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

Battery powered, wireless security cameras have serious advantages, but also important caveats. gives on the other hand, you can mount a security camera on them almost anyway and they are super DIY friendly with no need to run any cables. takes away side note, those batteries require extra management, and if you put the cam in a high location like above the garage, you may have to get the ladder out every few months to replace/charge the battery. Not too bad for a video doorbell, but a real pain for cams that take in 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 cameras. These panels aren’t big, just a few watts, but they generate enough charge to power the batteries in wireless cameras. They’re completely DIY, and they help turn batteries that are limited to a few months into reliable, wireless cameras that can last for years. Here’s everything you need to know.

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

It’s not guaranteed, but the results can be excellent. In our tests, we found that placing a solar panel in a sunny backyard was enough to keep a battery fully charged, at least in the pleasant summer months. With the right angle and the right weather, you could go a long time, possibly years, without having to worry about charging or replacing batteries. Of course, results will vary depending on your location and positioning.

Should the solar panel be on a roof? Where should I install it?

You can mount it anywhere you can bolt it down to get a lot of sunlight. This can include roofs, walls, eaves, trees, fences, and more. In general, you want to keep it out of shade, leaves, and obstacles, such as nearby houses or hills.

For an even better guide on how to mount a solar panel and the best way to angle it, you can use the following: an online tool based on your location or even Buy a small device to get the right angle.

Do I need to mount the camera solar panel separately from the camera?

In most cases, yes. This is an advantage because one panel can support multiple security cameras of 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, like this Eufy model. Blink, on the other hand, has a mount-and-solar combo add-on for some of its cameras. These options make installation a lot easier, but finding the right sun exposure is trickier.

Can these solar panels work in all weather conditions?

Yes. These solar panels are very weather resistant and you should have no problems with rain, snow, hail and wind storms. Tornadoes can be a problem.

Do the solar panels require maintenance?

Wiping them down thoroughly every now and then will keep them working efficiently, especially after a dusty season.

Can you adjust solar panels after they are installed?

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

Can the solar panel also power something other than the camera?

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

How much does such a solar panel usually cost?

They usually cost between $30 and $50 individually, but often come with security cameras.

The best solar panels for security cameras by brand

Now that we’ve covered the essentials, let’s take a look at solar panel offerings from some of the most popular security brands on the market. Luckily, almost everyone has one. Here’s a quick list of our favorites so you can check to see if one is compatible with your cameras:

And last but not least, this is the perfect time to take a look at the best places to install a security camera, as well as the places you should never put a camera.