Can a solar wireless outdoor security camera really deliver peace of mind?
Best Solar Powered Security Cameras
If you are in the market for one or more wireless solar security cameras that are battery-powered and have a solar panel with them, then the new Ring Stick Up camera from Amazon is worth a look, but possibly not perfect for you.
Before you dive into buying a solar security camera, it’s highly recommended you learn from the experiences listed in this post as there are a few things to consider which might change what you think you need. Perhaps there are features of another camera or a price that suits you better?
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This is the third generation of the Amazon Ring Stick Up Camera which means it has learned with each evolution (nothing wrong with the first ones too), A small footprint with a good quality HD picture, infrared night vision and excellent app features make this a great pic.
Since purchasing Ring, Amazon has continued to support its roadmap and development plans which have included better operability of Ring devices and improvements to the Ring app and the video processing speed thanks to their dominant ability to leverage the AWS amazon cloud hosting infrastructure.
Arlo’s Essential security camera records video in 1080p for a clear picture and see more of your property thanks to the wide 130º viewing angle
Fine-tuned and attractive too. The Arlo camera family of products look good and just work. With many different features and options to purchase multi-packs to same some money. You’ll need the Arlo hub but this doesn’t add significantly more to the price. More expensive? Yes, but if the price is second to good cameras and wireless security, with solar, then the Arlo stand out.
Dzees wireless security camera records video when motion is detected and sends instant alerts to your phone. AI motion sensor can differentiate person/pet/vehicle, providing higher accuracy and less false alerts.
The Dzees is a great little camera for less than $100. The picture quality is good. Just get a third party solar panel for charging as batteries need help. Solar compatible but not included.
- Can a solar wireless outdoor security camera really deliver peace of mind?
- Best Outdoor Wireless Security Camera with Solar Listed
- Full details on each security camera
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- Questions to ask before buying Wireless Solar Security Cameras
- Wireless outdoor camera or Wired? Battery-powered security camera or powered?
- Recording your video
- Range of WiFi to the camera
- The solar panel needs… the sun
- Does it need a hub?
- How about Picture Quality?
- Interoperability with other Smart Devices? Do you need it?
- Alexa Echo Show and Google Nest Hub Integration
- IFTTT options
- Do you trust the brand?
- Is Two-way communication important?
- Does the solar camera have a built-in Alarm?
- Built-in Lights? Spotlights / Floodlights
- Day and Night Vision – Infrared? Can you see in the dark?
- Past solar security cameras from this list
Best Outdoor Wireless Security Camera with Solar Listed
You can assume all cameras use WiFi.
Camera Name | Solar Panel Included | Needs Hub | Price | SD Card Option |
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2. Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera with Solar Panel Charger | $$$ | |||
3. Dzees Solar Security Camera | ✔ | $ | ✔ | |
4. REOLINK Argus Eco with Solar Panel | ✔ | $ | ✔ | |
5. Blink Outdoor + Solar Panel Charging Mount | ✔ | ✔ | $$ | |
6. Soliom Outdoor Solar Battery Powered Security Camera | ✔ | $$ | ✔ | |
7. FUVISION Wireless WiFi Pan 360° View PTZ Solar Security Camera Outdoor | ✔ | $$ | ✔ | |
8. Wali Bullet Fake Solar Security Cameras | $ |
Full details on each security camera
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No products found.This the third generation of the new Ring Stick Up camera offering improvements in features, quality and more integrations with other Ring devices. It’s quick to set up and effortless to get working with your other Ring camera, bulbs and security system.
There are a few key features that make this an easy choice. You get the power of Amazon which means the video processing speeds are much better than early Ring devices and you get decent budget to innovate and improve the apps.
A nice touch is the ability to press an alarm button on the app shown in the image below. It’s not super loud but that noise combined with you talking down through the camera should scare anyone off.
This camera is indoor and outdoor so it makes a good choice for a pet watching camera or indoor security camera as well.
