Our Experts Written by Tyler Lacoma, David Anders Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement Why You Can Trust CNET 16171819202122232425+ Years of Experience 14151617181920212223 Hands-on Product Reviewers 6,0007,0008,0009,00010,00011,00012,00013,00014,00015,000 Sq. Feet of Lab Space How we test CNETs expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise. Privacy You don't want anyone peeping on your property or hacking into your camera. Some are more susceptible than others. Video resolution Your camera won't be effective if the only footage being recorded is grainy and unreadable. Local vs. cloud storage What are the costs for either storage option? Do you prefer online storage or more private local storage? Mounting Do the camera and solar panel have durable screw-in mounts with easy angling options? Table of Contents Our Picks Best overall solar-powered home security camera Arlo Essential Camera 2nd-Gen with Solar Panel View details $115 at Amazon View details Best solar-powerd home security camera with integrated panel Eufy SoloCam S230 View details $130 at Best Buy View details Best all-weather solar-powered home security camera TP-Link Tapo Outdoor Camera C420S1 Plus Solar Panel View details $160 at Amazon View details Best mount solar-powered home security camera Blink Outdoor 3 Cam Plus Solar Panel Charging Mount View details $110 at Amazon View details Best indoor/outdoor solar-powered home security camera Google Nest Cam Plus Wasserstein Solar Panel Bundle View details $224 at Wasserstein View details Best solar-powered home security camera for big yards Ring Stick Up Cam Pro Solar Configuration View details $150 at Amazon View details Table of Contents Looking for new home security cameras but dreading the hassle of recharging batteries? Consider opting for solar-powered options. Wireless outdoor cameras offer great features and flexible placement, but they come with one drawback: keeping the battery charged through all kinds of weather. While some security camera batteries can last for months or even years, it can still be a chore to keep them charged. Any downtime can leave your home vulnerable. But now, solar panels have arrived to help keep those batteries powered and your mind at ease. It might be a bit late, but if youre still shopping for New Years gifts, these smart home devices are excellent choices.Our team of experts at CNET has tested dozens of home security cameras, comparing indoor versus outdoor and wired versus wireless. After hours of testing, we've determined that the best solar-powered security camera of 2025 is Arlo's 2nd-gen Essential cam bundled with a solar panel. It's an affordable package that provides excellent camera features, including 2K resolution, smart home compatibility and a built-in spotlight. Our list also includes other picks, including built-in solar panels and budget options. Plus, we have expert guidance to finding the ideal spot to set up your outdoor camera.Best solar-powered home security cameras of 2025 Photo Gallery 1/1 $115 at Amazon $200 at Best Buy Pros Feature-rich but affordable Durable outdoor camera Compact solar panel Integrated spotlight Good smart home support Cons Most users will need Arlos subscription to take advantage of all features $115 at Amazon $200 at Best Buy The solid, durable Arlo Essential 2nd-gen cam tested well in outdoor conditions, and we think that Arlos compact solar panel is a perfect accompaniment. The Essential cam is also far more affordable than high-end options like the Arlo 5S Pro, but still has plenty of valuable features including a 2K resolution, color night vision, an integrated spotlight and two-way audio. Its our top pick for a combination of features, solar power and affordability.Note that the Essential solar panel has an 8-foot cable for positioning away from the cam and into the most sunlight you can find. While some Arlo cams work with Apple HomeKit, this one doesnt -- but support could come in the future.