How to Choose a Solar Security Camera
When purchasing a solar security camera, it's important to have knowledge of the three major components. Having knowledge about the important components and features will help you better evaluate your options.
The Camera
Resolution: Camera resolution is determined by the clarity of the footage your security camera renders. An HD camera will capture sharper, more discernible images.
Field of view: Choosing a camera with the widest field of view allows for greater viewing capacity and security benefits.
Motion detection: Your camera's ability to activate and record motion is extremally important. Quality cameras will typically have sensitivity settings that allow you to adjust the range of motion to be detected. This eliminates unnecessary footage being captured. For example, if your camera faces the street, you will not want it to record every car that passes by.
Wireless connectivity: Wireless connectivity options such as Wi-Fi or cellular are typically available on solar security cameras. This enables remote monitoring and access to your camera's live feed or recordings from a computer or smartphone.
Power Management System: The power management system regulates the flow of electricity between the solar panel, battery, and camera. This results in epitomized utilization of solar energy. It also prevents overcharging or undercharging of the battery.
Mounting Hardware: Both the camera and solar panel need to be securely mounted; typically to a pole or wall. Proper placement must be considered for desired surveillance coverage. Mounting hardware such as brackets, clamps, and screws are included with the purchase of your solar security camera.
Solar Panel
Both free-standing and built-in solar panels have have have positive attributes worth considering. Ultimately, choose the type that best suits your individual requirements. A quality solar panel can last upwards of 20 years.
Free standing solar panels offer the most flexibility. These units can be repositioned to the best possible angle for capturing the suns energy. Fee standing panels also allow for customization. You have the ability to choose a solar panel with higher wattage or efficiency. This provides faster charging or longer camera operation. Also, if use a free standing solar panel, you may have the option to power multiple devices from the same panel.
Built in solar panels offer the ease and convenience of an all in one unit. They also create a less obtrusive, more esthetically pleasing appearance. Solar security cameras with built in solar panels typically come with pre-configured systems. This makes for easier installation and usage.
Battery
The battery stores electricity generated by the camera's solar panel during the day. It ensures a 24/7 supply of energy even when sunlight is not available. Battery quality is determined by several factors including the following:
Capacity: A battery's capacity determines the amount of energy it can store. A higher capacity battery is able to store more energy and provide longer power backup for the camera.
Efficiency: Battery efficiency refers to how effectively it converts and stores solar energy. The more efficient a battery is, the more energy it can capture and store for later use.
Charging and discharging rate: These rates refer to how fast your battery takes a charge from the solar panel and how quickly it disperses (or discharges) that power to your solar camera.
Durability and reliability: The best quality batteries are built to withstand harsh weather conditions and maintain reliable performance over a long period of time. They also offer protection against overcharging. Overcharging a battery can cause leakage of internal acids. Such leakage can destroys the battery and may cause harm to your camera.
Lifespan: Quality battery's sustain their capacity and performance for a longer period of time. This equates to a greater overall lifespan. You can expect a quality battery to last between 3 - 7 years. When replacing your camera's battery, use the same power rating (defined in watts) and voltage. Your camera may not function properly with the wrong battery strength.