The optional monthly fee for storage is affordable and you can get an unlimited cameras price when you get to about 3 cameras.
What we like (Pros)
- Easy to set up
- Good quality and light build
- 2-way audio
- Built-in alarm feature
- Indoor and outdoor
- IFTTT integration
- Solar Panel is effective
- 60 Day footage storage on a paid plan
- Google and Alexa integration
What we like less (Cons)
- Doesn’t include ceiling/soffit bracket
- Needs good WiFi signal
Summary: Feature packed and well supported, the Ring Stick Up camera gives you the best of indoor and outdoor security cameras. The solar panel is attractive and easy to mount and it works very well in moderate sunlight. An easy, attractive and affordable choice.
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Read the latest reviews for the
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2: Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera with Solar Panel Charger
The Arlo’s Essential security camera with full high definition is certainly the best looking of the bunch. The particular configuration referred to here is a bundle with strong coverage, wireless setup, and installation flexibility.
Like the Stick Up Camera, this captures images in 1080p video. Improved wider angle view (130°) and has a slightly better recording quality. You can connect WiFi to the Arlo Essential and it connects directly to your network via WiFi.
Colour night vision is unique to the Arlo Essential and is one of the things you get for the extra investment. Another nice touch is a built-in spotlight. You can get the Ring Camera with a live view, but it’s a little bulkier than this, although the light is more dispersed on the Ring.
The USB charging makes it easy to charge. It allows you to place the camera with ease.
The built-in siren can be manually activated using the Arlo app or you can set it so if the camera detects movement, it can automatically go off. With the amount of motion my outdoor security cameras get, if I set it automatically, it would be going off all day, but it makes sense if you have the camera in an area with no movement unless it’s a movement that shouldn’t be happening…like a person where they shouldn’t be.
There is two-way audio so you can talk and listen to your pets, your delivery person or the burglar trying to steal your vinyl Spandau Ballet collection.
The trial plan gives you a live view but no storage, which is a bit of a waste of time. The paid plan is aligned to Ring’s plans so they are competitive on that front. It will store footage for 30 days with advanced object detection, depending on your plan.
What we like (Pros)
- Google, Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings integration
- Colour night vision
- Built-in spotlight surveillance
- Good looking units
- Solar Panel charger available’.
- Compatible with metal wall mount
- 2-way audio
- Works with Apple Watch
What we like less (Cons)
- They removed free 7-day storage plan (but you get a 3 month trial of the service)
Summary: While the cost of the Arlo Essential is higher than other units, and you need to have a paid plan to make it worth having, the finish and features make it an excellent choice. The Essential ensures a good feed from all the cameras, the colour night vision, led spotlight and alarm plus 2 way audio means it’s got what you need.
Read the latest reviews for the
Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera
3: Dzees Solar Security Camera
The Dzees wireless outdoor security camera is one of the more affordable options and after seeing the screenshots and video feed from it, it’s really great quality. You can’t complain about the battery, which lasts as long as 4-6 months after one full charge. So we don’t suggest a third-party solar panel to really make it work.
The unique thing about the Dzees wifi camera is that it’s a 100% wire-free charging option. The micro SD slot can be extended up to 128GB so if you prefer to store your footage locally and then download it for storage, it’s a great choice.
A cloud storage account is an option for 7 days.
There is an app for the camera which works fine. You get motion alerts and can view the live video feed at any time. You can search iPhone or Google Play store for the app to get previews of what that looks like.
Two-way talk works fine but is not as effective as the Ring Stick Up cam from our experience.
The wide monitoring view is 130° which is similar to the Arlo Essential but still effective and more than most people need.
Wi-Fi connection is more stable than other options here, thanks to an advanced chip and 4dBi integrated antenna.
What we like (Pros)
- microSD storage option
- Built-in alarm
- 2-way talk
- HD Color Night vision
- 1080P HD images
- Good value for money
What we like less (Cons)
- Cloud recording is less than 1GB only 7days
- No 5Ghz Wifi option
- Need to buy additional
Summary: If you’re in the market for an affordable but good-quality camera, the Dzees is a good choice. The app allows you to share access the same as more premium outdoor security camera competitors and the quality is surprisingly good for the price.
