Battery-powered security cameras offer effective eyes around the home, but those batteries need recharging, whether it's every several weeks or every year. That can grow frustrating, especially with high-mounted cams, which is why security brands have created an alternative using small solar panels.
Our Picks
The solid, durable Arlo Essential 3nd-gen cam tested well in outdoor conditions, and I think that Arlo’s compact solar panel makes a strong partner for this 2025 cam. The Essential model is also far more affordable than the high-end Arlo Pro 6 but still has plenty of valuable features including a 2K resolution, color night vision, an integrated spotlight and two-way audio. It’s our top pick for a combination of features, solar power and affordability.
Pros
- Feature-rich but affordable
- Durable outdoor camera
- Compact solar panel
- Integrated spotlight
- Good smart home support
Cons
- Most users will need Arlo’s subscription to take advantage of all features
- Only available in a 2-pack for now
While I've tested several of Eufy's solar panel cameras, this model is one of the newest and most impressive. It offers a small solar panel that you can either attach to the camera itself or post several feet away. The powerful 2K resolution pan/tracking features are also well-suited for larger areas. I like how Eufy offers some object detection for free, and you can add a (albeit expensive) HomeBase hub for local video storage.
Pros
- Solar panel can go on or off the camera
- Powerful tracking with 2K resolution
- Minor object detection for free
- Sturdy mount
Cons
- The camera is a bit bulky, so it needs careful placement
- Eufy's app is still a bit clunky
- Local video storage will require a HomeBase 3, which costs more than $100
Tapo’s solar bundle includes the 2K QHD resolution C420S1 camera and a 360-degree pan/tilt solar panel that you can position just right. TP-Link’s Tapo says that it needs only 30 minutes of direct sunlight to keep the camera powered, although that probably depends on how often you use the dual spotlights for bright night shots. AI and activity zones are free and you have the choice to buy a microSD card for local storage or use a Tapo Care plan.
Pros
- 2K resolution
- Adaptable solar panel
- Choice of local or cloud video storage
- Dual spotlight design
Cons
- Small field of view
Reolink's powerful Arguus 4 Pro Solar camera is a bit expensive, but you get strong features like a high 4K resolution and a nearly-panoramic 180-degree viewing angle thanks to the dual lens. That makes this camera a good choice for a small business or someone with a very large yard. Reolink's camera design is made for local storage, so add a microSD card and you are set for saving video. Likewise, you don't need a subscription for important human and vehicle detection capabilities.
Pros
- 4K resolution
- Dual cam design for 180-degree field of view
- Basic object recognition for free
- Upgraded color night vision
Cons
- Expensive at over $150
- Requires microSD card
Wyze's solar cam is not only affordable, it provides some of the best object detection (people, packages, vehicles, animals) you can get for free. The 2K camera is also one of the only Wyze cams that can pan to track people. It includes a spotlight and siren, but no two-way audio. A microSD card slot is built in for free local video storage. My biggest hesitation about this model is that, in my tests, Wyze cam designs prove a little flimsy, so you'll want a sturdy mounting option out of the wind if possible.
Pros
- Free AI object detection
- microSD card slot for video storage
- Panning and tracking features
- Fairly affordable at $80
- Very compact
Cons
- Need to pay for a microSD card
- Wyze designs can be a bit flimsy
If you have a large yard or similar space to watch over, Ring’s Stick Up Cam Pro comes with an extra-large resolution and the Bird’s Eye View feature, which excels at tracking movement across big areas. The color night vision is also a plus but we advise using a Ring subscription to take advantage of all features including AI object recognition. In our tests we found the Ring Solar panel very easy to handle and install, with a durable, human-friendly design. And, of course, as an Amazon brand its Alexa support is top-notch.
Pros
- Larger 155-degree field of view
- High-quality solar panel
- Tracking and 3D detection for large spaces
- Movable when necessary
Cons
- Low resolution for a high-end cam
- Ring subscription usually mandatory
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Mount these solar panels on or nearby cameras where they can get a significant dose of sunlight, and they'll keep batteries powered up, especially in the warmer months. That also means motion detection and similar important features are less likely to fail. I've been testing a dozen solar panels from various manufacturers, and have found several of my favorites.
Which is the best solar-powered home security camera?
Arlo's Essential 2K security camera is a a good home security option for those who want as many features as they can get for an affordable price.
Thanks to numerous tests of a dozen solar-powered security cameras, our CNET experts crowned Arlo’s third-gen Essential cam the best pick overall for 2026. It offers stunning 2K resolution, seamless compatibility with smart home devices and the convenience of a built-in spotlight, all at a fair price for two cameras.
Our tests allowed us to pick other standout options that you should consider, including models with built-in solar panels and budget-friendly choices. We also offer tips on finding the best setup spot for your outdoor cameras.
