Solar powered security cameras are the most energy-efficient and convenient home security tools on the market. Like all modern home security cameras, they can provide live streaming video to your smartphone or record videos for later viewing, and many have advanced security features such as motion-detecting technology, infrared night vision, and two-way audio communication. The best solar powered security cameras keep their own batteries fully charged at all times so that you never miss any important footage.
We reviewed dozens of solar powered security cameras and have identified the best for your home surveillance needs. As we researched these solar powered security cameras we considered factors such as solar power efficiency, camera quality, and advanced security features in choosing our top picks, and then we compiled a list of many more excellent cameras for your browsing pleasure.
After considering all of the available options we chose the Ring Stick Up Cam Solar as our overall top pick. This solar powered security camera combines a full-featured security camera with an efficient solar panel and complete smart home compatibility to create a security system that can’t be beaten.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Solar Powered Security Cameras
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Solar Powered Security Camera Overall | Ring Stick Up Cam Solar | 4.3 |
| Best Security Camera with Integrated Solar Panels | SOLIOM Outdoor Security Camera | 4.4 |
| Best Budget Solar Powered Security Camera | ZUMIMALL Solar Security Camera | 4.5 |
| Best Solar Powered Security Camera and Floodlight | SOLIOM Spotlight Solar Camera | 4.3 |
| Best Solar Powered Cellular Security Camera | REOLINK Cellular Security Camera | 3.8 |
*Ratings are current at the time of publication and can change
Best Solar Powered Security Camera Overall: Ring Stick Up Cam Solar
An industry leader in home security smart devices, Ring is known for creating high-quality and easy to use security tools fit for the modern age. The Ring Stick Up Cam Solar is a shining example of the brand’s commitment to quality construction, user-friendly design, and the seamless integration of advanced technologies. This Ring Stick Up Cam is one of the best selling home security cameras in recent times, and here it is paired with an efficient solar panel that was designed specifically for it.
The camera produces stunning 1080p HD resolution video from its wide 140-degree lens. From your smartphone, you can view a live feed of the camera whenever you like, and you can also adjust camera settings, customize your alerts, and interact with recorded videos. Advanced security camera technologies such as motion detection and infrared night vision come standard with the camera, as does two-way audio so that you can speak with anyone who is near the camera.
While this camera alone is a capable security system, it can also be integrated into an Amazon Alexa smart home and a complete multi-camera security system. There is a bevy of Ring peripherals that can be added to enhance the camera’s connectivity and capabilities, and an optional Ring Protect Plan further improves this camera’s functionality for a small monthly subscription free. In its base form, this camera securely takes out top overall pick, but all of the available extras put it way over the top. You can customize your Ring camera and security system to match your security needs, and that is what makes it special.
Ring Stick Up Cam Solar Key Features:
- 1080p HD camera with a 140-degree viewing angle
- Live view on-demand video and audio
- Alexa compatible and works with other Ring products
- 2-watt solar panel with 13-foot USB cord
Best Security Camera with Integrated Solar Panels: SOLIOM Outdoor Security Camera
To be frank, if you’re looking to buy an outdoor security camera with integrated solar panels, it should be the SOLIOM Outdoor Security Camera. While we have several other great cameras listed below with a similar design, this SOLIOM camera is the best bang for your buck in the segment. This camera has an amazingly wide viewing angle, an impressively powerful suite of solar panels, and you can even plug in an additional solar panel if you so desire.
The camera has everything we want to see in an outdoor security camera. It pumps out crystal-clear 1080p HD video and captures plenty of horizontal space with its 160-degree ultra-wide-angle lens, it’s completely wireless thanks to its efficient solar power design and three WiFi antennas, and the software is laden with features like advanced PIR motion detection, two-way audio, and infrared night vision. There are 4 infrared LEDs that enable the camera to see clearly up to 32 feet in the middle of the night.
But it’s the solar power functionality that drew you to this article, and this SOLIOM camera has plenty of it— that is, it can capture oodles of solar energy. There are three solar panels integrated into the top of this camera, and two of them can be easily adjusted to attain the perfect angle for solar absorption. Additionally, there is a USB port in the back of the camera that can be used to quick-charge the camera via a wall outlet, or that USB port can be used to add another solar panel. The provided solar panels and large rechargeable battery are certainly enough to keep this security camera powered at all times, but hey, another solar panel isn’t going to hurt anybody.