Read the latest reviews and videos for the
Dzees Solar Security Camera
4: REOLINK Argus Eco with Solar Panel
Reolink is a well-known brand of outdoor security cameras. This Reolink Argus Eco package also comes with a Reolink branded solar panel. Like all these cameras, you can use it on the wireless battery or you can plug in the solar panel to keep the battery charged.
The Reolink Argus Eco really is a cute little egg-shaped camera at an affordable price. Cheaper than the Stick Up camera and Arlo Pro but will have many similar features and a strong heritage.
IP65 weatherproof certified for good outdoor weatherproofing. The night vision uses a CMOS sensor which is reported to give a clearer night view.
The magnetic bracket for the camera has the same flexibility as the Arlo. It’s a nice touch and means you can remove the camera or change the tilt and angle to almost anything that suits. This is better than the limited Stick Up camera. However, it seems odd that someone can come and grab it off its bracket as desired. The benefit of this is that you can
Features that it doesn’t share with the other cameras is the 100° PIR detecting angle. Also, an optional micro SD recording card, so you don’t have to pay for cloud storage if you don’t want to. It does mean you have to download footage if you need it from the card.
The app is similar to others, including Ring.
What we like (Pros)
- 128GB SD storage option
- Built-in alarm
- 2-way audio
- CMOS night video
- 1080p full HD quality
- Good value for money
- 6X digital zoom
- Alexa compatible
What we like less (Cons)
- Fast-moving objects like cars are not always easy to capture, but this is not uncommon for a lot of cameras
Summary: Solid brand, solid features, and some nice touches like the magnetic brackets plus solar panel for charging make the Argus Eco a good choice. The price is really good and places this below the Argos.
Read the latest reviews for the
REOLINK Argus Eco with Solar Panel
5: Blink Outdoor + Solar Panel Charging Mount
Amazon paid $90 million dollars for blink, so you have to believe they are a good choice in wireless outdoor security cameras…right? Well, it’s true.
The Blink Outdoor camera requires a hub and is good for outdoor use. It includes cloud storage and 2-way audio recording.
The big kicker here that might make you think a solar panel charger is not worth it – it is massive 2-year battery life. Not sure how they pulled that one-off, but it’s impressive.
The Blink Outdoor is a move up from the indoor-only blink 1 camera – the blink 1 is still a great unit but the Blink Outdoor has more features.
The quick setup feature is a surprisingly useful feature. Also, this unit can operate in a temperature of -4 to 113° F.
What we like (Pros)
- Motion detection alerts
- 2-year battery life
- Temperature monitoring
What we like less (Cons)
- Moderate performance
Summary: Overall, the Blink Outdoor is a good basic camera with moderate specs. It has all the core features you need but doesn’t expect it to perform like a high-end outdoor security camera – that extra-long battery life must come at a cost to performance. As wireless solar security cameras go, it’s not our favorite.
Read the latest reviews for the
Blink Outdoor
6: Soliom S60 Outdoor Solar Battery Powered Security Camera
Here we start to stray from the ‘major’ brands that everyone is so familiar with and also step away from some of the typical DIY security cameras.
The Soliom looks a little like a small satellite station with its big solar wings. It could be labelled as a bullet camera but it’s a little chubby.
This model is a next-gen model for the Soliom who have improved on previous generations of their security camera. The styling and smooth lines fits with the current aesthetic going around.
Includes all the same features of motion detection, 2-way audio, night vision and an app to manage the camera and motion alerts from.
The field of view is 160° which is impressive.
What we like (Pros)
- Solar panels are integrated
- IP66
- 2-way audio
- Night vision
- Ongoing updates
- SD Card slot
- Free Cloud Storage is good
What we like less (Cons)
- An overactive sensor at times
- Saved cloud videos are only 8 seconds.
