Key Features

A solar-powered security camera uses solar panels to convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity. Then, an inverter transitions the direct current to an alternating current (AC) which can be used to power the CCTV. A lack of sunlight isn't an issue either.

A solar-powered security camera uses solar panels to convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity. Then, an inverter transitions the direct current to an alternating current (AC) which can be used to power the CCTV. A lack of sunlight isn't an issue either. When there isn't sunlight, the solar power CCTV receives power from rechargeable batteries which store extra electrical power generated by the solar panel.

Solar power CCTV isn’t just perfect for geographically challenging environments. Because it can be used to monitor off-grid places and remote areas, it is the ideal solution for construction sites of all sizes and locations, where running cables can be expensive or aren’t always possible.

As the CCTV uses the solar panel to get power, it requires no electric sources or cabling. This means you get the best of natural resources to charge and run the solar power CCTV system.

Features of solar power CCTV vary depending on the supplier. For example, some can offer features such as automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) while others may not. However, solar power CCTV typically has the following features:

• Fully solar-powered 24/7-365

• 350-degree detection area

• Multidirectional audio capability

• High gain 4G antenna

• Robust steel structure and anti-vandal casing

• Two-way audio facility

• Warning lights if an intrusion occurs

• Remote access facility

• 24/7 recordings of storage

• Anti-tamper detection system

Solar-powered CCTV cameras are an efficient, cost-effective solution to securing remote sites. Here are the benefits of solar power CCTV:

• It’s self-contained as it has its own solar panels to generate energy and its own batteries to store it.

• Features long-life batteries that can power the system for days without being recharged.

• The tower can be placed in a variety of places as long as it’s on level ground.

• The tower is weatherproof and can withstand most climates.

• Robust steel structure.

1. Wireless

One of the biggest struggles when installing a CCTV system is the wiring. Cables are impractical for quick and easy installations and are also vulnerable to tampering and wear and tear. As solar power is incorporated directly into the CCTV, the wiring issue is eliminated. Throughout the day, the camera’s battery will charge, making it flexible to install. Plus, there’s no need to worry about wires being tampered with.

2. Affordable

A traditional CCTV system needs electricity all day to be constantly active, incurring more costs the longer it stays on. However, a solar panel CCTV camera is entirely powered by sunlight, meaning it’s one less expenditure to worry about.

In the long run, a solar-powered system will save you money.

3. Environmentally friendly

Solar panels are created by placing the silicon wafers between sheets of plastic, so they do have an impact on the environment. However, by using a solar panelled CCTV system, the cost to the environment can be offset. Instead of using energy from the grid, solar panels convert sunlight. Not only is this good for your wallet but it’s also better for the environment as fewer fossil fuels will be used.

As you can see, solar power CCTV is a no-brainer for construction sites. But as a site manager, there's more to consider than which type of CCTV to install. Even if you're set on adopting a solar-powered system for your development, you'll still need to give some thought to which supplier you should use.

Just like any other product, solar-powered security cameras come with their advantages and disadvantages.

Eco-friendly: Since they harness sunlight for power, these cameras help reduce your carbon footprint.

Cost-effective: Solar-powered cameras eliminate the need for electric wiring, reducing installation costs

The answer is yes. Unlike wired security cameras, solar security cameras do not require running wires to connect them to power sources. They connect to home security systems via a Wi-Fi connection rather than data cables.

It is always a good idea to place the solar panels in the best position of the sun, but the security camera does not need to work. If there is no direct sunlight, the solar security camera will still collect energy from the ambient sunlight

Yes. Since solar panels work to charge the camera batteries, the electricity generated from a substantial amount of daylight will be enough to power cameras through the night

You can expect your solar-powered camera to run indefinitely as long as the solar panel gets enough sunlight each day to recharge the battery.

24/7 continuous recording 4G solar security cameras can support continuous recording (24 hours, 7 days, a year) and never lose power, Because of the advanced 7W solar panels

If you're considering alternatives to regular security cameras, you may wonder are solar-powered security cameras any good? The answer is yes. Unlike wired security cameras, solar security cameras do not require running wires to connect them to power sources. They connect to home security systems via a Wi-Fi connection rather than data cables. Therefore, they're truly wireless security solutions and easier to install. With wired cameras, you need to put them on walls where power cables run or close to wall outlets. In contrast, you can install additional solar-powered security cameras anywhere, even if there isn’t an outlet nearby.

Solar-powered security cameras are also more convenient to use than regular wireless security cameras without solar panels. The latter require battery replacement or recharge every few months so you must take them down and then put them back up, which may feel like a hassle. Furthermore, while solar-powered security cameras can record continuously, regular wireless security cameras stay mostly in power-saving mode to conserve battery power and only wake up when they detect motion. This switch introduces delays that can make these cameras miss important moments.

When searching for the best solar-powered security camera for your home or office, consider the following key features: camera resolution, field of view, solar panel wattage, night vision, motion activation, remote monitoring and smartphone alerts. Camera resolution determines the sharpness of the security footage captured by the security camera. Look for a model with a high-definition (HD) camera or sharper. Field of view describes the camera's coverage. A wider field of view is always better for a security camera. Night vision and motion activation indicate whether the camera can see at night and start recording when it detects motion within its coverage area. The wattage of the solar panel paired with a security camera indicates the amount of electric power it can generate from sunlight. A panel with a higher wattage charges the included battery faster and delivers more power to the security camera. Smartphone alerts and remote monitoring are features that help you monitor your home or office when you're not there.

You may have questions about how these devices work and their limitations. One of the questions often asked is, are solar-powered security cameras any good on cloudy and rainy days? The answer is yes. The solar panels connected to solar security cameras can still generate power on cloudy and rainy days because excess power stored in their rechargeable batteries on sunny days can help them through days with cloud cover, although they won’t be recouping as much power for the next day.

You may have questions about how these devices work and their limitations. One of the questions often asked is, are solar-powered security cameras any good on cloudy and rainy days? The answer is yes. The solar panels connected to solar security cameras can still generate power on cloudy and rainy days because excess power stored in their rechargeable batteries on sunny days can help them through days with cloud cover, although they won’t be recouping as much power for the next day.

The battery capacity of a solar-powered security camera determines how long the camera will run when sunlight isn't available. The best solar-powered security cameras have batteries that provide power for at least 12 hours, even if the sun isn’t blazing in the sky. Some models can run on battery power for up to 3 days. If you live in an area that receives lots of sunlight year-round, choose cameras with batteries that only last all night. Longer-lasting rechargeable batteries are essential if you live in a place that doesn't receive much sunlight for parts of the year.

The best solar-powered security camera placement is where the device receives the most sunlight and provides the best coverage. For a location with limited sun exposure, install the camera on a south-facing wall to receive at least 6 hours of sunlight every day. You should also install the camera high on the wall so intruders cannot easily reach to remove it. A smaller security camera is also more likely to go unnoticed by intruders.

Now that you know how solar-powered security cameras work, what are they and their reliability even on cloudy days, you can make a more informed decision about what model is the best solar-powered security camera for your home or office.