SOLIOM Outdoor Security Camera Key Features:
- 1080p HD camera with a 160-degree viewing angle
- 10000mAh rechargeable battery pack
- Three solar panels produce up to 1000mAh per hour
- USB port for recharging or an extra solar panel
Best Budget Solar Powered Security Camera: ZUMIMALL Solar Security Camera
The ZUMIMALL Solar Security Camera is on par with the best solar powered security cameras on the market, yet it is priced more affordably than most. It’s a high-definition security camera that is loaded with all of the modern features you would expect in a top-tier camera, and it comes paired with a fantastic USB solar panel that’ll keep the 6000mAh battery pack charged so long as the sun keeps on shining.
By default, the ZUMIMALL Solar Security Camera records and displays in crisp 1080p HD resolution, but you can optionally turn down the video quality to standard resolution in order to save battery life and file storage space. A live video feed is always available on your smartphone. Recorded video is encrypted and can be saved locally on an SD card up to 128gb in size, or you can subscribe to CloudEdge App’s cloud storage option to keep your files securely stored on the cloud.
Mounting hardware and a USB cable are included with purchase. The fact that this camera uses a USB cord to attach to the included solar panel means that you can adapt your camera to another power source, such as a direct wall outlet connection, in the future if needed. The two-way audio functional and customizable motion-sending alerts make this an excellent choice as a front door camera. With it, you’ll be notified when someone shows up to your door and you can communicate with them directly from your smartphone no matter where you are.
ZUMIMALL Solar Security Camera Key Features:
- 1080p HD camera with 120-degree viewing angle
- 6000mAh rechargeable battery pack
- PIR motion-sensing with adjustable sensitivity
- Two-way audio and customizable alerts
Best Solar Powered Security Camera and Floodlight: SOLIOM Spotlight Solar Camera
For those who want every feature under the sun, the SOLIOM Spotlight Solar Camera adds bright LED lighting to the solar powered security camera feature list. While this is an excellent camera, and the solar panel certainly has its merits, the suite of 6 high-powered LEDs that light up the night on this device is what makes this camera stand out. There are 4 white light LEDs that can put a spotlight on any late-night trespassers and 2 infrared LEDs that provide excellent black and white night vision.
Those 4 spotlight LEDs also give this SOLIOM Spotlight Solar Camera a second night vision mode. Whereas the infrared LEDs enable the typical black and white night vision, the white LEDs enable a detail-rich Starlight Color Night Vision. This secondary night vision uses low levels of ambient light and/or the white LEDs to create vivid nighttime video that is far more clear than the typical night vision. You’ll still want to use the more stealthy black and white night vision for normal use, but the Starlight Color Night Vision is great for highlighting details when a trespasser is caught on screen.
What also stands out about this camera is that it can rotate horizontally 320-degrees and vertically 90-degrees, giving you complete vision at nearly any angle. The camera’s rotation can be controlled via the smartphone app. You can enable motion-detecting alerts that notify you when someone appears on screen, and then you can follow their movements with the camera rotation and shine the spotlight on them to scare them away. If that doesn’t work, you can then holler at the perpetrator through the two-way audio functionality. This camera can do it all.
SOLIOM Spotlight Solar Camera Key Features:
- 1080p HD camera with 320-degree horizontal rotation
- 4 white light LEDs and 2 infrared LEDs
- Dual night vision modes
- Two-year warranty
Best Solar Powered Cellular Security Camera: REOLINK Cellular Security Camera
There are many places that don’t have access to reliable WiFi. From remote mountain cabins to far-removed job site trailers, the REOLINK Cellular Security Camera can provide all of the benefits of any other solar powered security camera without the need for a WiFi or ethernet connection. This cellular camera uses T-Mobile as the network operator with various alternative virtual network operators, such as US Cellular and Cricket, available throughout North America using prepaid data cards.
As a camera, this device records in high-definition 1080p resolution with a great 110-degree wide-angle lens. Using the REOLINK app, you can access live streaming video and recorded videos on your smartphone. Looping data can be stored locally on a micro SD card. Seven-day cloud storage is available for free, and you can pay for a monthly subscription plan if you need to store videos for longer. This camera can be set to record automatically when it detects motion, and that detection can be adjusted for sensitivity as well.
