The Advantages of a Solar Camera
Woodward’s solar enlarging camera required the sun to be present and was an unwieldy device that lent itself poorly to large prints. It also took a while for his photographs to dry, requiring salt paper or albumen for printmaking.
Today’s solar-powered security cameras provide many benefits, including remote monitoring and easy installation. They can also save footage to cloud storage or local SD cards for easy review.
Power
Solar-powered cameras tap into the sun for their “fuel,” which is a renewable resource that’s environmentally friendly. A solar camera also doesn’t generate a lot of waste products like many other power sources do, making it an ideal surveillance system for remote locations that don’t have access to the electrical grid.
The main component of a solar security camera is the solar panel, which converts sunlight into direct current electricity. This is used to power the camera via an inverter, which turns the DC energy into alternating current that can operate electronics. The camera may also have a built-in rechargeable battery to store excess power.
Even on a cloudy day, solar cameras can function by absorbing and converting diffused sunlight into usable electricity, though with less efficiency. This helps to ensure the security camera can continue working during less sunny intervals and at night.
Some solar-powered security cameras can integrate with a home automation system, such as Apple HomeKit or Amazon Alexa. This allows users to view their footage remotely and control their camera using voice commands. The ability to integrate with smart home systems is a nice feature for those who prefer the convenience of being able to monitor their property without needing a separate device.
Since a solar camera is powered by sunlight, it’s best to set it up in an area that receives direct sunlight throughout the day. The more solar camera sunlight the camera gets, the more charge it’ll have and the longer it will last.
Storage
Solar-powered security cameras can operate in remote locations without the need for wiring, and cellular technology allows them to connect to Wi-Fi networks. The resulting energy savings reduce costs and the need for maintenance, making solar powered cameras an attractive solution for business owners.
When choosing a solar camera, consider its battery capacity to determine how long it can function when sunlight is not available. Additionally, assess its weather resistance to ensure it will continue functioning in the event of rain and other harsh conditions.
If a solar camera has on-premise storage, it will store footage locally on a hard drive located within the camera. If the storage capacity becomes full, it will record over the oldest recordings or stop recording altogether until additional space is added. This option is best for businesses that want to keep footage in-house, as it can be more cost-effective than storing footage in the cloud.
A solar-powered 4G cellular security camera offers the benefits of both local and cloud storage. These cameras feature integrated cellular modems and SIM slots compatible with major mobile carriers, allowing users to choose the data plan that suits their monitoring needs. Additionally, a 4G Smart WiFi Camera solar-powered security camera can be connected to multiple cameras via a single software platform, simplifying management and reducing the cost of software licensing.
Motion Detection
Solar cameras are an eco-friendly alternative to traditional security devices because they use solar power for their “fuel.” Sunlight is a renewable resource that’s readily available and leaves little to no carbon footprint. Sun-powered cameras also don’t require a large upfront investment and can recoup their costs over time through lower operating expenses.
A solar camera captures sunlight and converts it into electrical energy through a built-in solar panel. The energy is then stored in a rechargeable battery, ensuring the camera can operate even during periods of low sunlight.
Many solar-powered cameras feature motion detection capabilities that can trigger recording and/or send notifications when movement is detected. They’re ideal for construction sites, retail spaces, and apartment complexes as they provide an effective way to monitor areas where theft and vandalism are common.
Some solar cameras offer additional features, such as a 130deg wide-angle lens, 8G local storage, and smart integrations with Alexa and Google Assistant. These features allow you to control the device through a user-friendly app and receive real-time notifications on your smartphone or tablet.
During installation, choose an open area with plenty of sunlight throughout the day and minimize shading from trees or buildings. You should also consider positioning the solar charger panel and camera at an optimal angle to maximize visibility while maintaining coverage.
Night Vision
The ability to operate at night is an important attribute of a solar security camera. Most feature infrared night vision and a spotlight that turns on when motion is detected. In addition, they have built-in rechargeable batteries that store energy during periods of strong sunlight to ensure continuous operation during less sunny intervals and at night.
When evaluating the capabilities of a solar security camera, it’s essential to consider its camera resolution, field of view and whether it offers night vision and motion activation. A camera with a high-resolution is capable of capturing more detailed footage and identifying objects and faces more accurately. Similarly, cameras with a wider field of view are able to cover more ground, making them ideal for outdoor surveillance.
A solar security camera that offers motion detection can help you deter unwanted visitors by flashing its lights or sounding its siren when it detects movement. Additionally, a camera that can be accessed remotely via smartphone app or web interface allows you to monitor your property from anywhere at any time.
Since a solar security camera relies on sunlight for power, you’ll want to mount it in a location that can receive direct sun. For this reason, many users choose to place their solar camera and panel on the same location, ideally a south facing wall or atop something with an unhindered view of the area. If this isn’t possible, most solar cameras allow you to mount the panel next to the camera or around the corner from it, ensuring the solar charger can capture direct sunlight during the day.
