Solar Panels for Security Cameras: Top 8 Things You Can’t Miss

Want a solar panel for security cameras to power your existing surveillance systems? Or intend to buy a solar powered security camera kit which includes a solar panel and security cameras for places without power source?

Whichever the case, you’ll need to get into the nitty-gritty of solar power for CCTV cameras before your purchase.

Here, we'll address a bunch of topics and potential questions so you can figure out exactly what today's solar panels for CCTV cameras offer. So let's just dive right in, shall we?

Click the link below and you will jump into the part you are interested in.

What Are Solar Panels for Security Cameras

Solar panels for security cameras are the devices that can convert light from the sun into electricity to power the cameras and charge camera batteries.

Currently, the solar panels for CCTV cameras come in a variety of rectangular shapes and sizes.

Normally when you buy solar powered security cameras, the sellers would provide customized solar panels compatible with their security cameras (sold separately), so that you don’t need to spend extra efforts in selecting one.

Taking Reolink Argus® 2 and Reolink Argus® Pro for example, they come with a rechargeable battery and you can also add a Reolink solar panel (requires a separate purchase) for charging camera batteries.

Or if you’ve installed a trail camera, game camera or wildlife camera, and want to use solar panels to power your security cameras (read this post to learn how), the online shopping platforms such as Amazon, eBay, etc., will also offer you various options.

But make sure the solar panels for your trail cameras, game cameras or wildlife cameras are properly sized to meet your needs (introduced in the following part).

How Do Solar Panels for Security Cameras Work

Photovoltaic solar panels for security cameras produce electricity through the photoelectric effect.

To put simply, a solar panel for CCTV cameras works by allowing photons, or particles of light, to knock electrons free from atoms, generating a flow of electricity.

The more sunlight solar panels for security cameras can get, the more energy they will generate.

But that doesn’t mean the solar panel for trail cameras, game cameras or wildlife cameras won’t work under undesired conditions.

For example, in rainy or cloudy days, the solar panel for security IP cameras is still able to generate electricity with visible light getting through rain and clouds, but with less efficiency.

In case the sunlight is not available at night, the rechargeable batteries powered by the solar panels in the daytime can also be used to feed electricity to your security cameras.

Benefits of Solar Panels for Security Cameras

What are the reasons why you should buy solar panels for security cameras? Below is an inexhaustible list of the unparalled benefits of solar power for CCTV cameras.

• Perfect for off-grid places, such as construction sites, remote homes, barns, etc.
• Clean, renewable, and environmental-friendly
• Easy to install and move
• Require little maintenance and have long lifespan
• Low cost with government incentives and insurance discounts

There are also many other applications and benefits of using solar panels to power security cameras -- too many to list here.

Please leave a comment below to share with us in what applications you are going to use the solar panel for surveillance cameras and the reasons you choose to go solar.

How to Choose the Suitable Solar Panels for Security Cameras

As mentioned above, if you want to buy a DIY solar panel for your existing security cameras, you’ll need to consider what size of solar power kit for security camera is most appropriate. Below are the top 4 can’t-miss factors for your reference.

#1. What Are Your Actual Needs and Available Sunlight

Theoretically speaking, the solar panel for security cameras you need firstly depend on your energy needs and the peak hours of sunlight in your locations.

If you search the methods to figure out the size of solar panels for CCTV cameras online, you will be overwhelmed by various formulas claimed to be accurate, which only leave you more confusing than ever.

The shortcut is to consult the sellers of solar panels for security cameras directly.

After all, they are the most experienced persons in this field and want to sell their products to customers in demand.

What you need to do is to look at your security camera specifications to provide the power requirement as well as your locations for the panel seller, and then they will offer expert suggestions on the selection of solar power kits for security cameras.

#2. Is There Enough Room to Place Solar Panels for Cameras

One question to ask yourself before you buy solar panels for security cameras: Where are you going to place the solar panel kits for security cameras?

Most of you may consider installing the solar panels for outdoor cameras on the roof to obtain maximum sunlight.

An ideal location, indeed!

But you should note that if there is enough room to place your solar panels for security cameras.

In case your roof or other locations are covered in shade most of the day throughout the year, solar powered outdoor security cameras won’t obtain optimal sunlight to justify the costs of solar power kit for security cameras.

#3. What’s the Output Efficiency of Solar Panels for CCTV Cameras

The output efficiency of solar panels for security cameras refers to how well a panel is able to convert sunlight into energy under the same light conditions. It varies with the solar panel quality and different brands of panel sellers.

The higher efficiency solar panels for IP cameras have, the more electricity the security cameras will obtain and the faster your cameras are powered in a certain period of time.

With the improvement in solar technology, the efficiency of solar panels for CCTV cameras now is closer to 20%.

