Solar-powered IP cameras require no power sources to operate; installation is thus easier. Yet many users are still unfamiliar with them. This note discusses some of the key things users should know before selecting solar-powered IP cameras.
Solar-powered IP cameras require no power sources to operate; installation is thus easier. Yet many users are still unfamiliar with them. This note discusses some of the key things users should know before selecting solar-powered IP cameras.
How they work
As their name suggests,
solar IP cameras draw their power from the sun instead of a power source, such as a
PoE switch. “Solar-powered security cameras use high-grade solar panels to capture the sun’s rays and convert the sunlight into direct current (DC). Afterwards an inverter will change the direct current to alternating current (AC), which can be utilized to power solar security IP cameras and batteries for continued use,” said Lenny Li, Partner Relationship Manager at Reolink.
He added: “The power consumption of a typical solar-powered IP camera is 2mW in standby mode and 3-5W in working mode. If the sunlight is good and the solar-panel is facing in the correct direction, the solar panel can provide enough power to run the camera.”
Do they work at night?
The next logical question then becomes: can solar power cameras operate at night when there’s no sun? The answer is yes. These cameras usually come with rechargeable batteries that provide power during the night.
“When sunlight is not available, the wireless solar powered security cameras can still get power from the rechargeable batteries which store excess electrical power generated by the solar panel,” Li said. “And the Wi-Fi solar security cameras of some reputable brands are packed with starlight sensors that can provide brilliant color night vision — a big leap compared with other security cameras.”
Li added that solar IP cameras can also operate during inclement weather, though performance may be affected. “In contrast with the common belief, solar cameras can also generate electricity on rainy or cloudy days, since visible light can also get through rain and clouds. But undoubtedly, the efficiency of solar-powered surveillance cameras will decrease on rainy or cloudy days, so maximum direct sunlight is conducive for the solar-powered CCTV security cameras to achieve the best performance,” he said. “And since the outdoor solar powered security cameras come with a weatherproof design, you don't need to worry about them on rainy days.”
How data is transmitted
Completely wireless, solar-powered IP cameras can rely on Wi-Fi and 4G to transmit video data. For the latter, the user can just insert a 4G SIM card into the camera for data transmission. Jayson Gao, Product Manager for IP Cameras at Hikvision, cited the company’s
own solution as an example. “This solution uses a 40 Watt photovoltaic panel and a highly durable 20 Ah rechargeable lithium battery to power a Hikvision high-resolution 4G network camera. Because the setup uses solar power and includes a Micro SIM card for connectivity with the 4G network, there is no need for fixed power or network cables on site, which will allow operators to monitor, review and store footage remotely, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,” Gao said.
How to choose a solar-power IP camera
Despite all the benefits solar IP cameras offer, choosing one should still be done with care. “There are several key elements for users to consider when choosing a solar-powered IP camera, like the imaging quality of the camera, duration of the rechargeable battery, power of the photovoltaic panel, and whether the battery has high or low temperature protection, and charge or discharge protection. Additionally, the solar-powered IP camera should be fast and simple to deploy, highly durable to withstand the most adverse weather conditions, and affordable enough to meet the needs of different kinds of remote sites and operations,” Gao said.
How to set it up to ensure optimal performance
While solar IP cameras may be easier to install than conventional IP cams, there are certain tips that the installer should be aware of to optimize the camera’s performance. “The installation should leave enough space for the solar photovoltaic panel, and the tilt angle for solar panel should be set up to receive the direct sunlight as much as it can, Gao said.
Citing the example of their own products, Reolink’s Li offered the following installation tips:
- Choose a location that gets plenty of sunlight - Never select a position in the shadow of trees, buildings, or other obstacles, in case the solar panel receives insufficient sunlight.
- Mount the solar panel facing due south (in the northern hemisphere) or due north (in the southern hemisphere) and tilt it to the appropriate angle for your latitude.
- Wipe the surface of the solar panel with wet tissue or cloth regularly to receive enough sunlight.