Do Solar Security Cameras Work (5 Things You Should Know)

Solar security cameras are a perfect addition to any surveillance system. You’ll never have to worry about dead batteries or wiring. But, do they really work?

In general, the simple answer is yes, solar-powered security cameras are not a fad and they do in fact work great when used outdoors. The one instance in which they do not work is when used in indoor areas that do not have access to any sunlight.

Solar-powered security cameras are suitable for surveillance as they provide electricity-free protection. The cameras do not require infrastructure or electrical power and, therefore, makes it easier to set up a wireless connection while minimizing concerns regarding traditional power source.

How Solar Cameras Work

Solar-powered security cameras utilize solar panels for harnessing sunlight which is converted into direct current electricity. Security cameras are then powered based on the transitioning of the direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC) using an inverter. In this manner, a solar-powered camera works like a solar power system.

The camera is placed at the desired location, be it a roof, office, home, or door, with a solar panel connected by a cable. The sheet of photovoltaic cells then converts solar energy into electrical energy that is used for powering the security system. (1)

Are they easier to install than normal cameras?

Being wireless security cameras, they can be installed faster in any desired location, not requiring the drill roles or cables to be installed. In addition, after the completion of the project, the movement of solar cameras is also relatively easier.

Do they last longer than normal cameras?

The life of a security camera is highly subjected to the usage or the amount of monitoring to be done.  However, compared to normal cameras, solar panels used in solar security cameras are of high quality and come with potent batteries that can easily be changed whenever required.

Solar panel manufacturers usually offer 25-year warranties which indicate that the security cameras require minimum maintenance and are capable of producing consistent power.

Top Benefits of Solar Powered Security Cameras

There are certain circumstances in which using solar-powered security cameras are preferred.

1. Beneficial for Flexible Locations

A security camera that works on solar power does not require any power grid or cables to be operated. For this reason, they are suitable or beneficial to be used in various surveillance-specific applications, for instance, environments that are geographically challenging, such as remote areas and sites. 

However, the functioning of solar-powered cameras is not restricted to remote areas. Rather, the cameras can also be suitably used in homes, construction sites, farms, sheds, and other places.

2. Easier Installation and Movement

Solar-powered security cameras serve as a cost-effective option based on their easy installation and movement. Since operated by solar energy, security cameras are wireless and, therefore, can be easily moved without needing cables. For instance, after the completion of projects in remote areas, solar-powered cameras can be moved to another site easily.  The cameras can also be flexibly placed both indoors and outdoors without any wire, cord or drilling.

3. Monitor the Area Day or Night

In the daytime, solar-powered security cameras are operated through solar panels by means of sunlight. However, there are some circumstances when it is highly desirable to have the camera operate at night as well. Still, you have nothing to worry about. Security cameras can also be powered at night using rechargeable batteries. (2)

In addition to this, solar cameras operated over WiFi are also introduced with starlight sensors. These sensors have proved to be effective enough to provide better night color vision of the areas where security cameras are placed.  

4. Easier Scalability

Solar-powered security cameras are also easier to scale and present a flexible solution to monitor the areas. Apart from this, these security cameras also facilitate the further addition of other cameras.

Solar-based security cameras also provide software to view recordings of different cameras on phones, all at once.

5. A Longer Lifespan

Solar-powered security cameras have a longer lifespan, being operated on solar panels. The companies manufacturing solar panels usually offer a more extended warranty of more than twenty years to the users.

Thus, it is evident that solar panels are still capable of producing eighty percent of the power for the camera, even after the given warranty. Therefore, it can further be stated that there is very little need for maintenance required for solar-based security cameras.

FAQs

To what extent are solar panels efficient enough to produce electricity?

Electricity generation by a solar panel is impacted by several factors. The amount of generated electricity can only be determined considering these factors, ranging from changing weather conditions, exposure of panel to the sun, as well as the angle at which the solar panel is adjusted.

Focusing on certain areas and factors, the performance of security cameras can be improved. For instance, the placement of solar panels is an increasingly important factor that significantly impacts the process, resulting in the minimization or maximization of power.

It is further recommended to keep and install the security cameras away from other obstacles.

The cleanliness of solar panels is also highly necessary for improving performance. A wet tissue or cloth can be used for wiping the panel to prevent it from exposing to dust.

Does the battery size for solar-based security cameras matter?

Due to the unavailability of sunlight for security cameras at night, rechargeable batteries are generally used. Therefore, the performance of a security camera is dependent on the reliability of the rechargeable batteries.

For wireless security cameras operated with solar panels to perform efficiently, it is necessary to ensure that the batteries must have a higher capacity (10 times) when compared with the maximum output of the panel installed. It is necessary to ensure that the batteries are not overcharged in order to prevent them from damage.

In most cases, it is recommended to buy solar cameras from manufacturers that also offer rechargeable batteries.

What is the process of saving footage or recording with solar security cameras?

If you are interested in recording videos through solar-powered cameras, using SD cards will be a better option. In this manner, playing saved videos or recordings and managing them using wireless security cameras will also be possible through movement sensors. These sensors are usually placed on memory cards using phones.

Apart from this, cloud service is another suitable alternative option for securely storing videos of solar-based surveillance cameras. Using the internet connection, you will be able to access videos on mobile phones stored on cloud services.

Is it necessary to install solar security cameras with WiFi?

Solar-powered Surveillance cameras are preferably used in remote areas, places with no network. In such cases, SD cards are used for storing the recordings and other detection events.

However, if you are interested in the live recording of the area where solar-based cameras have been installed, it is necessary to have an internet connection in place. There are some solar-powered cameras that are operated with WiFi and have motion sensors installed for sending alerts. Through WiFi, footage of security cameras, as well as live viewing, can be easily accessed.

In addition, some solar-powered cameras have also been created that can be operated using either 3G or 4G cellular data. These security cameras have specifically been designed to be used in places that do not have internet connections or WiFi facilities. Both solar-powered security cameras (wireless), as well as cellular cameras, almost have the same features.

How much does a solar powered security camera that is operated over WiFi cost?

If you are deciding to make an investment in solar-based security cameras, you might need to pay a high cost at first. However, at the same time, the benefits offered by the security cameras, the life of solar panels, the quality of the footage, and overall results cannot be ignored. If you have decided to purchase solar-powered security cameras, we must emphasize that the benefits outweigh the cost.

If you are looking for an outdoor security camera, ensure that the camera offers HD resolution so that minimal details can be easily identified. For making your first investment in the security camera valuable, choose high-quality cameras, specifically those offered by well-known brands.

If you are looking for a flexible, reliable, easy-to-use, and understandable security system for your home, office, or even remote areas, getting solar-powered security cameras installed would be a suitable option.

The cameras offer a lot of benefits and can be installed both indoors and outdoors.

References
(1) electrical energy – https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/electrical-energy
(2) rechargeable camera – https://www.panasonic.com/ph/consumer/battery/rechargeable-battery-and-charger-kit.html