Panel Power: This Addition to Home Security Cams Is the Best Change in Years

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Battery-powered, wireless security cams have serious advantages but also come with major caveats. On the giveth side, they let you mount a security cam nearly anyway and are super-DIY friendly without any cables to wire in. On the taketh away side, those batteries need extra management, and if you put the cam in a high location like above the garage, you may have to bring out the ladder every few months to replace/recharge the battery. Not so bad for a video doorbell, but a big pain for cams taking the wide view.

But there's a solution I've come to love, one that's become ubiquitous lately: Solar panels designed specifically for your home security cams. These panels aren't large, just a few watts worth, but they generate enough of a charge to power up the batteries in wireless cams. They're entirely DIY and help turn batteries limited to several months in reliable, wire-free cams that can last for years. Here's everything you should know.

Does a solar panel mean I never have to charge the cam battery?

It's not guaranteed, but the results can be excellent. In our tests, we found placing a solar panel in a sunny backyard was enough to keep a battery topped off entirely, at least in the pleasant summer months. With the right angle and weather, you may not have to worry about charging or replacing batteries for a very long time, possibly years. Of course, results will vary depending on your location and positioning.

Does the solar panel need to be on a roof? Where should I install it?

You can mount it wherever you can screw it in to get lots of sunlight. That can include rooftops, walls, eaves, trees, fences and more. Generally, you'll want to keep it away from shade, leaves and obstructions like nearby houses or hills.

For an even better guide on how to mount a solar panel and the best way to angle, you can use an online tool based on your location or even purchase a little gizmo to get the angle right.

Do I have to mount a camera solar panel separately from the camera?

In most cases, yes. This is an advantage because a single panel can support multiple security camera types from the brand, and you may be able to keep it if you want to upgrade your camera model.

In other cases, solar panels are built into cameras, such with this Eufy model. Blink, on the other hand, has a mount-and-solar combination add-on for some of its cams. These options make installation a lot easier, but find proper sun exposure is trickier.

Can these solar panels work in all kinds of weather?

Yes. These solar panels come with great weather resistance and you shouldn't have any problems with rain, snow, hail and wind storms. Tornadoemay be a problem.

Do the solar panels require any maintenance?

A good wipe down now and then will keep them operating efficiently, especially after a dusty season.

Can you adjust solar panels when they're installed?

Most versions have options to adjust the tilt for maximum sun exposure. They can usually be rotated too.

Can the solar panel power anything else besides the cam?

Not really. These small solar panels are focused entirely on camera batteries and aren't really large enough to power much else.

How much does one of these solar panels typically cost?

They're usually $30 to $50 separately but often come bundled with security cams.

The best solar panels for security cameras by brand

With the major points addressed, let's look at the solar panel offerings from some of the most popular security brands on the market. Fortunately, almost everyone has one. Here's a quick list of our favorites so you can check if any are compatible with your cams:

• EufyCam Solar Panel ($40)
• TP-Link Tapo A200 Solar Panel ($40)
• Ring Small Solar Panel ($40)
• Arlo Pro Solar Panel Charger 2-Pack ($35)
• Reolink Argus Solar Panel ($30)
• Lorex Solar Panel ($60)
• Vosker V150 Built-in LTE Solar Cam ($200)

Last but not least, now's the perfect time to review the best places to install a security camera and the spots you should never put a cam.