Skip to main content

Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

Best solar powered security cameras of 2022

Maintaining security around your property can be tricky when there isn’t power available at every corner. Luckily, there’s a whole breed of security cameras that can keep monitoring in those awkward corners thanks to integrated solar panels. Here are some of our favorite solar-powered security cameras.

Smart home security at a glance

Reolink Argus PT

Reolink Argus PT installed on side of house.
Reolink

The Reolink Argus PT camera is powered by a 6,500mAh battery and a 5V solar panel to provide full home protection. Motion-activated footage can be sent over 2.4 Ghz Wi-Fi and is stored locally on a 128GB microSD card.

Related Videos

The 105-degree wide camera is on a 355-degree pan and 140-degree swivel mount, so you have a flexible range of view. Combined with two-way audio and apps for Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac, you have a seriously smart home security option.

Ring Stick Up Cam Solar

Ring Stick Up Cam installed on side of home.
Ring

Ring earned its name from its hugely popular doorbell but has since expanded into other types of home security. This solar-powered model ties in with their established ecosystem, complete with Alexa integration.

Ring’s $3/month subscription plan provides full access to the last 60 days of footage. This option is a great choice for folks who don’t want to miss a second of what’s going on around their home.

Zumimall Wireless Outdoor Security Camera

Zumimall security camera installed on side of house in the rain.
Zumimall

The Zumimall is a weatherproof outdoor security camera with two-way audio and a 120-degree field of view. Infrared night vision out to 66 feet and 1080p capture resolution help you catch all the details you need.

The whole family can check in on the camera thanks to the mobile app with support for multiple accounts. Besides mobile streaming, you can also store footage on a local SD card or through a cloud storage account.

Maxsa Solar Camera and Floodlight

Maxsa solar motion camera installed outside by tree.
Maxsa Innovations

The Maxsa Solar Camera stands out thanks to its significant floodlight attachment. This 16-LED, 878-lumen light can provide visibility out to 15 feet at night.

This security camera stores all motion-activated footage locally, so you can comfortably install it far from your home’s Wi-Fi network. Its IP44 rating ensures that it will keep working out in the wild.

Soliom S600 Security Camera

Soliom S600 security camera at night with spotlights on.
Soliom

The Soliom S600 boasts a motorized 1080p camera that can spin 320 degrees and tilt 90 degrees. Combined with a quad-LED spotlight infrared night vision, you should be all set for capturing the footage you need.

The solar panel feeds into a 9,000mAh battery, while the footage itself goes either to the onboard microSD memory card or up to the cloud via Solion’s subscription service.

Solar security camera research and buying tips

Is there such thing as a solar camera?

Indeed, there is such a thing as solar cameras. They have local batteries that are charged by attached solar panels. Local storage and Wi-Fi connectivity give these cameras the ability to offload whatever footage they shoot.

Are solar-powered security cameras any good?

Solar-powered security cameras are quite good, offering high-definition footage, night vision, wide angles of view, and two-way audio. The real icing on the cake is being able to install the camera anywhere around the home without having to worry about running a power supply up to it.

Do solar cameras need Wi-Fi?

Most solar security cameras are built for simplicity of installation rather than fully off-grid setups. You’ll find many that do support storing footage locally, but then you’re stuck needing to offload that footage somehow. Wi-Fi connectivity remains the most reliable means of getting your footage and has the added bonus of live-streaming and mobile alerts.

How much does a solar camera cost?

Solar security cameras are quite affordable. Many of the models we’ve seen are under $100 each, while higher-end models get into the $200 territory.

What accessories are available for solar smart cameras?

Additional solar panels are generally a good investment, as a single panel’s efficacy will wane through the day. Being able to capture solar power from another angle offers peace of mind when it comes to keeping the camera up and running. Additional mounting options are often necessary, depending on the material you’re using and location. The need for a cloud storage solution will vary by brand, so check if there are local storage options before you find yourself on the hook for an additional monthly fee.

Hopefully, that answers all of your questions about solar smart home cameras. Being able to mount them independent of power availability opens up lots of options and guarantees your ability to keep a close eye on all corners of your property in the event of a loss of power.

Editors' Recommendations

The 6 best smart home products that support Matter
Amazon Fire TV on Echo Show 15.

Matter is arguably the biggest thing to happen to smart homes since their inception. The interoperability feature lets devices from different ecosystems interact with each other, giving you the freedom to shop for your favorite products regardless of manufacturer. Unfortunately, not all devices have rolled out support for Matter – and not all of them will.

Only a few notable products support Matter as of today, although dozens more are expected to add the functionality in the coming months. For now, here are the five best smart home products that support Matter. For a full list, head over to the official Matter website.

Read more
Do you need a subscription for a Ring doorbell or camera?
The Ring Video Doorbell 3 installed near a door.

If you’re in the market for a video doorbell, security camera, or another smart home gadget, you’ve probably already stumbled upon several products from Ring. The company is one of the most popular smart home brands, churning out reliable devices that are easy to use and easy to install.

You’ve also probably noticed that it offers a monthly subscription known as Ring Protect. But do you need a Ring Protect subscription to use Ring products? Or can they be used for free after installation? The company recently announced changes to a few of its Ring Protect plans, making them more valuable than ever before. Here’s a closer look at the service and whether you should sign up.
Do you need a subscription for Ring?

Read more
The 3 best smart thermostats that don’t require a C-wire
the Google Nest Thermostat E

Upgrading your thermostat to a smart thermostat is a great way to save money on your monthly utility bills, but it’s not a decision to make lightly. Beyond sifting through dozens of products and finding ones that offer all the features you’re interested in, you’ll also need to make sure it’ll work with your existing HVAC system. And if you live in an older home or one without a C-wire, shopping for a smart thermostat can be challenging.

Thankfully, there are a handful of great smart thermostats that don’t require a C-wire. Here’s a closer look at three smart thermostats you should consider.

Read more