You can find the output efficiency of solar panels for security cameras in the product specifications or enquiry the sellers and use it as a standard to judge the quality of solar panels.

#4. What’s Your Budget of Solar Power Kit for Security Cameras

As you can guess, the solar panels for security cameras that have larger size and higher efficiency are generally more expensive.

So it comes down to your budget set for the solar panel kits for security cameras.

With today’s high level of solar efficiency, little efforts it takes to install it and affordable price, it’s really a good investment to go solar. And the long-term benefits of solar power for CCTV cameras will undoubtedly offset your initial cost.

Recommended Solar Panels for Security Cameras

Feel troublesome to choose a solar panel for your security cameras?

The easiest way is to buy a whole solar power kit for security cameras.

After thorough market research and reading the reviews, here we’d like to recommend Reolink solar panel for its solar security cameras, Reolink Argus® 2, Reolink Argus® Pro and Reolink Go.

The 360° wall mount of Reolink solar panel for its solar security cameras allows you to easily position the weather-resistant solar panel for maximum sun light exposure.

Better yet, Reolink solar panel is also supported by Reolink 2-year limited warranty and 30-day money back guarantee, ensuring you can get the best service and quality guarantee.

Reolink Argus® 2 is rated by PCMag as one of the best security cameras in 2018 by virtue of the excellent performance. The newest Argus family member - Argus® Pro, is expected to be a more powerful and versatile smart security camera at an affordable price.

Watch the high quality video shared by a user of Reolink Argus® 2.

If you want a solar panel for trail cameras, game cameras or wildlife cameras, the best go-to option would be the Reolink solar panel along with the 4G/3G mobile security camera Reolink Go, which is designed to work in areas with no WiFi and power source.

Below is a video shared by a test user of Reolink Go.

How and Where to Install Solar Panels for Security Cameras

The installation of solar panels for security cameras can be a breeze – you can even complete on your own within minutes. Here's the video to show you how to install it step by step.

To get the most from your solar power kit for security cameras, follow the quick tips below to ensure the solar panels for your trail cameras, game cameras or wildlife cameras are placed in the right way and locations.

1. Adjust the Angles of Solar Panels for Security Cameras Seasonally

Adapting the angle of solar panels for security cameras to the sun seasonally will help you obtain more energy, since the sun travels at varying angles throughout the year.

Now refer to the table about the optimal angle of solar panels for CCTV cameras below for your guidance:

2. Check Out the Local Landscape Features

Before you choose a location to place the solar panel for security cameras, make sure you have examined the surrounding landscape features thoroughly.

As the shade will reduce the efficiency of solar panels for charging camera batteries, be careful not to place your solar panels for CCTV cameras in an area that is shaded daily or seasonally by trees, buildings or any other objects.

And if you live in an area where there is much snow, use a steep angle to shed snow on the solar panels for your hunting cameras, trail cameras, game cameras or wildlife cameras.

3. Ensure Your Location Has Sufficient Space

As mentioned in the above parts, the location you select should have enough space to place the solar panels for security cameras.

In case your space is limited, you’ll need to choose the solar power kit for security cameras with higher efficiency to generate maximum energy.

How to Clean Solar Panels for Security Cameras

Since dust, grime, bird droppings and other substances can build up on your solar panels for security cameras over time, cleaning the solar panels for cameras will be conductive to improve their output efficiency.

How often to clean solar panel for CCTV cameras: Indeed there are no definite answers. It depends on the installation locations and how dirty your solar panels for remote cameras can become after a period of time.

The panel experts recommend that you clean the solar panel for wireless cameras at least once every six months to maintain its optimal operation.

What tool to use for solar panel cleaning: It is best to employ a good quality soft brush or a coarse cloth covered sponge to clean the solar panel for CCTV cameras. Don’t use metal objects or harsh abrasive products as they may scratch the panels.

When to clean solar panel for security cameras: The optimal time to clean solar panels for security cameras is early in the morning or in the evening on windy days. When you clean solar panels for cameras on hot sunny days, the water can evaporate son and dirt will become smeared.

Editor’s Note: If your solar panels for security cameras are installed on the rooftop, it is advised to hire a qualified cleaner for the sake of your own safety.

What’s the Lifespan of Solar Panels for Security Cameras

Generally, a solar panel for security cameras can last 25 years or above.

But don’t get me wrong: That doesn’t mean the solar panel for CCTV cameras will wear out or need to be replaced after 25 years.

They will still be able to work beyond the warranty period, only with reduced efficiency. And that’s also why solar power kit for security cameras should be, and will be your unregretful option.

If you want to learn more information about solar panels for security cameras or contribute your good ideas, please feel free to comment below and we’d love to hear from you!