In sunny areas, the 7800mAh rechargeable battery pack will be consistently topped off by the supplied solar panel. Other essential features like infrared night vision and two-way audio are included. The camera and solar panel have been given an IP65 waterproof rating, and both come backed by a two-year warranty. Overall, this device performs as well as any other camera on this list, but it will continue to perform well beyond the range of any WiFi signal as long as you stay in cellular range. It can also be used as a trail camera for hunters who want to watch the live feed on their phones.
REOLINK Cellular Security Camera Key Features:
- 1080p HD camera with a 110-degree viewing angle
- Connects to 3G/4G LTE cellular networks through T-Mobile
- 7800mAh rechargeable battery pack
- Two-year warranty
Who Should Buy a Solar Powered Security Camera
Solar Powered Security cameras are self-sustaining surveillance tools that can help you identify people who trespass onto your property. You should buy a security camera if you are concerned about package thieves, burglars, and other ne’er do wells in your neighborhood, and you should buy a solar powered security camera if you don’t want to concern yourself with keeping the camera’s battery charged.
Of course, solar panels will only work in areas that frequently receive long periods of direct sunlight. If you don’t think you live in the right climate for a solar powered security camera to charge efficiently and consistently, you should take a look at our articles on the best wireless security cameras and the best outdoor security cameras which feature rechargeable and wired security camera options.
Important Features to Consider
There are a few important considerations to think through before purchasing a solar powered security camera.
- USB or integrated solar panels. Whether you choose a solar powered security camera with integrated or USB periphery solar panels is all about your personal preference. The benefits of a USB solar panel are that the panel can be disconnected during the less sunny winter months and that it can be easily adjusted and moved to achieve a better solar absorption angle. Integrated solar panels are often less cumbersome, more compact, and more visually pleasing, but it can be difficult to get a great angle with the sun while pointing the camera where you want it to look.
- Solar panel efficiency. Nearly all solar panels associated with security cameras are low-powered trickle-charging panels that can charge at a rate of 3 to 5 watts per hour. They are efficient enough to maintain a security camera’s battery when they are properly angled for maximum solar absorption. The most efficient angle changes throughout the year. To find your current most efficient solar panel angle, check out this solar angle calculator.
- Camera quality. While solar power is a nifty feature to have, what’s most important about a security camera is the security camera quality itself. Look for cameras that are capable of recording in high-definition resolutions for the best video feed. These cameras usually allow you to choose a lower resolution that better preserves the battery and reduces the video file sizes. Night vision, motion detection, and zoom capabilities are all great features to look out for.
- Visible range. Many solar powered security cameras are fixed in place and do not move. These cameras are limited in their visible range, but some are still able to see more than others thanks to their lens angle. Wide-angle lenses can see more, and cameras with more infrared LEDs can typically see further in the dark. Some solar powered security cameras can rotate vertically and/or horizontally, and they can pan, tilt, and zoom in on objects using motion-detecting programming. The advantage of a rotating security camera is that it provides a sweeping view of an area, and some can be controlled remotely by your smartphone.
- File storage. Most solar powered security cameras give you the option to store data locally on an SD card, on a video recorder hub, on your computer, or on a pay-per-month cloud server. The advantage of cloud storage is that it is virtually limitless, but the downside is that it costs a monthly fee. These camera brands all have different local and cloud storage options at various storage capacities and prices. Some will only allow you to store data on the cloud and require a monthly fee. Be sure to choose a camera that allows for the storage option you prefer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a solar-powered security camera and how does it work?
Solar powered security cameras are outdoor home surveillance cameras that are powered in part or completely by solar panels. These solar powered security cameras are fitted with rechargeable batteries that can be sustained or fully recharged by solar power. Some of these cameras are equipped with integrated solar panels while others utilize USB ports to attach peripheral solar panels, and these USB ports also allow for the camera’s battery pack to be charged through a wall outlet.
Do you need WiFi for a solar powered security camera?
WiFi is an important tool for most modern security cameras. Most do require WiFi. There are some options, however. Some security cameras can be disconnected from your home Internet entirely and record looped footage that is then stored on a local SD card. Other cameras can be connected to an ethernet cord rather than a wireless signal, while some have been designed to work with 4G LTE cellular signals to work in locations where WiFi is limited or unavailable.
Can solar panels affect WiFi?
The short answer is no. Solar panels generate DC power that does not disrupt WiFi signals or interfere with RF fields. In rare cases, the inverter or charge controller could cause interference, but this is highly unlikely, especially with the small solar panels associated with security cameras.