Best solar-powered home security cameras of 2026
Pros
- Feature-rich but affordable
- Durable outdoor camera
- Compact solar panel
- Integrated spotlight
- Good smart home support
Cons
- Most users will need Arlo’s subscription to take advantage of all features
- Only available in a 2-pack for now
The solid, durable Arlo Essential 3nd-gen cam tested well in outdoor conditions, and I think that Arlo’s compact solar panel makes a strong partner for this 2025 cam. The Essential model is also far more affordable than the high-end Arlo Pro 6 but still has plenty of valuable features including a 2K resolution, color night vision, an integrated spotlight and two-way audio. It’s our top pick for a combination of features, solar power and affordability.
Keep in mind, Arlo really needs a subscription, starting at $8, to unlock useful features like cloud data storage and AI recognition, so there are ongoing costs to consider here. Also, this 3rd-gen camera isn't available in a one-pack at this time, only a two-pack, so you should plan for two cameras.
Pros
- Solar panel can go on or off the camera
- Powerful tracking with 2K resolution
- Minor object detection for free
- Sturdy mount
Cons
- The camera is a bit bulky, so it needs careful placement
- Eufy's app is still a bit clunky
- Local video storage will require a HomeBase 3, which costs more than $100
While I've tested several of Eufy's solar panel cameras, this model is one of the newest and most impressive. It offers a small solar panel that you can either attach to the camera itself or post several feet away. The powerful 2K resolution pan/tracking features are also well-suited for larger areas. I like how Eufy offers some object detection for free, and you can add a (albeit expensive) HomeBase hub for local video storage.
Pros
- 2K resolution
- Adaptable solar panel
- Choice of local or cloud video storage
- Dual spotlight design
Cons
- Small field of view
Tapo’s solar bundle includes the 2K QHD resolution C420S1 camera and a 360-degree pan/tilt solar panel that you can position just right. TP-Link’s Tapo says that it needs only 30 minutes of direct sunlight to keep the camera powered, although that probably depends on how often you use the dual spotlights for bright night shots. AI and activity zones are free and you have the choice to buy a microSD card for local storage or use a Tapo Care plan.
Pros
- 4K resolution
- Dual cam design for 180-degree field of view
- Basic object recognition for free
- Upgraded color night vision
Cons
- Expensive at over $150
- Requires microSD card
Reolink's powerful Arguus 4 Pro Solar camera is a bit expensive, but you get strong features like a high 4K resolution and a nearly-panoramic 180-degree viewing angle thanks to the dual lens. That makes this camera a good choice for a small business or someone with a very large yard. Reolink's camera design is made for local storage, so add a microSD card and you are set for saving video. Likewise, you don't need a subscription for important human and vehicle detection capabilities.
Pros
- Free AI object detection
- microSD card slot for video storage
- Panning and tracking features
- Fairly affordable at $80
- Very compact
Cons
- Need to pay for a microSD card
- Wyze designs can be a bit flimsy
Wyze's solar cam is not only affordable, it provides some of the best object detection (people, packages, vehicles, animals) you can get for free. The 2K camera is also one of the only Wyze cams that can pan to track people. It includes a spotlight and siren, but no two-way audio. A microSD card slot is built in for free local video storage. My biggest hesitation about this model is that, in my tests, Wyze cam designs prove a little flimsy, so you'll want a sturdy mounting option out of the wind if possible.
Pros
- Larger 155-degree field of view
- High-quality solar panel
- Tracking and 3D detection for large spaces
- Movable when necessary
Cons
- Low resolution for a high-end cam
- Ring subscription usually mandatory
If you have a large yard or similar space to watch over, Ring’s Stick Up Cam Pro comes with an extra-large resolution and the Bird’s Eye View feature, which excels at tracking movement across big areas. The color night vision is also a plus but we advise using a Ring subscription to take advantage of all features including AI object recognition. In our tests we found the Ring Solar panel very easy to handle and install, with a durable, human-friendly design. And, of course, as an Amazon brand its Alexa support is top-notch.
Solar-powered security cameras compared
| Best solar-powered home security cameras | Arlo Essential Camera 3rd-Gen with Solar Panel | Eufy SoloCam E30 | TP-Link Tapo Outdoor Camera C420S1 Plus Solar Panel | Reolink Argus 4 Pro Solar | Wye Solar Cam Pan | Ring Stick Up Cam Pro Solar Configuration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $130 | $100 | $130 | $100 | $80 | $210 |
| Resolution | 2K | 2K | 2K | 4K | 2K | 1080p/HD |
| Light | Spotlight | N/A | Dual spotlights | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Field of view | 130-degree | Pan/Tilt | 113-degree | 180-degree | Panning | 155-degree |
| Motion detection | Yes, with object detection available via subscription | Yes with personal and animal detection | Yes with person, pet, and vehicle recognition | Yes, person and vehicle detection | Yes, with person, vehicle, animal, package recognition | Yes with motion zones and object recognition via subscription |
| Night vision | Color night vision | Color night vision | Color night vision | Color night vision | Color night vision | Color night vision |
| Audio | Two-way audio | Two-way audio | Two-way audio with siren | Two-way audio | Siren | Two-way audio with siren |
| Voice assistant | Amazon Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT | Amazon Alexa, Google Home | Amazon Alexa, Google Home | Amazon Alexa, Google Home | Amazon Alexa, Google Home | Amazon Alexa |
| Review score | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 8/10 | 8/10 (standard model) |
Factors to consider when choosing a solar-powered camera
There are hundreds of security cameras on the market, ranging drastically in price, functionality and quality, but only a few offer solar power. After CNET's years of testing home security cameras, we have some tips if you're on the hunt for a new solar-powered security camera. Here are a few parameters to consider.
