are ranked using something called the Ingress Protection ranking or IP.
When it comes to water, an IPX-0 product isn’t particularly good in the rain. On the opposite end of that, we have IPX-7 devices that can withstand being submerged in up to 1 meter of water for about half an hour. Dust weatherproofing has similar ratings, with IPX-0 products performing poorly, while IPX-6 ones withstanding nearly every speck of dust.
If you happen to see a product ranked IPX-65 or something similar, that’s not a typo or a new ranking number. Companies usually tend to put water AND dust rankings in the same designation, with the first number indicating the water IP index.
Battery
The battery is possibly the best asset a solar-powered device can have. After all, you can’t expect it to work during the night when there’s no direct sunlight. That’s why it’s extremely important to get the power supply with a decent capacity.
A good rule of thumb is to buy a battery that has 10X the capacity of the solar panel that the device uses. I know from experience that smaller batteries overcharge and cause problems. Another detail to consider is getting rechargeable batteries with your security setup. Solving both of these issues isn’t easy, but the best place to start is to consult the salesperson and discuss possible battery options.
Storage Space
Saving lots of images and 1080 full HD videos will require space and lots of it. Luckily, most cams support Micro SD cards. Moreover, a typical Micro SD memory card isn’t particularly expensive, including those with tons of gigabytes of storage space.
The cool thing about Micro SD cards is that you can record videos locally, without having to pay for a subscription fee. In addition, you can manage the saved images and videos incredibly easil. Just insert the card into a slot on your smart device, i.e., your phone or tablet, and you’re good to go.
But it doesn’t end with memory cards. Another popular option for storing recorded information is through using a Cloud service. While there are some limitations to this option, I personally love using Cloud since it gives me the opportunity to access the recorded content from anywhere. All I need is a device and a Wi-Fi internet connection. And speaking of Wi-Fi…
Wi-Fi Connectivity
Obviously, connecting cams through Wi-Fi isn’t as “durable” as doing it using regular cables. There are plenty of issues there, such as harsh weather or connection breaks. But I’ll still argue in favor of choosing a Wi-Fi-friendly wireless solar-powered surveillance camera with movement sensors.
First of all, the Wi-Fi allows me to get motion alerts on my phone whenever the lens picks up on something suspicious. That’s an amazing feature that I can use when, for example, I’m in the bathroom or in the attic, unable to check the footage directly. And second of all, with Wi-Fi enabled, I can look at the live view while I’m out.
Interestingly, there are sun-powered cellular security cams that use 3G or 4G cellular data. These are perfect for places that either don’t or can’t have any Wi-Fi. In fact, they have all the benefits of any typical Wi-Fi-friendly product.
Scalability
I’ve been buying security products for a while now. Like many other users, I prefer to use both old and new ones if I can afford it. After all, why throw away an old product if it works just fine?
One of the biggest benefits of current security technology is that new systems can integrate old products. What’s more, they can even do that with products from entirely different manufacturers. But not all of the systems have this “backward compatibility.” That’s why I always urge other users to get a sun-powered setup that can integrate other, regular cams. It’s far cheaper than buying a set of four or more devices right away. Plus, it gets you additional coverage, even if their field of vision is sub-par.
And speaking of scalability and connectivity, it’s always a bonus if the system connects to a digital assistant. Personally, I use Alexa, but there are security setups out there that work just fine with Google Assistant or other software.
Installation
Any security device, solar-powered or otherwise, ought to be easy to install. Normally, you’d get a professional to do it for you, but with modern wireless security, easy installation is almost an extra benefit. It’s all a matter of setting your device up and pushing a few buttons. Luckily, the systems tend to come with clear instructions that are also available on the manufacturers’ official websites.
One of the biggest benefits of current security technology is that new systems can integrate old products. What’s more, they can even do that with products from entirely different manufacturers. But not all of the systems have this “backward compatibility.” That’s why I always urge other users to get a sun-powered setup that can integrate other, regular cams. It’s far cheaper than buying a set of four or more devices right away. Plus, it gets you additional coverage, even if their field of vision is sub-par.
And speaking of scalability and connectivity, it’s always a bonus if the system connects to a digital assistant. Personally, I use Alexa, but there are security setups out there that work just fine with Google Assistant or other software.
Price
I tend not to talk about individual product prices when I cover topics like this one. After all, I don’t represent any company, and you’re not a customer I need to woo with clever advertising. But I will be quite brief and cover the costs of sun-powered surveillance in the most basic terms.
Some people think that buying cheap knock-off products is enough. However, based on what I’ve been through, I have to say that buying low-quality security devices is a recipe for disaster. Never be afraid to splurge a bit for a high-quality 1080 full HD setup. It’s better to pay a little more for security than to suffer the consequences of a break-in or a burglary.
Now, this might sound like a contradiction, but I’m not entirely against getting a cheap or a fake security device. However, I advise getting a few ONLY as an addition to an existing system. A lot of potential burglars will spot a lens and try to get into the yard or the house through a blindspot.
What I do is place some fake security cameras on obvious locations outside. But the blind spots are covered by high-definition devices that have decent night vision and a wide viewing angle. Combining new systems with old and fake ones is guaranteed to get you a good night’s sleep.
Conclusion: Which Solar-Powered Camera Do I Get?
None of the products I’ve listed in this solar power security camera review are perfect. However, their benefits outweigh their flaws, and you wouldn’t be wrong in choosing either of them. It all depends on where you want to place your camera and, more importantly, where you want to put the solar panel.
If you don’t feel like buying a panel separately, always pick a system that comes bundled with one. Alternatively, you can pick a product that has panels integrated into the body of the product itself. Personally, I prefer cameras with Wi-Fi connectivity despite having internet problems during bad weather. After all, it’s always a good idea to connect your security system with your smart devices, so having products with both 4G and Wi-Fi connectivity is a bonus.
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Alex
Hi, my name is Alex Sayad and I’d like to welcome you to DD Counter Measures!
Ever since I started my family, I’ve spent countless sleepless nights worrying about how to keep them safe. So, during those nights, I went online and read about home improvement guides and security systems.
After a while, all my friends started coming to me for advice and tips on how to protect their homes. Seeing how much I loved talking about it and sharing my knowledge, my wife suggested that I create a website. That’s how the idea of DD Counter Measures was born.
Now, after a few years of hard work, I’m happy to say that this website has grown into something I never imagined possible. We have built a community of writers and readers who are dedicated to sharing their knowledge on home security, improvements, tools, and much more.
I hope you fall in love with this website while reading it as I do every day while writing for it. Enjoy!
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