Do you want to be able to keep an eye on your home when you’re not there but don’t want the hassle (and cost) of installing traditional security cameras as well as recharging or replacing batteries?
If so, solar WiFi security cameras may be the perfect solution for you! In this article, we’ll take a look at what solar WiFi security cameras are, how they work, and which ones are the best buy. Stay safe and secure – read on!
What are Solar WiFi Security Cameras?
These are what they sound like, security cameras that use a solar panel to draw power from the sun and therefore do not require wires, cables, or electric sources for the same.
A complete WiFi solar security camera system can be purchased as a package containing a solar security camera, a solar panel, and rechargeable batteries.
No products found.
One of the main crowd-pulling aspects of these cameras is that they are eco-friendly, which is why people who opt for “green” solutions in every possible way prefer solar security cameras over traditional ones.
How Do Solar WiFi Security Cameras Work?
In general, a solar security camera works by using top-quality solar panels to acquire the sun’s light or energy and convert the same into DC power or direct current. The direct current will then be converted into alternating current (AC), which is what powers the solar security camera and its batteries for extended use.
Best Solar WiFi Security Cameras on the Market
1. Reolink Argus 3 Pro
2. Ring Stick Up Cam Solar
3. ZUMIMALL Outdoor Security WiFi Camera
What About When There is Not Sufficient Sunlight or When It Rains?
First of all, visible light can easily pass through clouds and rain, which means the solar panel of the security camera will continue to generate electricity even during such weather conditions, but less efficiently than when the sky is clear.
On the other hand, almost all WiFi solar security cameras come equipped with a backup or alternate power source, which happens to be rechargeable batteries, in most cases. Any excess power generated by the solar panel will be stored in the rechargeable batteries, which they then use to power the camera whenever there isn’t enough sunlight.
What Does WiFi Have to Do with Anything Here?
Well, with a working internet connection, you can watch live footage of your security camera and also receive instant alerts on your mobile phone.
Many solar WiFi security cameras also come with an SD card slot, which enables the camera to record and store motion-related activities even without an internet connection.
Note: To watch live pictures/footage or receive instant alerts, you need an internet connection.
Advantages of Solar WiFi Security Cameras
Following are some of the positive and practical reasons why you should start using solar WiFi security cameras:
Affordability
Security cameras work round the clock, consuming a lot of electricity, which in turn reflect on your electricity bills. When you install solar WiFi security cameras, the use of electricity is eliminated, which means you get to save a significant sum on your bills.
Furthermore, since the materials used to make these security cameras have become more accessible than before, the price of the units has reduced over the past few years. Hence, the initial investment you will have to make for solar WiFi security cameras will be much lesser than your investment in electricity-powered security cameras.
Not to forget, you can also check for any tax exemptions extended by your local government for the use of renewable energy in your property.
Easy to Install
The installation of these security cameras doesn’t involve messy cables or wires, which makes the process extremely easy. All you need to do is screw the cameras in their designated space.
If you are using the solar-powered cameras for your movable business, say a construction site, you can simply remove the cameras from their existing location and install them in any new location.
Around the Clock Monitoring
As discussed earlier, solar WiFi security cameras come with rechargeable batteries. Energy stored in these batteries will later be used to power the cameras during the night when there is no sunlight. This leaves you with an around-the-clock security system.
Also, now you can also get cameras with amazing color night vision, thanks to the starlight sensors available in many new models.
Easy Scalability
Let’s say you are upgrading your business and need more security cameras installed around your property, or you just want to expand your home’s security system by adding a couple more cameras – both of these instances will not require an investment in more infrastructure or resources if you use solar WiFi security cameras.
Since these are standalone units and, as mentioned before, do not need cables or wires for installation, adding more units will be a breeze.
Environment-friendly
Sunlight, or solar energy, is a renewable energy source. Since solar-powered WiFi security cameras obtain power from this renewable resource, they do not cause any harm to the environment, nor do the rechargeable batteries, unlike disposable ones.
Furthermore, installing traditional security systems typically requires you to create an exclusive infrastructure using multiple resources, all of which can be destructive to the environment. Solar security cameras, on the other hand, do not require separate or more infrastructure and therefore leave the surroundings in their natural self.
Disadvantages of Solar WiFi Security Cameras
No matter what product you buy, there are likely to be some downfalls to its use, and here are the disadvantages of solar WiFi security cameras:
Wireless Range
When WiFi is mentioned right there on the name of a product, you should know that wireless range issues are unavoidable.
Since these security cameras use WiFi technology, issues like unstable connection, signal interference, weak signal, etc., are bound to come up. Depending on the location of the cameras and your WiFi connection, the level of these issues can range from low to high.
Data Storage
With a WiFi solar security camera, the view recordings are most likely to be stored onboard the camera in the SD card. However, there are a couple of issues with this storage method:
- If you cannot watch the live feed of your security system for some reason, you cannot know if there has been a security breach unless you visit the property in person.
- If the cameras get damaged, say due to bad weather conditions, the chances of being able to retrieve stored recordings are less.
Battery
In the event of the solar panel not receiving enough sunlight to generate the required power and charge the battery, the battery will eventually run out, which will cause interference in your security system.
Best Solar WiFi Security Cameras on the Market
After thorough research and comparisons, here is a list of some of the best solar WiFi security cameras available on the market today:
1. Reolink Argus 3 Pro
This smart outdoor wireless security camera looks small but comes packed with amazing features. This is a battery/solar-powered camera that can be taken anywhere, and it does an excellent job of detecting vehicles, people, animals and even smaller objects.
The highlight of the Argus 3 Pro is that it is pretty much fully customizable; all you need to do is set up the camera at any desired location and use the Reolink App to configure all the features to your preference.
Pros
- Customizable features
- IP65 weather-resistant
- Storage up to 128GB
- Supports Reolink cloud storage
- Two-way audio
Cons
- The SD card must be purchased separately.
- The battery cannot be removed.
2. Ring Stick Up Cam Solar
The Solar Stick Up Cam from Ring is a motion-activated camera that comes with a solar panel and a backup battery pack. Offering endless placement options, what makes this solar security camera stand out is its advanced motion detection with customizable motion zones.
For instance, if you want a specific area in your property to be monitored closely, you can customize the motion detection accordingly and set motion-activated notifications.
The camera also has a two-way talk feature with noise cancellation capability and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Pros
- Advanced motion detection with customizable motion zones
- Two-way talk
- Noise cancellation
- Color night vision
Cons
- Priced higher than many of its competitors
3. ZUMIMALL Outdoor Security WiFi Camera
If you are looking for a budget-friendly solar WiFi security camera that doesn’t compromise on its features or functionality for the price, this option from ZUMIMALL should be your choice.
For its pricing, one of the amazing features that this camera offers is its 55 ft. IR night vision, which allows you to have a clear view of whatever is moving close to your property. It also features two-way audio for real-time communication.
Pros
- 55 ft. IR night vision
- Two-way audio
- IP65 waterproof
- Noise cancellation
Cons
- SD card should be purchased separately.
Bottom Line
When it comes to deciding whether or not to invest in solar WiFi security cameras, it is clear that the benefits outweigh the downfalls. Let’s face it, running multiple security cameras 24×7 throughout the year will make your utility bills skyrocket.
No wonder solar power security cameras are becoming widespread, and this is an indication that you should make the switch too!
