As the name suggests, a solar-powered security camera uses energy from the sun as its power source. These cameras are also generally equipped with rechargeable batteries to store energy for use when sunlight is unavailable.
But are solar-powered cameras actually better than standard security cameras? In this article, I’ll compare solar-powered cameras with conventional options, including IP cameras, analog cameras, and Wi-Fi cameras, to help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of each and decide which one is right for your needs.
Solar-Powered Cameras and the Purpose Behind Their Design
Solar-powered cameras are designed for outdoor use, particularly in locations where access to a conventional power supply is limited or unavailable.
That’s why I often get requests from customers who want to install security cameras to protect their plantations. In my area, oil palm is one of the most common plantation commodities. Unfortunately, palm fruit theft is a recurring problem for many plantation owners. To help prevent theft and keep an eye on their properties, some of my customers choose to install security cameras.
Advantages of Solar-Powered Cameras
- Can be installed almost anywhere
- Does not require a conventional power supply
- Connects directly to your smartphone for remote monitoring
- Does not require an NVR or DVR
- No Wiring Required
From my experience as a security camera installer, I rarely get requests from homeowners who want to use solar-powered cameras. Most of my residential customers still prefer conventional security cameras, which is what I’m more commonly asked to install in homes.
Solar-Powered Cameras: The Advantages and Disadvantages
After installing different types of security cameras over the years, I’ve found that the biggest advantages of solar-powered cameras are their flexible installation options and the fact that they don’t need a direct connection to the electrical supply. Beyond those two benefits, I personally don’t find them particularly advantageous compared to the standard security cameras I usually install for my customers.
Here Are the Disadvantages of Solar-Powered Security Cameras:
1. Spare Parts Rarely Available
Solar-powered security cameras rely on built-in batteries to keep them running at night when there is no sunlight available. If the battery eventually fails, you’ll need to replace it.
So far, I haven’t come across a camera manufacturer that offers replacement batteries as a separate product.
Unfortunately, this isn’t just an issue with solar-powered cameras. Most security camera manufacturers don’t sell replacement parts separately. Even as a security camera technician, when I encounter a camera that needs a part replaced, I often have to send the entire unit to an authorized service center for repair.
2. Relies on a 4G Network
This is what solar powered cameras lack.
I often get complaints from my customers about the unstable network which makes it difficult to access the camera from their cellphone. Solar security cameras generally cannot be connected to WiFi. The camera uses a 4G card as a connection to the internet. Even though when it was installed, the 4G signal at the location was stable.
This should be a concern for you if you want to buy and install a 4G camera. Not every time the connection can be stable.
3. Does Not Record Continuously
To conserve battery power, most manufacturers design solar-powered security cameras without continuous recording. Instead, the camera only starts recording when it detects motion in front of its lens.
But what about AOV technology?
From what I’ve seen, AOV (Always-On Video) technology is a useful improvement. It allows the camera to capture video in a time-lapse format, typically recording a frame or short clip at regular intervals, such as every two seconds.
However, it’s important to understand that AOV doesn’t necessarily work like conventional 24/7 continuous recording. If your solar-powered camera doesn’t support AOV, it will generally only save recordings when motion is detected. This means you won’t have a continuous record of everything happening in front of the camera.
What to Consider Before Buying a Solar-Powered Security Camera
1. 4G SIM Card Support
Check whether your solar-powered security camera supports 4G connectivity in your area.
I once received a call from someone who had already purchased a 4G solar-powered security camera. However, when they tried to install it, the camera wouldn’t connect to the internet. After taking the call, I visited the location to check the problem. It turned out that the camera they had purchased didn’t support the SIM card network available in their area.
2. Recording Features
Solar-powered, battery-operated cameras generally don’t support continuous 24/7 recording.
I’ve received complaints from quite a few customers about this. The reason is that solar-powered cameras with built-in batteries are generally not designed for continuous 24/7 recording because they need to conserve battery power. Some brands allow you to enable continuous recording, while others don’t offer this option at all.
3. Unable to Connect to Wi-Fi
4G security cameras generally cannot connect to a Wi-Fi network, including many solar-powered models. Some solar-powered cameras come with an RJ45 port, which allows you to connect the camera directly to a router using an Ethernet cable. However, many models don’t include an RJ45 port, so they can’t use a wired network connection either.
Be sure to check the product specifications before making a purchase.
My Personal Take: Solar-Powered Cameras vs. Standard Security Cameras
Even today, I still hesitate before accepting a job to install solar-powered security cameras. In fact, I’ve turned down quite a few requests from potential customers.
It’s not that I think solar-powered cameras are bad. My main concern comes from my experience dealing with network connectivity issues. In the area where I work, 4G coverage isn’t available everywhere, and the signal can vary significantly from one location to another.
That’s why I’m quite careful whenever a customer asks me to install a 4G solar-powered camera. I can’t just take their word for it when they say the 4G signal is strong and stable in their area. Before agreeing to the installation, I want to check the network coverage at the actual location myself. I don’t want to install a camera only to have the customer complain later that they can’t access it from their smartphone because of a poor connection.
For this reason, I still recommend wired security cameras to most of my customers
I’ve installed many wired systems over the years, and I’m more familiar with their performance and reliability. As long as the cables are installed properly and the network is configured correctly, they remain a practical choice for everyday security monitoring.
Conclusion
Ultimately, you need to be careful when planning to buy and install a solar-powered security camera.
My advice is to thoroughly check the 4G network coverage across the entire area where you plan to install the camera. Don’t just test the signal at one spot and assume the connection will be equally good everywhere.
I’ve actually encountered a situation like this. A potential customer told me that the 4G signal was very stable across their plantation, which covered approximately 50 hectares. However, when I visited the site and checked the network coverage more thoroughly, I found several areas where there was no 4G signal at all. This is why I always recommend checking the network coverage at multiple points before purchasing a 4G solar-powered camera. A stable signal in one location doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get the same connection throughout the entire property.
I hope you find this article helpful!