Top Solar Security Camera Reviews
Unlike conventional security cameras that rely on grid power, solar-powered security cameras are wire-free and can monitor your home or business. They feature motion sensors, cloud storage and smartphone alerts for real-time surveillance.
Look for a model with high-definition video and night vision capabilities. Some also offer two-way audio, which is useful for deterring intruders or communicating with delivery people.
1. Reolink RT-C1
This model from Reolink is an upgrade on the original C1. It offers super HD image and video quality, a 40ft night vision distance, and a 355-degree pan and 105-degree tilt. It also supports two-way audio.
The camera has a 2MP sensor, but it produces images that compare well with those from other similarly specified cameras from NETGEAR, Swann and D-Link. It can be used to monitor indoor spaces, and it comes with a built-in NVR feature that lets you record continuous or motion detection triggered video clips or snapshots to an SD card.
Reolink’s apps have a simple interface that makes it easy to set up and use the camera. You can view the live feed from your smartphone, tablet or computer and receive intelligent alerts via e-mail or push notifications. The camera can also send video clips or snapshots to your FTP server. The device supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi for improved connectivity and speed. You will need to forward ports on your router for remote access, but the instructions are clear and easy to follow.
2. Lorex
This company has been around for a while and makes some of the best security systems that we have tested. Its systems are easy to set up and use. You can quickly get notifications and control the camera features with the free Lorex Home app. All of the cameras are built to withstand outdoor weather conditions. They have an IP67 rating and can endure extreme temperatures. The cameras and solar panels are also easy to install. They take about 10 minutes to unbox and setup.
The company’s latest products include 4K cameras and smart security lighting. Some of its cameras feature color night vision. They also have wide-angle lenses and can monitor large areas. Most wireless cctv camera outdoor solar of these cameras work with a network video recorder (NVR), which is sold separately.
Unlike other cameras, these cameras store videos locally instead of in the cloud. This reduces the risk of hacking and saves on monthly fees. The NVR can hold up to 8TB of footage. However, the compression used can cause artifacts and a blur. The camera can also detect movement, which is useful for deterring criminals from entering your property.
3. Arlo
Arlo is a top-rated home security company that offers video-specific equipment that’s easy to install and manage. Its remote features and two-way audio are also top-notch. It also has a unique All-in-One Sensor that helps reduce the number of devices required to build a complete system. During setup, it asks what you need the sensors for and activates appropriate detection options.
It’s also the only camera in our rating to offer artificial intelligence, which differentiates between people and other moving objects (cars, Scruffy). Its spotlight and siren are an impressive deterrent that many competing cameras lack. And its compatibility with Apple HomeKit and Google Assistant makes it the most smart-home friendly camera in our ratings.
Its subscription plans give you access to more advanced features, including 24/7 emergency response, direct 911 dispatch and cellular backup with battery power. You can also access activity zones, a feature that allows you to set up areas where motion is automatically recorded and triggers a siren, along with video verification and escalation and smoke/CO alarm listening. You can get a 10-percent discount on any Arlo plan through its website.
4. Ring
Most people are familiar with Ring from its doorbell cameras, but the company has an extensive catalog of security equipment and services that can protect every part of your home. Its lineup includes self-monitored options with a wide range of packages, as well as professional monitoring and smart home automation services.
All of Ring’s equipment has simple do-it-yourself installation and works together through the app. The company offers a variety of battery and solar powered cameras, a portable doorbell, and outdoor floodlights that can all be monitored with an affordable monthly subscription plan.
Although many people choose Ring over competitors for its ease of use and inexpensive plans, the company has a number of troubling privacy concerns. Despite its promise of no contracts and cancel anytime, the service does collect a lot of data about its users, including location, how often they receive deliveries, and details of who is visiting your home. top solar security camera It has also been shown to be willing to hand over video footage to police. Fortunately, with end-to-end video encryption and the addition of Edge’s local processing and storage, Ring is taking steps to address these issues.
5. Eufy
Eufy tries to address two of the biggest problems that we’ve found with solar security cameras: false alerts and having to constantly charge them. It does this with its BionicMind self-learning AI and the HomeBase 3, which serves as the data hub for the included cameras.
The HomeBase is a large, rugged piece of hardware that can easily be hidden out of sight with your other electronics and has a weatherproof exterior. It has a 13400 mAh battery that should keep it going for up to a year, and the integrated solar panel can charge it in just a couple hours of sunlight per day.
The app offers some nice personalization, letting you activate radar sensing for more accurate motion detection or connecting the Dual to other sensors out in the yard for even earlier notifications. I wish the notification settings were more organized though, with separate screens for each type of event and a way to turn off the annoying noise and LED flashes that trigger upon motion detection.