Image source: Ring

*Note: This is an unbiased review: we have no financial ties with any of the companies mentioned, nor do we earn money from affiliate advertising. The content of this blog is based on research and information available at the time of writing.

As people look to secure their homes and add monitoring software to their lives, outdoor security camera options are becoming increasingly popular. Solar-powered security cameras, or surveillance cameras, are a unique option and work similarly to solar-powered yard lights, charging up during the day and then running all night on that stored energy.

We’ve narrowed down the top 5 best solar-powered security camera systems to help you develop a secure home surveillance plan. Let’s dive in.

The top 5 best solar powered security cameras

The popularity of home security systems is rising. Cameras attached to doorbells are a simple pick for homeowners, but security cameras that can be installed around the home offer an extra layer of security.

Solar-powered security cameras require less maintenance than battery-powered or plug-in cameras, making them an excellent choice for your home.

To get started on building your own home surveillance system, check out some of the best solar security cameras available.

Top choice: Ring Stick Up Cam

Image source: Ring

Average cost: $139.99-$549.99

Ring, the same company that manufactures the very popular doorbell camera, also offers a great solar home security camera. This camera can be used inside and outside of the house and can be monitored via a mobile device at any time. Name recognition, customer reviews, and performance make this solar-powered camera a top pick.

Features include:

• The ability to sync with Ring doorbells
• Motion sensors and live-time viewing
• Two-way audio and noise cancellation
• Live color and night vision
• 1-year warranty for parts and lifetime purchase protection
• Google Home compatibility

Pricey choice: The Reolink Argus 3 Pro

Image source: Reolink

Average cost: $107.99

The Reolink Argus 3 Pro is a sleek solar-powered outdoor camera that can be added to areas around your house where outlets are hard to find. The solar panel charges up an internal battery that keeps the camera running all night.

Features include:

• Motion detection and a spotlight feature
• The solar panel to charge the battery is sold separately
• Films in 2K high definition during the day, and color night vision
• Notifications for motions around your camera
• WiFi pairing to quickly and easily store captured video
• Alexa and Google Home compatibility

Runner up: Soliom S600 Pan Tilt Security Camera

Image source: Soliom

Average cost: $159.00

The Soliom camera is a decently priced camera that comes with a motion-detecting floodlight feature. Soliom boasts an installation time of about 15 minutes and the solar panel is included with the purchase of the camera.

Features include:

• The Soliom app lets you monitor the cameras at all times
• Two-way talk enables you to speak with people outside of the house
• 2-year replacement warranty

Notable mention: Zumimall Solar Pan Tilt Security Camera

Image source: Zuminall

Average cost: $125.99

The Zumimall camera offers a 360-degree field of view as it can pivot towards any motion that is detected. The voice connection feature allows you to talk to visitors through your camera.

Features include:

• The charged battery can last for 3 months
• Enhanced night vision

The budget pick: Ctronics 1080P Security Camera

Image source: Ctronics

Average cost: $109.99

The Ctronics solar-powered camera is a great budget option to provide home security. The design itself is not the sleekest looking, but it offers most of the features included in the more expensive options.

Features include:

• Two-way audio and 1080p video night vision
• Motion detection and real-time notifications
• Cloud storage for video footage

What to look for when buying a solar security camera

There are several solar security cameras to choose from, and most of the time, whichever one you pick should suit your needs. We recommend the Reolink Argus and the Ring camera as our top 2 choices. They are highly rated and can seamlessly fit into any smart home. Reolink is compatible with both Google Home and Alexa, while the Ring can connect to Google Home.

Other important features to look for are 4G connection compatibility, general smart home compatibility, camera resolution, alert detection, voice connectivity, and motion detection.

These are the features that ensure your camera is doing its job. Security alerts can be sent straight to your phone and voice connectivity allows you to speak to unwanted visitors or potential threats outside your home. There is not much point to a camera that cannot alert you to movement outside your home or one that you can’t speak out of.

Additionally, the ability to connect to 4G or higher is key. 3G is being phased out, so any device that is only compatible with 3G will not have a WiFi connection – another feature that is important for security cameras.

A good quality camera resolution can ensure that the footage you collect is not grainy and of low video quality. The last thing you need is unusable footage, so it’s best to invest in a full HD camera.

Why choose a solar-powered security camera vs. non-solar?

Non-solar security cameras either need to be plugged into a power source or run on batteries that need to be replaced. Solar cameras, on the other hand, need very little maintenance because the solar panel charges the battery within the camera.

Because solar security cameras are cordless, they offer much more flexibility for placement. They can go anywhere that has access to the sun, so think to place one on the side of your shed or even an RV.

The main benefit of solar-powered, wireless security cameras is peace of mind. Your battery will be charged up and ready to go day and night.

What is the battery life like of a solar-powered security camera?

Technically, a solar-powered security camera can run without a solar panel. The rechargeable battery within the camera is the main source of power and if it is fully charged up, it can last up to 3 days depending on the brand.

The solar panel is essentially an added feature. When the battery is low, the panel charges up the battery so that your camera has continuous power. For example, the Ctronics battery can run for up to four weeks continuously before needing a recharge from the solar panel.

This ensures that even if there are a few cloudy days or rain, the security cameras will not run out of battery.

Final verdict: should you get solar-powered security cameras?

If you like the idea of solar panels powering your life, a solar-powered security camera is a great addition. Most models are under $200 per camera and they charge their own battery, a small price to pay for low maintenance.

If continuous filming is your goal, solar-powered cameras are your best option. For non-solar options, the time between when the battery dies and the time needed to change the battery is time wasted. A solar-powered camera can give you peace of mind with 24/7 video recording.