Can I install solar powered security cameras myself?
Most definitely. Modern solar powered security cameras are easy to install. The cameras themselves require no power source wiring, and most use wireless WiFi or cellular signals for connectivity. The solar panels are either fully integrated into the camera or simply connected via a USB cord. It couldn’t be any easier.
Other Solar Powered Security Cameras We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other solar powered security cameras. Even though they didn’t make our five best solar powered security camera list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for wirelessly surveilling the grounds around your home. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
- Security Cameras with USB Solar Panels
- Security Cameras with Integrated Solar Panels
- Solar Powered Security Cameras with Floodlights
- Budget Solar Powered Security Cameras
Security Cameras with USB Solar Panels
Equipped with dual-band WiFi capabilities, a 6000mAh Panasonic rechargeable battery pack, and an efficient solar panel, the BG Angel Solar Panel Camera is an all-around great buy. It can be charged by solar power or wall outlet and it comes backed by a 12-month warranty.
Key Features:
- 1080p camera with 130-degree lens
- 6000mAh rechargeable battery
- Dual-band WiFi compatible
Cost: $100
Bolt Sight Home Security System
The Bolt Sight Home Security System includes a highly-capable outdoor security camera and an efficient solar panel that can keep your camera’s rechargeable battery topped off at all times or fully recharge it in three days’ time.
Key Features:
- 1080p camera with 120-degree lens
- 6000mAh rechargeable battery
- Two-way audio and PIR motion detection
Cost: $100
An advanced camera with loads of functionality, the REOLINK Argus is able to connect to a Google Assistant smart home system and respond to voice commands. It features a high-definition camera that can rotate horizontally 355-degrees and vertically 140-degrees.
Key Features:
- 1080p fully rotating camera
- Compatible with Google Assistant
- Two-year warranty
Cost: $160
The Yeskamo Solar Security Camera has been designed to never run low on battery. The extra-large 10400mAh rechargeable battery can hold a lot of juice, and the included solar panel will keep it fully charged as long as it gets enough sun. The camera will only record when it detects motion to reduce the drain on the battery.
Key Features:
- 1080p camera with 100-degree lens
- Large 10400mAh rechargeable battery
- Local SD card or cloud storage
Cost: $110
ZOSI Wireless Camera and Solar Panel
You can remotely control the ZOSI Wireless Camera and Solar Panel with the flick of your finger when using the CloudEdge app. This camera’s live feed can be viewed at any time, and you can adjust its settings on the fly.
Key Features:
- 1080p camera with 130-degree lens
- 6000mAh rechargeable battery
- Two-way audio and PIR motion detection
Security Cameras with Integrated Solar Panels
Built with three solar panels, the FUVISION Security Camera can absorb 6 watts over power from the sun’s rays to charge the large 10400mAh rechargeable battery pack of the FUVISION Security Camera. Two of the panels are adjustable to help you find the perfect solar angle.
Key Features:
- 1080p camera with 110-degree lens
- Large 10400mAh rechargeable battery pack
- 6-watt adjustable solar panels
Cost: $110
Igreeman Smart Outdoor Security Camera
The Igreeman Smart Outdoor Security Camera is all about the extras. A free WiFi extender is included to improve your home’s WiFi reach. Free cloud recording is provided, which can be a huge savings when compared to other cameras, and this one also comes backed by a 1-year warranty.
Key Features:
- 1080p camera with 120-degree lens
- Free WiFi extender included
- Free cloud recording and 1-year warranty
Cost: $100
Panoraxy Security Solar Camera
A powerful camera and a large battery pack make the Panoraxy Security Solar Camera a great choice, but the looping local recording and free cloud recording make it an exceptional buy. If you lose WiFi you won’t have to worry about missing a second of footage.
Key Features:
- 1080p camera resolution with 160-degree viewing angle
- Large 10400mAh rechargeable battery pack
- Local loop recording and free cloud recording
Cost: $130
SUNGLIFE Solar Powered Security Camera
The SUNGLIFE Solar Powered Security Camera is a great security camera that charges during the day and excels at night. It features 8 LED infrared lights for stellar night vision capabilities.
Key Features:
- 1080p camera resolution
- 8 LED infrared lights of enhanced night vision
- One-year warranty
Cost: $95
The TMEZON 4G LTE Security Camera is one of the few choices around that offers cellular connectivity that is advantageous when WiFi is unreliable or impossible. You can still remotely connect to this camera from your smartphone and sync it to cloud storage even without a WiFi connection.
