With solar-powered security cameras, you can keep an eye on your business without having to pay the extra electricity bill for conventional cameras. Many high-quality options are available, but we recommend the SOLIOM solar surveillance camera for outdoor use due to its sharp image, robust construction and integrated two-way call function.
But it wasn’t the only camera that stood out from us. We also selected four other people who contacted us for their image quality, features, mobile capabilities and customer feedback.
You can find out more about each of them by clicking on the links below, or read our full reviews of the top five solar security cameras.
Top 5 solar security cameras for 2020
- SOLIOM – best security camera for solar power systems
- REOLINK Outdoor – best choice for LTE 3G and 4G connections
- REOLINK Argus 2 – best large-area solar camera
- ENSTER – Best solar camera withprojector .
- MyCommand – Best Solar Battery Powered Security Camera
Solar safety camera performance evaluations
Read our detailed solar camera reviews below to learn more about our best cameras and to find the best solar cameras for you.
The SOLIOM outdoor surveillance camera, powered by solar energy, features 1080p video, a robust construction and a powerful mobile application that allows you to watch live video and talk to anyone within range of the camera. It also has an impressive 160 degree field of view, the largest of any camera on the list, and night vision that allows you to keep an eye on the area at all times.
Although you can leave the SOLIOM camera at any time, you can also switch to motion activation if desired. There are three sensitivity settings that allow you to adjust the sensitivity to the environment and reduce the risk of false alarms. There are few other solar-powered surveillance cameras that make this possible. So it is worth thinking about whether you have had to deal with traffic cameras that have not been switched on or off too often in the past.
The solar battery is built into the camera itself, which limits the amount of sunlight on the camera. You need to position the camera so that it shows what you want, but this can cause the solar panel to catch the sun at a non-ideal angle. However, for most people this shouldn’t be a problem, because the solar panels are on top of the plane, so it should be able to catch some sunlight for most of the day.
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The REOLINK Go wireless PTZ cameras for outdoor use are in many ways similar to the REOLINK Argus 2 cameras mentioned above, except that they do not require WiFi. It works on the same 3G and 4G LTE networks as your mobile phone, so you can access the mobile application’s frames wherever you have a mobile connection. This makes it an excellent choice for rural areas, tourists or even for walks in the woods. With the REOLINK mobile application, up to 10 people can simultaneously view sequences in real time at a resolution of 1080p and store the material on an SD card for later viewing.
REOLINK Go has a slightly smaller field of view than Argus-2 cameras, but only 110 degrees. However, it should be suitable for most people. It features a 33-foot starlight night scope, allowing you to clearly see the area around the camera at all times, and there is a built-in speaker that allows you to communicate with anyone close to the camera via a mobile application.
Like the REOLINK Argus 2, the Go camera can be powered by a solar panel or a micro USB cable, but unfortunately these are not included, so you will have to buy them separately. This makes this already very expensive device even more expensive and can make it inaccessible for people on a tight budget. If you do not really need the display function of the mobile phone, one of the other WiFi cameras on this list may be better suited.
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If you plan to cover a larger area or more than one area, such as the front and back gardens, the REOLINK Argus 2 solar outdoor camera system may be more suitable for you. Each of the two cameras has a viewing angle of 130 degrees, so it is only a little bit behind our top and can see up to 33 feet long, day and night. The quality of the Full HD 1080p video is also the same as that of the SOLIOM camera.
These cameras are also an excellent option for farms that don’t get much sun because there are different ways to charge them. They contain batteries that you can power by connecting them to a solar panel or by plugging the micro-USB cable into a nearby power outlet. The solar panel is not attached to the camera, giving you more freedom to position the camera where it best captures the sun without compromising the camera angle. The solar battery and the charging cable are not included with the cameras, so they must be purchased separately.
REOLINK cameras are connected to your WiFi, so you can view the images at any time via the REOLINK mobile application. You can also insert an SD card if you want to save the recorded video for later access. Unfortunately, this solar-powered surveillance camera does not work without WiFi. So if you don’t have WiFi access where you want to place the camera, you may prefer our next choice.
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The ENSTER solar powered surveillance camera with motion detector for the projector is an excellent choice for those who want to keep their home safe without increasing their electricity bill. Motion-controlled lights and cameras turn on when someone passes by and they automatically send an alert to your mobile phone so you can see who it is via the mobile application. The camera has night vision and 1080p video, so you can clearly see what’s going on at all times.
The solar panel is integrated in the top of the lamp, which gives it a smoother appearance, but it also means that you have to be more careful where you place the light, so that it can catch most of the sun. The ENSTER camera has only a 90 degree field of view. So, if you need to cover a large area, it may be necessary to purchase several of these cameras.
The sunlight is brilliant and protected by a water and heat resistant housing, making it resistant to almost all weather conditions. However, you may have to remove it if you are experiencing a cold winter because the manufacturer does not recommend using it below 14 degrees Fahrenheit.
