We like the Reolink Argus 3 Pro for its simple DIY setup, cheap price tag, and easy-to-use app. You can pick up the camera and compatible Reolink solar panel for around $230, and it’s a snap to install. The Argus 3 Pro also has impressive solar power, a good picture, and clear starlight night vision. Whether you’re trying to go green, save money on the power bill, or keep an eye on a garage or pool area, this is a solid, affordable choice.
5 min readMay 09, 2023
SafeWise experts have years of firsthand experience testing the products we recommend. Learn how we test and review. We may earn money when you buy through our links.
Best solar security cameras
- : Best camera overall
- : Runner up
- : Best budget camera
- : Best design
Compare the best solar-powered security cameras
Camera | Best for | Price* | Video storage | Weather durability | Learn more | Read review |
| Best overall | $229.99 | Micro SD card, 7 days free cloud storage | IP65 weatherproof | View on Amazon | Read Review | |
| Runner up | $179 + $79 solar panel | Ring Protect plan required | IPX5 waterproof | View on Amazon | Read Review | |
| Best budget | $118.99 | Micro SD card, 7 days free cloud storage | IP65 weatherproof | View on Amazon | Read Review | |
| Best design | $307 | 8GB local storage | IP67 weatherproof | View on Amazon | Read review |
Price is accurate as of post date. Read full disclaimer.
1. Reolink Argus 3 Pro: Best solar-powered security camera overall
Best camera overall
When it comes to affordable outdoor wireless security, the Argus 3 Pro delivers. This security camera is plug and play, and nearly every feature is customisable—from motion detector sensitivity to image resolution. In the app, you can configure the types of alerts and alarms you want and view a live video feed.
The camera also comes with two storage options: a micro SD card or seven days of free cloud storage. If you add extra cameras or want more cloud storage, Reolink also offers plans that can support up to 10 cameras with 30 days of storage.
The Argus 3 Pro is a step-up from the Argus 2, thanks to the addition of a spotlight. If you don't think you need a spotlight, the Argus 2E (our budget pick below) is still an excellent—and slightly more affordable—choice.
Pros
Cheap price tag
Easy-to-follow instructions
Customisable alerts
Good image quality
Free cloud storage
Two-way audio 
Cons
SD card sold separately
Batteries aren't removable
No motion zones 2. Ring Stick Up Cam Solar: Runner up
Runner up
Ring Stick Up Cam Solar
$179 + $79 solar panel
Prices are accurate as of post date. Read full disclaimer.
The Ring Stick Up Cam provides extra security and convenience because it lets you interact with people on your property from your smartphone, laptop, or tablet. It was one of the first solar-powered security cameras to offer two-way talk, and it works with Amazon Alexa for voice control. Unfortunately, it doesn't come with a solar panel—you'll have to buy one separately for $59.
One of the coolest things about this outdoor security camera is that it can be part of the larger Ring security system. Most home security camera systems don’t offer solar power options, so this is a big advantage if you want to extend your home’s protection to more remote spots on your property.
This solar-powered Ring camera also comes with a theft protection guarantee. If your Stick Up Cam gets snatched, Ring will replace it for free. But that’s one of the only things you get for free.
Live video streaming comes standard, but if you want to record and save video, you’ll need a Ring Protect Plan, which starts around $4 a month, or $15 per month for multiple cameras.
Pros
Theft protection
Voice control
Compatibility with Ring Alarm
Accurate motion detection
Excellent video quality Cons
Solar panel not included (extra $59)
Required subscription for video recording
Quieter siren 
A word about wireless security
Several Ring Alarm and camera users have reported breaches in their accounts that allowed a stranger to use the two-way communication to intimidate them. This is a risk every user takes when they use any internet-connected wireless system. The good news is you can minimize the risk with proper internet security. Here are a few easy tips for securing your system from online threats:
- Use strong, unique passwords for all your accounts
- Opt for extra security measures like two-factor authentication
- Add shared users instead of sharing login credentials
- Change your home Wi-Fi password frequently
3. Reolink Argus 2E: Best budget solar powered security camera
Best budget camera
For a solar-powered budget-friendly security camera, the easy-to-install Reolink Argus 2E has a lot of high-tech bells and whistles.