- No google home or Amazon alexa integration
Summary: The build in solar is a nice touch and overall the Soliom S60 works well. If you can get it placed close to your WiFi network and don’t have extensive footage to capture it’s up for the task.
Read the latest reviews for the
Soliom S60 Outdoor Solar Battery Powered Security Camera
7: FUVISION Wireless WiFi Pan 360° View PTZ Solar Security Camera Outdoor
The name alone invokes many thoughts around this security camera. It could be the F.U. Vision camera or the camera that puts the Kung FU in security VISIONs cameras… get it?
Looking similar but different to the Soliom, the FUVISION has it solar panels built-in so no need for extra wires – just make sure you don’t mount it under soffits where the sun might not shine in Summer or Winter.
Again, the normal line up of features including motion detection, 2-way audio, cloud storage and/or built-in SD card option for local storage on the camera. IP66 waterproof rated for outdoor use.
The field of view is limited compared to others on this list but that doesn’t mean it’s not fit for purpose. If you’re only shooting down a side alley then a limited view span might be preferred. Currently, it’s field of view is 120° using the wide angle camera lens
What we like (Pros)
- Solar panels are built-in
- Full HD Quality
- Black light image sensor
- SD Cart slot option
- Cloud storage
What we like less (Cons)
- Limited viewing angle
- No google home or alexa echo integration
Summary: Another ‘all-in-one’ package with solar panels built in, HD quality and an SD card option makes the FUVISION a fine choice. The price is not too high and considering you don’t have to purchase a separate solar panel this might be appealing.
Read the latest reviews for the
FUVISION Wireless WiFi Pan 360° View PTZ Solar Security Camera Outdoor
8: WALI Fake Security Camera - Bullet style
It seems impossible to have a long post about wireless solar security cameras without giving an option for fakes. These simulated surveillance cameras might suit those of you who don’t need to actually see what is going on.
Useless for people wanting to watch their pets, have actual footage in the event of a break-in or keep a general eye on property or places but perfect just as a deterrent to thieves and robbers.
What we like (Pros)
- Nothing else to pay for
- No app needed
- No interrupting motion notifications
What we like less (Cons)
- Don’t actually do anything
- Still need batteries
- The word ‘security camera’ down the side might not trick seasoned thieves.
Summary: If you want the look that says ‘I’m watching you, stay away’ but don’t care about actually recording anything these fake CCTV cameras are a great choice. Proven to deter some people no doubt.
Read the latest reviews for the
WALI Fake Security Camera - Bullet style
Questions to ask before buying Wireless Solar Security Cameras
The above camera breakdowns have hopefully given you enough insights into what camera might be best for you. The following information will offer questions and answers to help you further in making a buying decision.
Wireless outdoor camera or Wired? Battery-powered security camera or powered?
If you’re reading this you have most likely made up your mind already, that is you want a battery-powered unit with an option for Solar and you want it to be wireless. Wireless meaning wires to power it and wireless connection to a WiFi network. You might already own a Ring 2 Doorbell with or without a solar-powered housing.
The main and only point I really want to make here is that Wireless connection and a battery-powered (or solar powered) unit is not only possible these days, but they work surprisingly well. No longer are you tied to expensive camera installations and having ethernet cables running all over your house – you can set up a DIY outdoor security camera with little effort and it should work. I say should as you need to read the list of things to look for below.
Personally, I love solar devices. I can put them anywhere around the house, not have to charge them and not have to run wires to them. It means if I move house or decide to move devices around it’s effortless. And, it’s powered by mother nature so it’s free to run! What exciting times we live in.
- Wireless connection – is your WiFi strong enough to reach the Wireless camera?
- Recording your videos? Be prepared to have to pay a small monthly fee to have your video footage stored in the cloud
- Hub? Do you need a hub to connect the cameras too?
