Best Solar-Powered Home Security Cameras
Updated by Alexia on
No power outlet? No problem. These outdoor cameras can harness the power of the sun. We looked 10+ brands to find the best Solar-powered outdoor security cameras.
We like the Reolink Argus 3 Pro for its simple DIY setup, cheap price tag, and easy-to-use app. You can pick up the camera and compatible Reolink solar panel for around $115, and it’s a snap to install. The Argus 3 Pro also has impressive solar power, a good picture, and clear starlight night vision. Whether you’re trying to go green, save money on the power bill, or keep an eye on a garage or barn, this is a solid, affordable choice. Read our comparison to see how it holds up to other solar cameras.
Top 5 Solar-Powered security cameras
- Reolink Argus 3 Pro: Best value
- Ring Stick Up Cam Solar: Best Runner up
- Zumimall Surveillance Camera: Best Budget pick
- Maxsa Motion-Activated Camera and Floodlight: Best Versatile pick
- Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight: Best camera selection
The best solar-powered security cameras in comparison
Product | Best for | Price* | Video resolution | Video storage | Weather durability | Panel cord length | Learn more | Read review |
Reolink Argus 3 Pro | Best value | $119.99 | 1440p (2K) | Micro SD card, 7 days free cloud storage | IP65 | 13 feet | View on Amazon |
Read review |
Ring Stick Up Cam Solar | Best Runner up | $148.99 | 1080p | Ring Protect plan required | IPX5 | 13 feet | View on Amazon |
Read review |
Zumimall Solar Powered Camera | Best Budget pick | $79.99 | 2k | Micro SD card, cloud | IP65 | 20ft | View on Amazon |
Read review |
Maxsa Secuity Cam | Best Versatile pick | $199.95 | 720p | Micro SD card | IP44 | 15ft | View on Amazon |
Read review |
Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight | Best camera selection | $249.99 | 1080p | Micro SD card | IP65 | 13 ft | View on Amazon |
Read review |
*Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.
The best solar-powered security cameras reviews
1. Reolink Argus 3 Pro: Best value
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Reolink Argus 3 Pro -
Easy installation
Affordable price
Customizable alerts
Pros | Cons |
Cheap price tag Easy-to-follow instructions Customizable alerts Good image quality Free cloud storage Two-way audio |
SD card sold separately Batteries aren't removable No motion zones
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The Reolink Argus 3 Pro is an affordable battery-operated outdoor security camera that offers crisp 2K video and a set of customization options that help improve the camera's performance, but it lacks IFTTT support and the battery life per charge It won't be very long either. If you buy both the Argus 3 Pro and the solar panel, the $40 solar panel costs half the price.
Despite its low price, the Reolink's solar panel has 3.2 watts, which is more efficient than other 2.9 watts. Plus, the 13-foot power cord means you can place the panels and cameras relatively far away for maximum solar efficiency and camera field of view.
In addition to the excellent solar panel, Reolink also offers local video storage on microSD cards, which can accommodate up to 128GB cards. Argus 3 Pro features intelligent motion detection, which can distinguish between human and vehicle motion. It supports push and email alerts and offers a time-lapse feature so you can watch videos quickly, but you'll need a microSD card for that.
The camera comes with a free basic cloud plan that gives you 1GB of recorded video storage and a 7-day history for a single camera. The Standard plan gets you 30GB of storage and 30 days of history for up to 5 cameras, while the $9.99 per month Premier plan gets you 80GB of storage and 30 days of history for up to 10 cameras. The Business plan costs $14.99 per month and comes with 150GB of storage and 60 days of history for up to 20 cameras. That's a better deal than Wyze and Arlo's basic plans.
Overall, the Reolink Argus 3 Pro is an excellent battery-operated security camera that delivers high-quality video day or night. The app could do more, though, and it lacks motion detection, which other competitors in this price range already offer.
Read our full Reolink Argus 3 Pro review.
