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Avoid the effort of running data cables and supplying power to remote parts of your property by installing a solar-powered security camera! We give a run down on the various types of cameras along with key features to consider when making your choice.

Best Solar-Powered Wireless Security Cameras
9.6
Top pickA wireless security camera with a motion spotlight
9.5 Ring
Runner upOptional Ring Protect Plan
9.3
Top Pan/Tilt PickA smart detection security camera with 355° viewing
9.0 ZUMIMALL
Reduced false alarms with human detection

Why Invest in a Solar-Powered Security Camera?

Solar-powered security cameras can have various benefits for homeowners. Ease of installation is the obvious advantage. Unlike regular electricity-operated security cameras, solar-powered ones don’t depend on power lines. Wi-Fi models allow you to stream content to your devices via a nearby router, meaning no Cat5/6 or Coaxial cables are needed.

9.6
Top pick
A wireless security camera with a motion spotlight

Designed with a smart PIR motion detection, the Reolink Argus 3 security camera easily detects and distinguishes humans from bugs, twigs, and vehicles to send the right alerts.

Top Features
  • Color night vision
  • 1080 FHD
  • Two-way audio

The Reolink Argus 3 solar-powered security camera features a Smart PIR motion detection technology to ensure optimal efficacy. The PIR motion detection technology can easily detect and distinguish humans from bugs and vehicles. This allows the camera to send you important notifications. 

You can choose to receive your notifications via email or push mobile notifications. As if live video streaming is not enough, the camera offers an extra layer of security precautions with the two-way talk to respond to people at your front door. 

LED Spotlight

Furthermore, you can still enjoy the same level of security during the night. The camera boasts a luminous LED spotlight with 2-megapixel starlight CMS sensor which allows it to offer full color images in 1080p full HD video quality both during the day and at night. 

With 1080p video streaming you can spot the smallest details, whether it’s a symbol on the intruder’s t-shirt or the color of the car they are driving. The motion-activated light alarm integrates spotlights that can illuminate your yard when motion-activated. You can do the same through the Reolink app remotely. 

Siren

Additionally, the motion activation technology offers extra features such as the built-in siren and custom voice alarm. You can also choose to record the live streaming at a specific schedule as well as pinpoint the saved videos and replay them on intuitive apps.

What I liked
  • Motion-activated light alarm to illuminate the yard during motion events
  • Built-in siren for sound alerts
  • Color night vision mode for clear and contrast viewing at night
  • Allows for microSD and Reolink cloud storage for motion events
What I didn't like
  • Only compatible with a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection

Tech Specs

Resolution1080p HD with 15 FPS
View field      120 degrees
Night vision   Yes, up to 33 feet
Audio             Yes, two-way
Zooming       6x digital
9.5
Runner up
Optional Ring Protect Plan

The Ring Stick Up Cam allows you to see, hear, and speak to people on the other side. You can do so using your phone, tablet, or Echo device. To cater to your needs, this solar-powered security camera allows you to set up privacy features, including customizable privacy and audio features.

Top Features
  • Two-way talk
  • 1080p HD
  • Advanced motion detection

The camera can also be connected to a Ring doorbell of other cameras for a comprehensive security system in your home. Its separately-sold subscription Ring Protect Plan on the other end records all your videos to allow you to track what you missed in the last 60 days.

The HeimVision HMD2 Wireless Security Camera comes with a magnetic mount which makes installation effortless. Its IP65 waterproof-rated body on the other end allows the camera to survive the harshest weather conditions.

Top Features
  • 1080p full HD night vision
  • 130-degree wide angle view
  • PIR motion sensor

The solar-powered camera is fitted with a powerful 6000 mAh rechargeable battery that can last for up to 4 months on a single charge. You can also connect the camera to a solar panel to keep it continuously charging. Its advanced PIR motion detector detects HMD2 IR that is emitted by humans to deliver the right alerts.

9.3
Top Pan/Tilt Pick
A smart detection security camera with 355° viewing

Using the Reolink Argus Solar Security Camera, you can enjoy a full view around the house. Built with a pan & tilt finish, the camera rotates up to 355 degrees horizontally and tilts up to 140 degrees vertically to cover every corner of your home.

Top Features
  • Pan & tilt
  • Smart PIR motion detection
  • 1080p full HD and Starlight night vision

Built with a 1080p full HD video, the camera boasts a 2 MP CMOS sensor which offers a clearer and smooth video than a 720p camera. At night, the advanced Starlight technology allows you to see footage that covers a distance of up to 33 feet clearly.

The Zumimal Wireless Outdoor Solar Security Camera is built with a PIR sensor that delivers an advanced detection performance compared to traditional PIR sensors, allowing it to support human detection only. This means that the camera reduces false alarms such as animal and passing vehicle detection.

Top Features
  • Two-way audio
  • IP65 waterproof rating
  • 1080p HD night vision

Its rapid wake up design on the other end offers a quick response time to motion events thanks to its sensitive sensors. The day and nighttime camera can also be customized with an alarm plan based on the date and time of your preferences to trigger alarms during the set times to save power.

Solar-Powered Wireless Security Cameras Features to Consider

Footage Storage & Streaming

When choosing the best solar-powered security camera, you want to go for the good quality lenses—go for at least 1080p UHD or FHD lenses. Furthermore, you want your camera to offer storage options. 

Typically, you will find cameras that offer microSD card storage as well as cloud storage through their apps, allowing you to capture your motion event footage. Other options, such as the Ring brand, offer a storage subscription plan that can be paid monthly.

Compatibility

Investing in a camera with versatile compatibility with multiple features, apps, and devices makes it possible for you to discover some extra uses. For example, you can find a security camera that is compatible with Alexa, allowing you to enjoy voice control. 

Furthermore, many solar-powered security cameras are Wi-Fi-compatible—you can control them remotely using their apps on your smartphone or PC, whether you want to rotate them or customize a schedule.

Solar Capacity

Solar-powered security cameras are also fitted with rechargeable batteries. The batteries come in different sizes based on your needs. Some can power up the cameras for up to 4 months on a single charge, whilst others extend to 6 months. 

Additionally, other cameras are designed to be plugged into the solar panel, as they work as long as there is sunlight, to ensure long-lasting power.

Resolution & Quality

A high-quality security camera should have a good resolution. Generally, a higher resolution means better image quality and more vivid details you will be able to see on the footage. 

For example, 1080p security cameras offer better resolution than 720p whilst 4K cameras are better than 5 MP cameras. Similarly, 5 MP cameras are better than 2 MP cameras when it comes to image resolution.

Motion Detection & Two-Way Audio

Furthermore, the best solar-powered security camera offers articulate motion detection and two-way audio. An accurate motion detection system should integrate sensors that are accurate at picking up humans and differentiating between bugs, animals, and vehicles that are passing by. 

The two-way audio talk, on the other end, offers an extra layer of security, allowing you to communicate with the person on your front door, even through your smartphone or tablet.

The Verdict

The best solar-powered security cameras come with the advantage of  convenient installation. Thanks to their wireless build, you don’t have to worry about the hassles of dealing with wires and positioning them. Last, but not least, their solar-powered operation means you can use them anywhere.

9.6
Top pick
A wireless security camera with a motion spotlight

Designed with a smart PIR motion detection, the Reolink Argus 3 security camera easily detects and distinguishes humans from bugs, twigs, and vehicles to send the right alerts.

Top Features
  • Color night vision
  • 1080 FHD
  • Two-way audio

Sources

Wikipedia

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