Solar Security Cameras: The Complete Canadian Guide to Solar-Powered Home Security
- What Are Solar Security Cameras?
- How Do Solar-Powered Security Cameras Work?
- What Are the Benefits of Solar Security Cameras in Canada?
- What Features Should You Look for in a Solar Security Camera?
- How Do Solar Security Cameras Perform in Canadian Winters?
- Where Should You Install Solar Security Cameras?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Solar Security Cameras Offer Flexible and Reliable Home Monitoring in Canada
Solar security cameras are a wireless option if you want to protect your property throughout the year. In this guide, we cover how they work, the features that matter in Canada’s climate and how to keep them working properly throughout the winter months.
What Are Solar Security Cameras?
Normal security cameras are plugged into a power source, but solar security cameras are self-powered by the sun. They combine a camera with a rechargeable battery and a solar panel, so they work entirely off-grid.
There are no wires attaching them to your electrical system. The panel charges up the battery during the day, and the battery powers the camera through the day and night.
They’re useful for Canadian homeowners who have remote properties or long driveways because there is no need to connect the camera with cables.
You can even pair one with a backup power system like the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Ultra Plus Portable Power Station (3072Wh) for a more resilient setup that works even during grid outages.
How Do Solar-Powered Security Cameras Work?
Solar-powered security cameras either have a photovoltaic panel on the camera or one is installed nearby. This converts sunlight to electricity, which is stored in the lithium-ion battery. This keeps the camera running all night or during cloudy conditions.
The camera uses very little power in standby mode, and it may wake up when it detects motion or sound, or for scheduled recordings. Video footage is then sent to your phone or backed up to the cloud.
In the winter, when there’s less sunlight, the battery keeps the camera going until it can recharge, and it can usually operate for several days.
What Are the Benefits of Solar Security Cameras in Canada?
There are several benefits of using a solar security camera:
No need for wiring is the obvious benefit, so you can install a camera anywhere with sun exposure.
They keep working during power outages, perhaps when storms or tornadoes lead to grid failure.
They have minimal operating costs because they run on free power from the sun.
There are also environmental benefits, which make them appealing for Canadians who want to reduce their carbon footprint.
They can be a good option for seasonal properties because they are easy to install, so you could use your camera to monitor a cottage remotely when you’re not there.
What Features Should You Look for in a Solar Security Camera?
There are several models to choose from with different specs, but some features are more important than others.
Battery capacity is perhaps the most important. A good camera should be able to run for several days with no recharging to handle the Canadian winter more effectively.
The solar panel wattage is also important. In Southern Ontario summers, a 5W panel may be fine, but for year-round use in northern regions, you might need a 10W panel or more during the winter.
Weatherproofing is essential. It should have an IP65 rating at a minimum so it’s resistant to dust and water. Some models can handle extreme cold, which is important in areas like Quebec.
The resolution should be a minimum of 1080p, but 4K gives better detail to identify faces or vehicles. Night vision can also be useful.
If your camera has local SD card storage, it will back everything up to the card. Cloud storage is easier to access remotely, but you may need to pay for a subscription.
A smart detection feature is also common. This can detect a person or vehicle to avoid false alarms from wildlife or moving trees.
How Do Solar Security Cameras Perform in Canadian Winters?
A well-designed solar camera can usually handle the winter fairly reliably, as long as it is set up correctly.
Lithium-ion batteries are affected by cold weather and hold less charge, so insulated battery compartments are useful. However, they may not be included with a cheaper model.
Snow cover is another potential problem because it can block charging. The solar panel needs to be at a steep angle. Because cloud cover can also reduce charging, a 10W panel and a larger battery can be useful.
To ensure continuous monitoring for extreme cold weather and longer outages, you could pair your camera with a solar generator like the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station + 500w solar kit. This will recharge the camera to avoid gaps in monitoring. You might even consider a solar inverter generator for this purpose.
If you’re worried about storms and want to keep other items working, like routers and lights, a whole home generator will keep everything online and not just your camera.
Where Should You Install Solar Security Cameras?
Solar security cameras are usually installed at the entrance to a driveway, above a garage door or on the exterior of buildings. Consider the following factors:
Sun exposure – It should receive direct sunlight for a few hours a day (south-facing is best in Canada)
Field of view – Aim to mount about three metres high and angled downward.
Wi-Fi signal – Make sure it can connect to the network. It might need an extender, or you may need a camera with cellular connectivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Solar Security Cameras Work in Winter?
Yes, solar security cameras work through the Canadian winter as long as they are set up properly and come equipped with a large enough battery and a powerful solar panel. Look for a model that is rated for cold temperatures, and mount the panel at a steep angle so snow can slide off.
Can Solar Cameras Work Without Wi-Fi?
Some models can. These use 4G LTE networks, so they are more suitable for remote areas like farms and cottages. They usually need a SIM card and a data plan.
Solar Security Cameras Offer Flexible and Reliable Home Monitoring in Canada
Solar security cameras provide Canadian property owners with a simple and flexible way to stay vigilant. Make sure you choose a model that’s built for the climate where you live, which means adequate solar wattage, battery capacity and the ability to handle cold weather conditions.
By pairing your camera with a reliable backup power source, you can monitor your property even when there is insufficient sunlight during the darkest winter days. Explore EcoFlow's solar generators to find a suitable backup option for your property.