2. Ring Stick Up Cam Solar: Best Runner up
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Ring Stick Up Cam Solar -
Plug-in HD security camera
Two-way-talk and Alexa-compatible
Compatibility with Ring Alarm
Pros | Cons |
Theft protection Voice control Compatibility with Ring Alarm Accurate motion detection Excellent video quality |
Expensive price tag Required subscription for video recording Quieter siren
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The Ring Stick Up Cam Solar is a solar powered security camera from Ring. While buying a solar pack is cheaper than adding solar panels to your Ring Stick Up Cam Battery, there is more flexibility in the way solar panels operate.
The Ring battery is removable. This means that once the included battery dies, you won't need to replace the entire camera like you do with all lithium-ion batteries.
Ring's website lists no fewer than eight solar panel accessories. Not every panel is compatible with every Ring smart home camera or doorbell, but we like that Ring offers four sizes that work with the Stick Up Cam Solar and Spotlight Cam. The Ring 5W solar panel is more powerful than the Reolink's 3.2W compared to the 3.2W Reolink.
This camera works perfectly with Ring Alarm home security systems, most home security systems aside from Arlo and SimpliSafe don't offer solar powered cameras, so extending protection to more remote spots on your property is a big plus Advantage.
Read our full Ring Stick Up Cam review to learn more.
3. Zumimall Solar Powered Surveillance Camera: Best Budget pick
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Zumimall Solar Powered Camera -
Night vision up to 55 ft.
Adjustable motion sensitivity
Two-way audio
Pros | Cons |
2-way audio Adjustable motion sensitivity App supports multiple users 120° field of view Night vision up to 55ft Detects motion up to 32ft |
Glitchy motion sensitivity Battery issues Poor image in shadowy conditions SD card sold separately
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The Zumimall Wireless Solar Powered Outdoor Security Camera meets all your requirements. Solar powered, with a powerful rechargeable battery, this wireless outdoor camera can provide uninterrupted power. You don't have to worry about taking off the camera to charge it.
It features 2-way audio and multi-way remote access, with noise-canceling speakers and a microphone that make interactive communication possible: talk to your elders, kids, the postman or welcoming guests when you're not at home. Multiple account sharing allows you to share this WiFi camera with family members to view at the same time.
Read our full Zumimall Solar Powered Surveillance Camera review to learn more.
4. Maxsa Motion-Activated Solar Security Camera and Floodlight: Best Versatile pickVersatile pick
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Maxsa Solar Security Camera -
Built-in floodlight
Customizable settings
Affordable price
Pros | Cons |
Affordable price Customizable settings Ample storage Built-in floodlight |
Oversensitive motion detection Unreliable date and time stamps
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When motion is detected after dusk, the MAXSA Innovations Solar Motion Activated Security Floodlight with 16 ultra-bright surface mount LEDs produces 879 lumens. This light features 16 surface mount LEDs. It includes a rechargeable battery pack, solar charging panel, and 15-foot cable. Adjustment dials allow you to adjust the activation time, sensitivity, and when the lights start to activate.
Whatever worries you, this camera and floodlight will capture it. Great for driveways, parking lots, entryways, farms, parks or trails. Stay safe and unravel the mysteries of the night with this light.
Read our full Maxsa Motion-Activated Solar Security Camera and Floodlight review to learn more.
5. Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight: Best camera selection
Pros | Cons |
Removable battery Almost every Arlo cam works with a solar panel Excellent cloud storage Easy to install Wired or wireless setup Flexible app Built-in floodlight Digital subject tracking |
Short battery life Requires subscription for many features Solar panel sold separately Floodlight uses extra energy Local storage requires a costly base station |
It's not the cheapest (but still not the most expensive) floodlight camera. The Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera is the best floodlight camera I've tested. Almost every Arlo security camera is compatible with the Arlo Solar Panel. But we chose the Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight because it's the only full-fledged floodlight camera with a solar option.