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The MyCommand solar camera is designed for hunters and nature lovers who want to keep an eye on their favourite spots without having to change cables or batteries. This camouflage camera integrates easily into its surroundings and contains a solar battery that, according to the manufacturer, can last up to six months. The camera is also waterproof, dustproof and shockproof to withstand tough physical conditions.
The image quality of the MyCommand Solar Trail camera is not as good as some of the other cameras on this list. The manufacturer claims to have a 12 or 16 megapixel camera, depending on the model, but does not say what type of video quality applies. It also has a viewing angle of only 90 degrees, which is smaller than the other solar-powered security cameras mentioned here. However, it has night vision, allowing you to see all the people or animals that are coming at any time.
Unfortunately, the camera only stores the video on the SD card, and there is no way to view the images remotely. Therefore, it may not work as well as a REOLINK Go camera if you want to view the images at any time. However, if you go outside occasionally, you can check the images and make sure that the camera is still working and is in the best position to capture the sun.
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What do you need to know about solar surveillance cameras?
Here are some things you need to know about solar security cameras before you buy one.
Make sure the camera is compatible with your WiFi connection.
Most solar-powered security cameras use WiFi, but they cannot use all WiFi networks. Many cameras indicate in their specifications that they can only work with 2.4 GHz WiFi networks, but cannot support 5 GHz connections. Depending on your network, you may only have access to one or both options.
If you only have a 5 GHz connection, you may have trouble finding a solar-powered security camera that works with it. You may need to consider implementing a 2.4 GHz option or opting for a solar-powered mobile surveillance camera that does not require WiFi at all.
Think about the ideal position of your solar panel and camera separately.
Think about where you want to place the camera, and then wonder if this area gets enough light for the solar panel. If this is the case, you can buy a camera with a separate solar panel or an all-in-one unit where the solar panel is integrated into the camera itself. However, if you think the solar panel won’t get much sun where it is, take a camera with a detachable solar panel so you can move it around and put it in the best position to capture more light.
Remember this: Just because a place seems perfect now, doesn’t mean it always will be. Pay attention to the way the sun moves during the day and check the solar camera regularly to ensure that branches of trees, bushes or other obstacles do not block the view of the camera or solar panel, as this may affect performance. If you don’t get enough sun, consider using traditional wired security cameras.
Think about your climate.
Solar cameras work best in areas that get a lot of sun, but are not equally happy everywhere. If you live in a cloudy area, you may prefer a camera with large batteries so that the camera can store power for longer. You can also search for a charging method that offers an alternative, such as a power cord.
You must also take into account the conditions under which the surveillance camera may be suspended. Most are resistant to heat, wind and rain, but for some models cold can be a problem. If you plan to use the unit all year round, pay particular attention to the temperature range recommended by the manufacturer. Try to choose one that suits the climate in your area.
How we selected the best solar surveillance cameras
We’ve selected the best solar cameras for their coverage and image quality, availability, durability and the extra features they offer.
Coverage and image quality
To be useful, the solar surveillance cameras must be able to cover a large area. Most manufacturers give you an idea of the camera’s angle of view and how far it can see things, and you can use this as a starting point to determine which camera is best for you.
You also want to pay attention to the quality of the video camera. Abrasive images can make the camera unusable for your needs, especially at night. The best solar-powered security cameras have 1080p video and night vision, so you can watch both day and night.
Availability
Some solar-powered security cameras are connected to your home’s WiFi network, so you can view the images in real time via a mobile application or on your computer. This is your best option if you want direct and regular access to the camera recordings.
But not everyone has wifi, or you can place the camera outside the wifi coverage area. In this case, look for a camera that can use an SD card to store images. The best option, although more expensive, is a solar-powered mobile surveillance camera. These cameras work on the same network as your mobile phone, so you can access the images via your phone even without WiFi.
Sustainability
Solar security cameras are left in the cells so they can withstand strong winds, rain, sun and possibly even snow, depending on where you live. The camera you choose must be made of strong plastic or metal and must be waterproof to prevent rain from entering and damaging the internal components.
Other characteristics
Your solar-powered surveillance camera can include additional features such as a projector, a built-in alarm or a two-way call, so you can use the mobile application to talk to people within range of the camera. Not everyone will need these extra services, but they can help you decide if you want to share the cameras with two similar solar cameras.
Summary: What we learned about solar surveillance cameras.
The choice of the solar-powered security camera depends on the use you want to make of it. We recommend the SOLIOM outdoor solar camera for those who are looking for a powerful and versatile solar camera that can compete with their traditional cousins and sisters. But if you don’t like it, try one of our best products.
Comparison of Top 5 solar camera options for 2020
- SOLIOM – best security camera for solar power systems
- REOLINK Outdoor – best choice for 3G and 4G LTEconnections
- REOLINK Argus 2 – best large-area solar camera
- ENSTER – Best solar camera withprojector .
- MyCommand – Best Solar Battery Powered Security Camera
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