Solar Doorbell Camera: Eco-Friendly Security

Looking for a solar doorbell camera? Before you buy one, you should know what it is and how it works. Being familiar with the pros, cons, and important factors will help you make the right decision.

In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about a solar doorbell camera. We will help you decide whether it is worth it or not and also share some alternatives you can consider.

Basics of Solar Doorbell Camera

What is Solar Doorbell Camera?

A solar doorbell camera is powered by a solar panel and does not require any other power source. The panel charges automatically through sunlight and then powers the camera for recording.

It is an excellent option to monitor everything on the door. For networking, it uses Wi-Fi to store data in the storage and provide access to devices.

It is like a common video Wi-Fi doorbell; the only differentiation is how it is powered.

How Does Solar Powered Doorbell Camera Work?

A solar-powered doorbell has a built-in rechargeable battery that is charged through a solar panel. It works 24/7 without any power adapter or Ethernet cable.

The panel can be placed over the doorbell or separately in a suitable location. It charges the battery during the day, and the battery power is used for the night.

Once the battery is charged, the doorbell camera is ready to capture videos and offer all features.

Pros and Cons of Solar Doorbell Camera

Pros of Solar-Powered Video Doorbell

• A solar-powered video doorbell secures your house. It records every instant that happened.
• You can access the doorbell remotely through your smartphone. You can check the live preview from any location.
• It is possible to talk to the person at the door through your smartphone or even set preset messages when you are away.
• The doorbell can work even if there is a power outage.
• There is no electricity cost for operating the doorbell. And no need to invest in Ethernet or extensions to power up the device.
• It helps in deterring intruders and alarms people not to do anything wrong at your property.

Cons of Solar-Powered Video Doorbell

• Solar-powered video doorbells are not very reliable. They might stop working if there is minimal sunlight and the battery isn't fully charged.
• In case of low battery, the camera might capture low-quality videos or stop functioning.
• The battery of the doorbell wears out after some time. In that case, the doorbell does not offer optimal performance.
• In certain weather conditions, when sunlight is minimal, the solar video doorbell can't work.

Consideration Before Choosing the Solar-Powered Doorbell Camera

Here are a few considerations before you buy a solar-powered camera.

Sunlight Exposure

Make sure the place where you want to install the doorbell camera receives sunlight. There should be adequate exposure to charge the battery.

If the solar panel is mounted over the doorbell unit, it should be exposed to sunlight during the day. The other option is to connect a small solar panel through wiring. In any case, you have to ensure proper sunlight exposure to the panel.

Battery Capacity

The solar panel charges the battery during the day. The rest of the time, the doorbell uses the battery power to work. It is more dependent on the battery capacity, which is the reason the battery should last at least 24 hours when used continuously.

Secondly, the solar panel should be able to charge the battery in minimal time, which could be several minutes to hours, depending on the doorbell camera.

Weather Resistance

The doorbell camera is placed outside the house, which is exposed to harsh weather conditions. Rain, snow, sunlight, etc., could cause problems. Thus, the doorbell should be weather-resistant and rated IP-67.

Smart Features

Last but not least are the smart features. Firstly, the resolution of the solar doorbell camera should be at least 2K to offer intricate details and optimal clarity. Secondly, there should be night vision to capture clear videos at night.

For video doorbells, two-way audio is a must. It helps in communication with the person at the door. Moreover, if you have set up smart home equipment, the doorbell should be compatible with that.

Wi-Fi vs. PoE vs. Solar Doorbell Camera: What's the Difference?

Wi-Fi, PoE, and solar doorbell cameras can be similar in functionality. They actually differ in how they are powered and networked.

Wi-Fi doorbell cameras are powered through an adapter, which can be connected to a nearby AC outlet. It powers the doorbell or charges the built-in battery. You can also find solar-powered or battery-powered Wi-Fi doorbell cameras. The mode of networking is Wi-Fi, which makes installation of doorbells a lot easier within the Wi-Fi range.

PoE cameras require an Ethernet cable for power and network—one cable can do both jobs. It is the most reliable option for security because a wired connection ensures fast speed and stability. They require more effort in installation, but it is worth it.

Solar doorbell cameras use a solar panel for power. They have a built-in battery, which is charged through sunlight. They also use Wi-Fi for networking.

Alternatives of Solar-Powered Doorbell Camera

Reolink Video Doorbell PoE

This PoE doorbell offers 2K+ HD videos to capture facial features clearly. It has a person detection feature that sends you instant alerts on your device. It is a more reliable option than solar-powered doorbells and works 24/7 in all conditions. You can directly communicate with the person at the door and take immediate action.

Reolink Video Doorbell Wi-Fi

This Wi-Fi video doorbell is extremely easy to set up. It works on dual Wi-Fi bands to offer high speed and excellent stability. It captures clear videos with 2K+ resolution and sends accurate alerts on devices. Its night vision unveils intricate details even in the dark. It offers two-way audio, preset messages, chime, flexible storage options, and many features.

Reolink Argus Track

Argus Track is a dual-lens solar-powered security camera. It captures 4K videos for optimal clarity and intricate details. You can also zoom into objects up to 6X. It has pan and tilt motion to cover a wider area. It also has auto-tracking to track the motion of persons and vehicles. It can be powered through a solar panel and only requires 10 minutes of charging to work 24 hours.

FAQs

1. Why is my solar panel not charging my camera?

Ensure the wire is properly connected to the camera and the solar panel is receiving adequate sunlight. If everything is perfect, there could be an issue with the solar panel or battery. Contact customer support to get this issue resolved.

2. Does solar doorbell camera need Wi-Fi?

Yes, solar doorbell cameras work on Wi-Fi. They transfer data to the NVR through Wi-Fi and offer remote access to the devices.

Conclusion

A solar doorbell camera can be an excellent choice to save electricity costs and make installation easier. It uses a solar panel to charge the doorbell battery. You can use it 24/7 to monitor your door and ensure the security of your property. It is similar to other video doorbell cameras in functionality, but it differs in how it is powered. It can be used at any place where sunlight exposure is guaranteed.