Privacy
This is a big one. You don't want anyone peeping on your property or hacking into your camera. Wireless home security cameras can be more susceptible to hacking due to their connectivity to Wi-Fi networks and remote access. Wired home security cameras are more secure. (Read more about the pros and cons of wired versus wireless systems here.)
Video resolution
Video quality should be a major consideration when buying a home security camera, whether it is solar-powered or not. In simplest terms, your camera won't be effective if the only recorded footage is grainy and unreadable.
The higher the resolution, the better the video quality. Most home security cameras on the market now have 1080p resolution, but others even have 2K resolution (like the Arlo Pro 4) or 1,536x1,536-pixel resolution (like the Arlo Video Doorbell). Just remember, the higher the video quality, the more bandwidth it takes up and the more likely your camera is to experience lag times or glitches.
Local vs. cloud storage
You have two main options: There's cloud storage, which sends your video footage to a remote server to be saved, and local storage, which relies on a separate accessory or piece of hardware, usually a microSD card, to hold any footage you'd like to save. Usually, cloud storage requires a monthly fee.
How we test solar-powered home security cameras
Eufy's solar panel makes a great pairing with this open-range security cam.
Home security cameras are tricky devices to test because how good they are doesn't just come down to how their numbers stack up against the competition. We do look for better resolution, wider field of view and the presence of features we consider must-haves in 2026, like two-way talk, night vision and options for cloud storage. Then we add in extra goodies, like smart notifications or a built-in siren or spotlight, and hold up that whole package against its retail price. If the features are really strong for the price, we'll recommend a camera more highly.
We also test out cameras carefully, making sure all the features work well. Real-time alerts aren't helpful if they arrive 20 seconds late; a siren isn't useful if it's barely audible. Some cameras disconnect too often, and some apps are difficult to understand or navigate. This experiential side of things is where our recommendations become more personal and in many ways more useful. Anyone can line up the specs of different products, but we're putting our hands on these cameras for a week or more to see how it actually feels to install and use them.
We've tested each of the solar-powered security cameras extensively, but not necessarily with their solar panels. If you want to read more about our review process, check out our in-depth article on how we test home security cameras and video doorbells. You can also read about how CNET tests all devices and services.
FAQ
Are solar security cameras any good?
Yes, but long-term benefits depend on where you live. To get the most out of solar panels, you need to angle them toward the equator and tilt them according to your latitude. In regions farther to the global north or south, you'll likely generate less power than in regions closer to the equator. Likewise, the power generated will correspond to the season and weather. In other words, a cloudy week in Alaska during December isn't going to give your solar panels as much to work with as a sunny week in Florida during July.
That said, solar-powered security cameras generally use batteries to store the power generated during the day, so a few cloudy days probably aren't going to mean a cut feed. In short, they're not foolproof, but depending on your region, solar panels can seriously lengthen the battery life of your outdoor cameras or even do away with regular battery replacements altogether.
How long do solar-powered security cameras last?
Much of this comes down to region once again, but many people report that needing to replace the batteries is exceedingly rare, assuming you live in a good area for solar power and you keep your panel properly angled and clean.
Do solar-powered security cameras work at night?
Solar-powered security cameras will work during the night using the battery power stored up during the daytime. Remember: The cameras above have built-in batteries that normally last months. That means you shouldn't run into issues with overnight battery drainage. If you do, it's most likely a problem with the battery and not the solar panel. You can always save battery life by limiting how often motion sensors are triggered or reducing sensitivity, too.
Do solar security cameras need a Wi-Fi connection?
Most will need Wi-Fi, yes. If you're worried about a Wi-Fi connection reaching a camera, look for an LTE camera design that uses cellular signals instead of Wi-Fi, an ideal option for remote sites, mountain cabins and so on. Solar panels are often made to work with multiple cameras from a company, so you should be able to find an LTE cam and a solar panel from the same brand to work together.
Do solar cameras record 24/7?
Not really. Battery cameras in general don’t offer 24/7 recording, to avoid battery drain. We’ve seen it pop up occasionally, but only on wireless models where users should be comfortable with regular recharges. Solar cameras work best with motion-triggered recording, to save on battery life.
Do solar-powered security cameras have any drawbacks?
Solar-powered cameras rely on sunlight to function, so placement is crucial. They’re not ideal for every location — you may need to skip them if you’re installing cameras under eaves or overhangs, in shaded spots, or indoors.
