5 solar security cameras you need for constant battery life, from Eufy, Arlo, Tapo and more
Solar security cameras: which one should you buy and are they actually effective
It’s been extremely hot in the UK over the past few months, so now is as good a time as any to upgrade to a solar security camera – and these five options are sure to be the perfect fit.
Instead of using electrical wiring, solar security cameras use a built-in or accompanying solar panel to convert sunlight into electricity. Not only is this a more natural and renewable source of energy, but your security camera is powered 24/7, even on cloudy days and dark nights.
If you already have a security camera installed, most home security brands offer add-on solar panels, so you can buy one separately and incorporate it in your set-up for constant battery life. There are plenty of solar security cameras on the market right now, and I’ve rounded up our five top picks from the likes of Eufy, Arlo, Tapo and more.
Best solar security camera overall
1. Eufy SoloCam S220
Starting off strong, the Eufy SoloCam S220 is an excellent security camera with a built-in solar panel at the top. It only needs three hours of sunlight a day to keep the camera up and running, so you don’t miss a thing happening outside your home.
Despite its low price of £99.99 / $99.99, the Eufy SoloCam S220 is packed full of impressive features, including 2K resolution, AI human detection, and infrared LEDs for night vision. It’s easy to set up, has a wire-free design and is completely subscription-free. Read our five-star Eufy SoloCam S220 review for more details.
Best solar security camera with set up options
2. Tapo C660 Kit
Tapo offers a full range of solar-powered security cameras, but our personal favourite is the Tapo C660 Kit. It’s not as inconspicuous as the Eufy SoloCam S220, as the Tapo C660 Kit has a large rectangular solar panel extended on top of the main camera – but it’s low maintenance and can be connected directly to the wall mount or fixed separately.
The Tapo C660 Kit offers an impressive security experience, including 4K resolution and colour night vision, thanks to its built-in spotlights and sensors. It even has 360 degree AI tracking so when it detects movement, it follows it and identifies humans, pets and vehicles – not bad for just £129.99 / $119.99. Read our Tapo C660 review for more details.
Best premium solar security camera
3. Arlo Ultra 2 with Solar Panel Charger
Compared to the other options on this list, the Arlo Ultra 2 – as well as its Ultra, Essential and Pro siblings – has a different solar panel set-up. Rather than being built into the camera or integrated in the overall design, you’ll need to buy an Arlo solar panel charger separately.
The one downside to this is that the cameras with a solar panel can get expensive. But once you have everything installed, it really is a valuable investment. The Arlo Ultra 2 with Solar Panel Charger especially is one of the best home security systems you can buy, and it comes with 4K video clarity, colour night vision and an easy-to-use app.
Best budget security camera
4. Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam
If you’re on a tight budget, the Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam is a great choice at just £99.99 / $109.99. It looks similar to Blink’s Outdoor cameras, with its main cube-shaped camera in the centre that’s flanked by two spotlights, but its solar panel is what’s most impressive.
Using SolarEase technology, the Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam only needs an hour of sunlight to power the camera all day. The solar panel still delivers a charge in low-light conditions, and when its 7,800mAh battery has a full charge, the camera should last for up to three months without solar input.
Best quick-charge solar security camera
5. Swann EVO 2K Solar Security Camera
If you liked the look of the Eufy SoloCam S220 but want a quicker charge, the Swann EVO 2K Solar Security Camera is a good alternative. It only needs 45 minutes of sunlight to generate enough power for daily use, and the camera can withstand extreme conditions, including heat, rain and snow.
The design of the Swann EVO Wireless Solar security camera keeps everything compact with the solar panel built directly into the top of the camera – just like the Eufy in spot one of this list. It also has 2K HD day and night resolution, two-way talk and it only costs £99.99 / $129.99.
Solar security cameras: do they actually help with battery life?
Despite having nothing but glorious sunshine over the past few months, the UK is known for its grey and gloomy weather. Due to this, it’s unsurprising that not many households have upgraded to a solar security camera just yet.
However, this is a major misconception about solar security cameras – that it has to be intense or direct sunlight that charges them. Instead, solar panels use photovoltaic cells that absorb daylight rather than heat. Yes, they perform best with sunlight, but they still produce power without it as they respond to all natural light.
In terms of battery life, solar panels take in this light and convert it into direct current electricity. This power is stored within the security camera’s battery which is why your camera stays up and running during the nighttime. These types of cameras and panels also have a controller that regulates and manages power, so your camera stays consistently charged at all times.
So yes, solar panels do make a major difference to your battery life. What’s even better is you don’t have to worry about any power outages with a solar security camera, unlike if you had a wired security camera. See 3 reasons why you should switch to a solar security camera for more details.