- Picture quality
- Solar Panel placement
- Smart Home and outdoor wireless security camera options
- Trust in the brand
Recording your video
If you are new to security cameras (you might also be interested in our Abode Security System review) you need to understand there are only a few ways to store video from a security camera.
1: If the unit has an SD card slot in it you can record to the card until it is full, and then delete old footage and record new over it. This seems like a cheaper way to keep a record of your cameras captured footage but there is a major flaw in it…if the person breaking into your house takes the camera too, then your footage is gone with it. Not ideal
2: Cloud recordings are offered by almost all the major outdoor security camera manufacturers. This means that the footage is recorded and stored in the cloud. So if the camera is broken or stolen in any event, you still have the footage of the unfriendlies that did it. Some companies will offer a certain amount of free recording e.g. 3 days of free recordings. If you want more, like 30 days worth then you have to pay. For most companies, this will be less than $5 a month. Usually even cheaper than that.
3: Local IP connected recordings over ethernet. This isn’t really an option with any of the camera listed in this post. Networked cameras are rarely battery-powered and take a more serious approach to the setup. Avid security nerds swear by these types of camera setups but for those of us who want easy and quick, it’s not for us.
Range of WiFi to the camera
The hardest lesson I learned with the new Ring Stickup Camera, Ring 2 Doorbell Battery powered and the other WiFi units I have is that your WiFi really needs to be pretty robust. I have the Google WiFi mesh network and one of my StickUp cameras on the far side of the house reaches but it gets a weak signal. When you are trying to process an HD camera feed in real-time you’ll want to make sure it has all the bandwidth it needs.
The good news is you can always buy a WiFI extender to boost the signal near weaker coverage areas.
The solar panel needs… the sun
Might seem obvious but if you are getting an outdoor wireless security camera with Solar power you’re going to need sunshine to make it work. So, before you go splashing out your hard-earned cash on it take a walk around your house and think about a few important factors in this decision.
You might think you know where to put the camera but when you put it there it might not give you the view you want. So consider:
- A few different positions you might put the camera
- If the camera has a detached solar panel – a few different places you could then put the solar panel
- If the camera has the solar panels attached then you need to avoid putting it under roof soffits or similar – this will expose the camera to the elements also (we like units like the Stick Up camera as there is a long cable that lets you put the solar panel elsewhere)
- Imagine how the sun travels differently through the year as in Summer it will be much higher in the sky and Winter, much lower
Does it need a hub?
Arlo cameras and Blink cameras do need hubs to connect too. This might or might not be a big deal for you. Personally, I didn’t want another hub in the house. I managed to avoid getting a Philips Hue hub as the abode security hub manages them natively. It’s just another thing to plug into another PowerPoint in a house that has few power outlets left due to my many electronic gadgets and devices clogging them up.
How about Picture Quality?
All my cameras have a 720p or full HD stream. Even at this high quality, it’s not always easy to get detail in an outdoor camera that has to cover a large area. An entranceway which has a Ring doorbell is great but a camera that is covering your whole driveway or backyard really needs to carry a good HD picture quality.
My advice – avoid anything that gets a poor quality rating or streams in SD (standard definition) and not HS (high definition).
Interoperability with other Smart Devices? Do you need it?
If you’re going for a wireless outdoor security camera the chances are you might also have a few smart devices in the house. You might have more Ring devices like lights and cameras, more Arlo cameras or a SmartThings Hub or similar which controls lots o smart devices in your smart home.
If this is the case then you will want to choose a camera that has connectivity to some of these devices. An example is that Ring and SmartThings do have a connection.
If my case my abode security system controls my Philips Hue bulbs and it connects into to Alexa. Alexa can also control Ring devices. So I have a routine that says ‘If motion is detected at the front Door Camera THEN turn on Outside Garage Light (philips hue), wait 2 minutes, then turn it off’.
I also have one that is the same for the other side of the house ‘If motion is detected on Ring Stick Up Camera THEN turn on laundry light, wait 2 minutes, turn off’.
This is a great example of taking your Wireless Security Camera and make it smart.
