A solar security camera is a battery camera with a small panel that keeps it topped up, so you never have to take it down to charge it. They work well in the UK for a front door, drive, shed, allotment or yard, as long as the panel gets a few hours of daylight and the camera isn't triggered constantly. The other thing to get right is recording: some cameras need a monthly subscription to save video, and some don't.
Are solar security cameras any good?
| Situation | Solar camera fit |
|---|---|
| Front door or drive with wi-fi | Good |
| Shed, garage or garden with wi-fi reach | Good |
| Allotment, stable yard or field with no wi-fi | Good with a 4G camera and SIM |
| Busy spot triggering all day | Battery may run down in winter |
| North-facing wall in constant shade | Panel needs a separate mount in the light |
Manufacturers quote a few hours of daylight a day to keep the battery topped up. Eufy says around 2 to 3 hours for its SoloCam models. That's achievable for much of the year in Britain, but not on every December day - so size your expectations for winter, and point the panel south where you can.
Avoiding a subscription
This is where cameras differ most. Some brands keep recorded clips in the cloud and charge monthly for it. Others record to storage built into the camera or a base station, or to a microSD card, with no monthly fee. If you want no subscription:
- Check the listing for local storage - built-in memory, a microSD slot or a home base
- Check which features need a plan - some AI detection or longer history may be paid extras
- 4G cameras need a SIM with a data allowance, which costs a few pounds a month - but that's mobile data, not a camera subscription
Wi-fi or 4G?
Most solar cameras use your home wi-fi, which is fine near the house. At the bottom of a long garden, check the signal where the camera will go first. For somewhere with no wi-fi at all - an allotment, a stable or a field gate - a 4G camera with a SIM card works anywhere with mobile signal. Pair it with our guides to allotment solar power and stable and tack room solar if you want lights as well.
Winter and placement
- Point the panel south and keep it clear of eaves, trees and gutters
- Use a separate panel on a cable if the camera has to go on a shady wall
- Reduce false triggers - set activity zones so passing cars and trees don't wake the camera all day
- Keep the panel clean; a layer of grime makes a real difference in weak winter light
Recommended cameras
Everything below was in stock on Amazon UK when this guide was written. Check each listing for current storage and subscription details before you buy.
eufy SoloCam S220 solar security camera
A small wire-free camera with a built-in solar panel and 4GB of storage on the camera, so clips are saved without a cloud plan. Eufy says about three hours of sunlight a day keeps it running. The most-reviewed camera here, rated 4.4 stars from over 5,600 reviews.
amazon Check Price on Amazon →eufy SoloCam E30 2K
A 2K camera with a separate solar panel, so you can put the camera in the shade and the panel in the sun. It tracks people and vehicles automatically. Rated 4.4 stars from over 3,300 reviews.
amazon Check Price on Amazon →eufy SoloCam S340 3K dual camera
Two lenses give a wide view and a zoomed view at the same time, and it can pan right round. A strong choice for a drive or a big garden. Rated 4.4 stars from nearly 5,000 reviews.
amazon Check Price on Amazon →Reolink Go Plus 4G with solar panel
Works anywhere with mobile signal using a 4G SIM, and records locally to a microSD card. You'll need a SIM with a data allowance. Rated 4.1 stars from 698 reviews. The Go PT Plus (~£180) adds pan and tilt.
amazon Check Price on Amazon →eufy Solar Wall Light Cam S120
A solar wall light with a camera built in, for a back door, side path or shed. Rated 4.2 stars from nearly 1,300 reviews.
amazon Check Price on Amazon →Summary
- Solar cameras need a few hours of daylight a day - point the panel south
- For no subscription, choose one that records to built-in storage or a microSD card
- Use 4G with a SIM where there's no wi-fi - allotments, stables, fields
- Cut false triggers with activity zones to save battery in winter
- A separate panel on a cable solves shady walls
For more on small off-grid power, see solar shed lights and shed and garage solar kits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are solar security cameras any good in the UK?
Yes, if the panel gets a few hours of daylight a day and the camera is not triggered constantly. On a shady wall, use a camera with a separate panel on a cable.
Can I get a solar security camera with no subscription?
Yes. Choose one that records to built-in storage, a microSD card or a home base. Check the listing, as some features may still need a paid plan.
Do solar cameras work in winter?
Mostly, but short grey days put less charge in. Point the panel south, keep it clean, and reduce false triggers with activity zones.
Can I put a camera at my allotment with no wi-fi?
Yes, with a 4G camera and a SIM card with a data allowance. It works anywhere with mobile signal.
Do I need permission to put up a security camera?
On your own property generally not, but if it records beyond your boundary, such as a street or a neighbour garden, UK data protection rules apply. Point cameras at your own property.