Top Solar Security Camera Reviews
A solar security camera combines a powerful battery and solar panel to power itself independently from the grid. This eliminates the need for changing batteries and enables it to function even on cloudy gray days.
Look for a resolution of at least 1080p and night vision capabilities. Also consider connectivity options like WiFi, 4G, and 2-way audio.
1. Ring Stick-Up Cam
Ring has made headlines in the past with its Ring doorbell, but the company also makes regular security cameras and alarm systems. This indoor/outdoor model, the Stick Up Cam, promises months-long battery life and crisp video. It’s also affordable and easy to set up, but its best feature is integration top solar security camera with Amazon Alexa — the camera can be viewed on any Echo Show or Spot device after it has been connected to Ring via the app.
The camera’s cylindrical design is attractive and unobtrusive. It combines the camera and infra-red lights into a single piece of glossy black plastic that can be mounted either vertically or horizontally, depending on your needs. On the back, rubber seals conceal a barrel-style power connector (for the optional solar panel) and a tripod-style thread for mounting on the foot/wall mount. The mount can be quickly removed for recharging or swapped for the solar panel, which is sold separately.
Setting up the Stick Up Cam was a snap — it took about 15 minutes and didn’t require any special tools. You’ll need a strong WiFi signal, though – the camera doesn’t have local storage and relies on your home network for streaming and recording footage. If you don’t have a good signal, you might need a WiFi range extender to get the most out of this camera.
2. Eufy SoloCam S40
With the holidays approaching, keeping an eye on your front door is more important than ever. Thankfully, Eufy’s new SoloCam S40 makes it easy to keep an eye on packages and potential intruders with its solar charging design.
The camera draws power from a small solar panel on the top and a USB-C port in the back if you need to manually charge it. You’ll want to do this before mounting the camera as you’ll have to leave it somewhere with adequate sunlight for it to function at its best.
When motion is detected in the 130-degree field of view, you receive an alert on your smartphone and can log in to the app to see the footage. The 2K sensor captures video in color, even at night, and a built-in 600 lumen spotlight will illuminate the scene when triggered. The camera also offers on-device AI to reduce false alarms and activity zones that allow you to be notified of activity within specific areas.
There’s no need to pay for a subscription to access the recorded footage as 8GB of internal storage is included, which can hold around two months worth of clips (depending on how often it’s triggered). The eufy top solar security camera SoloCam S40 connects to your home Wi-Fi network using standard 2.4GHz wireless standards and works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and smart displays through its companion apps.
3. Lorex
Lorex has a full selection of security products and accessories to help you protect your family. You can find a variety of indoor and outdoor cameras, doorbell cameras and even battery-powered cameras that you can hide in a plant or behind a light fixture. The company also offers professional wired and wireless security systems, smart home hubs, motion and window/door sensors, add-on cameras, video recorders and more to help you customize your home surveillance set-up. Some of the key features that distinguish Lorex from other manufacturers include local storage and a free app. Video stored locally is less susceptible to hacking than video that goes to the cloud, and this feature also saves you money by eliminating monthly fees.
A big perk to using Lorex is that you can install the system yourself, avoiding a costly professional installation. The company does not require a subscription fee, and most of its cameras can be integrated with smart home devices like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This allows you to control your surveillance equipment with hands-free voice commands, or use a smart TV to stream live footage.
While Lorex is a great option for those looking to avoid paying monthly fees, its reliance on a central hub may hold it back from being the best security camera system. That said, you can get peace of mind and reliable protection with a warranty from Asurion Home+. This comprehensive plan gives you the reassurance of knowing your Lorex product will be covered if something breaks or stops working, and you can receive support 24/7 via phone, email or online chat. You can even visit a uBreakiFix by Asurion or a participating uBreakiFix Tech Repair and Solutions location to have your device repaired on the spot, if necessary.
4. TP-Link
If you’re looking for a security camera with the latest features, consider a TP-Link model. These cameras offer free cloud-based streaming, easy setup and convenient remote viewing. With these benefits, you can keep an eye on what matters most to you and stay informed about important events. Founded over two and a half decades ago, the company is considered a global brand with years of experience and a wide range of tried-and-true products.
With a focus on WiFi routers, extenders, switches and mesh network products, the company also has two subsidiary brands: Kasa and Tapo. Kasa focuses on smart home devices, including smart Wi-Fi plugs and switches, while Tapo specializes in mesh networking and home security WiFi cameras.
With a strong emphasis on quality, reliability and affordability, the brand offers a comprehensive portfolio of wired and wireless products for homes and businesses. TP-Link’s OneMesh mesh systems help you get your entire home connected with fast, reliable performance. The system prioritizes your data, so it goes to the most important devices first. It supports IPv6, so you can future-proof your network. Plus, it’s easy to set up: Just plug the first node in, download the Deco app and follow the simple steps. The whole process takes just 16 minutes. To make it even better, the system is compatible with most existing ISP-provided modems.