Some of our favourite features include the 10-metre range night vision (made possible by six infrared LEDs), two-way audio, and customisable sirens.
Another major selling point for this camera is that, like the newer Argus 3 Pro (our top pick above) has microSD card support and offers seven days of free cloud storage, meaning once you've bought the camera (and maybe a microSD card), that's all you'll have to spend.
Pros
Two-way audio
Easy to install
Night vision up to 10m
Affordable
SD slot and free cloud storage Cons
Non-removable battery
SD card sold separately
No spotlight Eufy SolarCam S40: Best solar security camera design
Best design
The Eufy SoloCam S40 is designed to keep you in the loop with what's happening around your house. It can differentiate between humans and animals, with the advanced onboard AI only alerting you when a person strolls into view.
This camera comes fit with two-way audio between yourself and the expected, or unexpected guest at the front door. The 600-lumens flashing spotlight and powerful 90-decibel siren are also perfect for scaring away unwanted guests or trespassers if you don’t want to use the two-way audio.
It's super easy to charge as well, with the camera only needing 2 hours of direct sunlight per day. If it rains, the built-in battery is enough for it to last up to 4 months. Thanks to its IP67 weather rating, the Eufy SolarCam S40 works rain, hail or shine—literally.
Pros
No monthly fees or hidden costs
2K definition video
Easy to install
Built in AI for instant identification
Night vision up to 8m Cons
No expandable or cloud storage options, only 8GB of local storage
Pricey in comparison to the other cameras on our list Things to consider in a solar security camera
Placement
There are two things to consider when it comes to the placement of your solar-powered security camera. The first is where you want the camera to be installed for maximum protection, and the second is where the solar panel needs to be placed for maximum sun exposure.
To keep your solar-powered security camera up and running, you need enough peak sun hours to get it fully charged. Peak sun hours are classified as an hour in which the sun provides 1,000 watts of power per square meter. The measurement refers to the intensity of sunlight, rather than the amount of time the sun is shining.
Peak sun hours typically occur when the sun is at its highest point and can vary depending on season and location. Some guidelines to help you harness as much solar power as possible include placing your solar panel in a north-facing spot that gets full sunlight for at least six hours per day.
Depending on how long the cable is that attaches your camera to the panel, you might need to adjust your choice for camera placement. We recommend identifying your desired camera placement before deciding which solar camera to buy.
Weatherproof rating
When you count on an outdoor device to keep your home and family safe, you need to make sure it can stand up to the elements. Every outdoor solar camera we recommend has a weatherproof rating that lets you know how well it withstands dust and water.
Weatherproof, or Ingress Protection (IP) ratings, rank devices and device casing based on how much dust and water can get into the device.
Water standards
Water standards range from IPX0 that offers zero protection from water to IPX7 that means the product can withstand 30 minutes of submersion in up to one meter of water. There is an IPX8 rating that is defined by the manufacturer as better than IPX7.
Dust standards
Dust standards range from IPX0 that indicates no protection against dust and other objects entering the device to IPX6, which means the device is impervious to dust and other objects.
IP ratings are often displayed as IP65, which indicates the waterproof rating first (6) followed by the dustproof rating. If you see a rating with an X in the middle, that means the item is rated only for one factor.
Solar camera FAQ
Because home security cameras need to be on the job 24/7, they can use up a good chunk of electricity. You’ll definitely keep your power bill from taking an extra hit with solar-powered cameras, but the amount of savings will vary from home to home.
Most of the solar-powered security cameras we recommend include rechargeable battery backup that can keep your camera working for anywhere from 12 hours to three days.
Disclaimer
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time of publish and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer’s website at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. SafeWise Australia utilises paid affiliate links.