Arlo is also easier to install. That's because it drains the battery, and the Ring needs to be hardwired into an existing junction box. It also limits where you can use the Ring, unless you want to hire an electrician. Because most floodlights are mounted fairly high up—like above a door—this means you'll also need a ladder.
Sadly, the Arlo Solar Panel Charger (~$60) doesn't come with any Arlo cameras. The panel's magnetic power cord connects easily to your camera, but the 8-foot cord is shorter than competitors'—limiting your installation options.
Head over to our floodlight camera review to learn more about the Arlo Pro 3 floodlight.
Precautions for purchasing solar cameras
Let the sun shine on the solar panel for a long time
Try to keep your solar panels exposed to direct sunlight during peak hours of the day. Peak daylight hours vary by season and location, and are usually when the sun is highest in the sky. Place your solar panels in a south-facing location where you can see at least 5+ hours of full sunlight per day.
Protect the camera when installing
The protection here does not mean weatherproof protection, after all, outdoor cameras have certain weatherproof functions. Your wireless security camera would also benefit from some overhang protection, which helps reduce glare from the sun and rain from covering the footage. Remember to take the solar panel's wire length into account when placing the camera.
Solar camera FAQ
Solar-powered security cameras are worthwhile, though they're better for saving time than energy. Save you the trouble of changing batteries frequently.
We've gone through the hassle of charging wireless outdoor security cameras without a solar panel because you're constantly climbing ladders. Solar-powered security cameras help reduce recharging times and allow for more flexibility in installation. It can be installed in places without power supply or on utility poles.
As for energy savings, security cameras don't use much electricity to run -- about the same as an LED light bulb -- so powering a single camera costs less than $1 a month. Having multiple cameras adds to the cost though, so using some solar panels can lessen the overall impact on your utility bills.
The average price for a solar camera is around $140, whether they come as a package or you have to buy the panel and camera separately.
It still depends on the resolution and industrial level of your camera. If the camera has useful features such as 4K resolution and person detection, it will be relatively expensive.
After our serious usage tests, we think the Reolink Argus 3 Pro is the best solar-powered security camera for the money.
Obviously, solar-powered security cameras are more friendly to sunny and warm places. You can expect most solar-powered security cameras to survive cold weather down to -5º F, but the low angle of the sun in winter can significantly reduce charging efficiency. Without much direct sunlight, your solar panels may struggle to recharge your batteries each day.
Worse, the battery may not charge in temperatures below 32ºF. (This even affects battery-powered cameras with power cords.) Onboard software prevents the battery from charging if it gets too hot or cold, preventing damage to the battery. Place the battery indoors and allow it to come to room temperature before attempting to charge the battery. It's inconvenient, but it helps keep your camera running.
When the battery is completely drained and the solar panel is not receiving enough light to generate electricity, the operation of the camera will be disturbed. This will affect the stability of its operation.
Power saving, easy installation. Solar powered security cameras use solar panels as the main energy source and do not require mains power or cables. With a solar powered camera, you can benefit from natural and renewable energy without the additional costs associated with powering your device.
How We Reviewed Solar Security Cameras
Other than solar power, there is no difference between solar and battery powered security cameras. Our team has also accumulated a lot of camera experience and knowledge before. The video quality has also been discussed at length on other security camera pages, so we wanted to focus on the solar aspect in this review. (just a little bit of video quality stuff).
When evaluating solar panels, we primarily look at battery power output and wire length, as this affects battery life and ease of installation. We also considered the cost of the panel and whether there was a discount for bundling it with the camera.
Solar-powered security cameras with local video storage are more popular because it uses less energy than cloud storage (reduces WI-FI and energy consumption caused by network transmission). The panels don't always receive enough sunlight to fully charge the battery, so an efficient camera can help keep the battery from dying. Finally, we looked at each camera's battery. We add points to the large battery, which can also achieve long battery life.
Learn more about how we rank and review products in our full methodology.
Disclaimers
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