Best Solar-Powered Security Cameras of 2024

When we tested Lorex, we were surprised by the features their cameras offered and the seemingly endless compatibility of use cases. In other words, if you have a unique need, Lorex likely has a solution.

And a good solution at that. As we previously wrote, they make excellent cameras for business owners looking to protect their interests, but they’re also a great option for homeowners looking to keep an eye on things. The 4K resolution on many of their cameras ensures images will always be crisp and detailed, and their industry-leading color night vision means you’ll be able to capture what you need, day or night.

But what about power options? Lorex offers traditional hardwired and battery-operated cameras, but has recently made a push to be more sustainable by offering a solar panel that you can piggyback onto many of their battery-operated models. The Lorex solar panel is compatible with:

• LWB4850-Series HD Wire-Free Security Camera
• LWB6850-Series Wire-Free Accessory Camera
• U222AA-Series 1080p HD Wire-Free Security Camera With Rechargeable Power Pack
• U424AA Add-On 2K Wire-Free Security Camera

So you definitely have options if you’re looking to sustainably power a network of Lorex cameras. It’s easy to set up and install on the back of the camera or in a separate location for optimal exposure. The panel itself is weatherproof and will operate from minus 22 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. This means the cameras should work just fine if you’re located in Fairbanks or Death Valley.

At $79.99, it’s not the cheapest solar panel on our list, but as they say, you get what you pay for. We have more information on this in our guide to Lorex’s pricing and products, but we’ll say this: You’ll definitely see where the money goes when you purchase Lorex products. These cameras are extremely robust, well designed, and in our opinion, well worth the money.

Ring has a great reputation for a reason. When we reviewed Ring’s cameras, we found them to be easy to use, reliable, and fairly simple to install — particularly the wireless models. Ring’s doorbell cameras are also top-notch, and their peripheral and supplemental equipment is all well designed and easy to use.

And speaking of that supplemental equipment, similar to Lorex, Ring offers two solar panels that can be used with their Spotlight Cam or second or third generation Stick Up Cams for sustainable power.

Their standard solar panel costs $49.99 and will require about three to four hours of full sun to keep your camera fully charged. The $99.99 Super Solar Panel only requires one to two hours of partial sun, making it more suitable for shady areas. Both are weather resistant and come with adjustable mounting brackets.

If you’re building out a comprehensive security system, check out our guide to Ring’s products and costs. Their equipment is affordable and can cover a wide variety of use cases.

With smart security features, facial recognition capabilities, and exceptional picture quality, we really enjoyed testing the Google Nest system. 

And if you want to run this system off solar power, you’re in luck. Google offers the Wasserstein solar panel exclusively for its battery-powered Nest products, including the indoor and outdoor cameras as well as the Nest video doorbell.  

The panel will run you $59.99 and will trickle-charge your equipment while it runs on battery power. Make sure the panel is in direct sunlight, though, or you might run into some issues with continuity. If the battery drains completely, you’ll need to recharge it off wall power. This shouldn’t be too big of a problem, though, since the 360-degree wall mount allows you to position the panel in any direction for maximum exposure.

One of the first things that struck us in our review of Arlo was just how easy these battery-operated cameras are to install. We had our network up and running in less than an hour.

Once we were set up, the day-to-day operation couldn’t have been simpler. Their app is well designed and intuitive, and their equipment was well-built and sleek. But let’s talk about what you’re here for.

Like the other options on our list, Arlo offers a solar panel that can power its Pro, Pro 2, and Go 1 cameras. With just a few hours of direct sunlight a day, your batteries will stay fully charged. Also in line with the Arlo ethos, the panel is very easy to install and fully adjustable, and at $59.99, it’s one of the more affordable panels on the list.

Note that the Arlo solar panel doesn’t work with the Arlo Go 2 camera, and like Lorex, they aren’t the most affordable option on the list. More about that in our guide to Arlo’s prices and products, but suffice it to say, quality comes with a price.

True to its name, SimpliSafe is nothing but simple. Their no-nonsense design and well-designed mobile app make setting up your network of cameras a breeze. In our SimpliSafe analysis, we didn’t find a ton of bells and whistles, but when it comes to core functionality, these cameras hit the nail on the head.

And if you’re interested in sustainability, the SimpliSafe solar panel will keep your outdoor wireless camera changed 24/7 with just a few hours of direct sunlight a day. At $79.99, it’s not exactly a steal, but when you consider the cost of SimpliSafe’s other equipment, you might still end up ahead if you go with them.