Key Features:
- 1080p camera resolution with 160-degree viewing angle
- 4G LTE cellular connection available
- 10400mAh rechargeable battery
Solar Powered Security Cameras with Floodlights
The ENSTER Floodlight Camera utilizes a series of 15 LEDs to light up the night when motion is detected. The solar panel roof and angle lighting/camera surface make this a compact and attractive security fixture that will look great on the front of your home.
Key Features:
- 1080p camera resolution with 120-degree viewing angle
- 2500mAh rechargeable battery
- Motion-sensing light activation
Cost: $95
EVERSECU Solar Camera Flood Light
An exceptionally bright floodlight with excellent camera functionality, the EVERSECU Solar Camera Flood Light is a highly-capable home security tool. This device can connect to several smartphone users at once so that the entire family can access its live feed and adjust its motion detection settings.
Key Features:
- 1080p camera resolution with infrared night vision
- 10400mAh rechargeable battery
- 40 LED floodlight
Cost: $130
The LOOSAFE Solar Security Camera is one of the most powerful security cameras we’ve seen. This unit has an impressively large 15000mAh rechargeable battery pack that is powered by a highly-efficient 4-watt solar panel. It can rotate horizontally 355-degrees and vertically 120-degrees
Key Features:
- 1080p camera with full rotation capability
- 2 infrared LEDs and 4 floodlight LEDs
- Extra-large 15000mAh rechargeable battery pack
Cost: $200
A compact yet highly visible security camera, the Wyave Outdoor Security Camera has an attractive design that will blend in nicely with any home, yet it made to appear unmistakenly as a security camera so that would-be thieves are deterred before they ever commit a crime on your property.
Key Features:
- 1080p camera with PIR motion detection
- Two LED spotlights
- 5-watt solar panel and 10000mAh battery
Budget Solar Powered Security Cameras
Ctronics Outdoor Security Camera
Budget-friendly cameras like the Ctronics Outdoor Security Camera don’t require much, if any, sacrifice in order to save a few bucks. This is a capable security camera with a USB solar panel that can be charged by the sun’s rays or directly through your home’s wall outlets.
Key Features:
- 1080p camera with a 130-degree viewing angle
- 6000mAh rechargeable battery pack
- Two-way audio and PIR motion detection
Cost: $90
The HFWS Sunlight Camera is an Alexa-compatible smart security camera that comes paired with an efficient 3-watt solar panel. Both devices can be wall or ceiling mounted, and they’re waterproof. You can view live video feed and adjust the camera’s settings through your smartphone.
Key Features:
- 1080p camera with 20-foot night vision
- Efficient 3-watt solar panel
- 6-month warranty
Cost: $70
Compact and self-sustaining, the Miebul Wireless IP Camera features an integrated solar panel with an adjustable angle to align it properly with the sun’s rays. This high-definition camera has advanced person-detecting motion-sensing capabilities.
Key Features:
- 1080p camera with a 110-degree viewing angle
- Adjustable integrated solar panel
- Infrared LEDs enable 36-foot night vision
Cost: $80
REOLINK Outdoor Security Camera
There may be no better value for your dollar than the REOLINK Outdoor Security Camera. This HD camera is paired with an efficient solar panel. It works with Google Assistant smart home voice commands, and it comes backed by a class-leading 24-month warranty.
Key Features:
- 1080p camera with a 100-degree viewing angle
- Compatible with Google Assistant
- 2-year warranty
Cost: $90
The SDETER Solar Powered Camera is unique on this list for two reasons. The first being that this camera has two night vision modes: a full-color night vision that uses white light and an infrared night vision using its two infrared LEDs. The second is that the solar panel is removable and can be placed at a distance for better light absorption in conjunction with the provided extension cord.
Key Features:
- 1080p camera with dual night vision modes
- Removable and extendable solar panel
- One-year warranty
Cost: $90
The Viewzone Solar Powered Camera features an adjustable, integrated solar panel, but it can also be powered through its USB port via a wall outlet. This unit has excellent features like two-way audio and PIR motion-detection that can be adjusted via the smartphone app.
Key Features:
- 960p camera with 104-degree viewing angle
- 6400mAh rechargeable battery pack
- Two-way audio and smart motion detection
Cost: $90