Alexa Echo Show and Google Nest Hub Integration
The main way you will always interact with your wireless security camera is on your mobile phone. Your app will tell you when there is motion and you can open the app to view a live view of the camera.
Another way you can access your camera, if it has this feature, is to say to your Alexa Show or Google Nest Hub ‘Show me the backyard camera’ or ‘Show me the front door’ etc. This can bring up the camera view on your home device and also allow you to have two-way communication with whoever is on the camera.
A cool extra if your house is big enough, and you choose a camera that has this integration option.
IFTTT options
If your smart home doesn’t connect natively to your outdoor security cameras you might be able to use IFTTT at least. Check out IFTTT for options there.
Do you trust the brand?
This is a security conversation we’re having right now. There are few companies that gave proved themselves immune to a hacking or attack. With this in mind, it might be worth you asking where you are going to put the camera and what would it mean if someone hacked into the feed?
For this reason, I don’t have cameras in the house in any high traffic areas. I have them outside on all sides, and in the garage. I figure I don’t need a camera in my lounge, kitchen, hallways or bedrooms. In fact, I find that a bit weird unless you want to look at your pets during the day and check they are OK. That I understand but after getting home I think I’d avoid having a camera on me.
Is Two-way communication important?
If you want the ability to talk to people through your wireless outdoor security camera and have them talk to you then you are going to want a two-way communication security camera. This will allow you to surprise would-be robbers with your voice saying ‘What the flip are you doing in my backyard?!’….or similar such sentiments.
This is actually also cool for talking to your cat or dog or other pets when you are not home. A nice way for them to freak out when they hear your voice and not understand where the hell you are.
Does the solar camera have a built-in Alarm?
Do you need a built-in alarm? Like the 2-way communications options you might want the camera to have a built-in alarm option. The Ring Stick Up Camera has this as a little icon on the screen which you can press to activate a mild but threatening enough warning alarm.
If you have a security system you might be able to trigger manually, through another app, this might not be a requirement. I like the option to see someone and hit the alarm on the camera with a few choice words and then find my abode app and trigger the louder alarm for that.
My abode alarm gives me the option to turn on all lights and make a real scene which is more impactful but again, the quick option in the Ring camera is great.
Built-in Lights? Spotlights / Floodlights
A feature that might be moot if you have other security lights that come on and assist your cameras at night. Again, some cameras have built-in motion lights as well as being a camera. These are less often battery-powered as they take a lot of power.
Day and Night Vision – Infrared? Can you see in the dark?
Most cameras will offer an infrared night view. Just check the screenshots from the manufacturer or customers first so you feel confident it doesn’t look terrible. If you have a solar light or trigger to turn on a light on any motion you might have a good picture but just double-check.
The number of times I’ve seen screenshots on Facebook of people trying to track thieves down and you can barely make out if they are male or female, let alone what their facial features are. Quality matters to people.
That’s the list and all the tips when looking to buy a solar-powered wireless outdoor security camera. It’s so great to have this much technology that doesn’t need to be hard wired, backs up to the cloud and can give you access to view your property from your phone anywhere in the world and talk through it (or sound an alarm)!
Past solar security cameras from this list
- Arlo Pro 3 with Arlo Solar Panel
- Amzsun WIreless Out Door Security Camera with 3rd Party Solar Panel
- Reolink Wireless Outdoor Security Camera with Solar Panel
- Blink XT2 Camera with third-party Blulu Solar Panel
If you have specific questions or comments please add them here
Endless hours of experimentation, professional work, and personal investment in Home Theatre, Hi-Fi, Smart Home Automation and Headphones have come to this.
Former owner of Headphones Canada, a high-end headphone specialty retailer.
This post was last updated on 2024-12-13 / Some images from Amazon Product API & some links may be affiliate links which may earn us a commission from purchases.
If you want to further deter criminals, clearly advertise the presence of your CCTV cameras with signs to make sure intruders stay away.