+25 votes
by (420 points)
Is the solar panel for Arlo Pro worth the money? Have 2 cameras that I need a ladder to change the batteries. I have the sensitivity set pretty high on them, so they record a lot. What are your thoughts?  
Is the solar panel for Arlo Pro worth the money?

23 Answers

0 votes
by (460 points)
 
Best answer
Where do you find the solar panels at
by (150 points)
@tomekatomes I got all of mine from Best Buy for the Pro 2
0 votes
by (150 points)
If you get a good amount of direct sunlight then yes it is worth it. I have 4 solar panels. 2 are in direct sunlight for several hours and those cameras I don’t have to change the batteries. The other two I just don’t change as often.  
0 votes
by (170 points)
We have one for a camera attached to a tree. I got tired of getting the ladder and changing the batteries too. Once I got the solar panel in the right place, we are always at 90%+.  
+6 votes
by (1.4k points)
I would recommend them. Have 2 Arlo Pro 2 cameras running on them, before the solar panels I would need to change the batteries every week but now I change them once a month when I clean the cameras. Both cameras are set to record on best video and record 2 mins of video when picking up activity. Approximately 20 recordings per day. Image shows current sunlight (not great here in Ireland) but still enough to charge the batteries.  
0 votes
by (150 points)
I had 2 cameras with solar panels overseas and just bought another panel for a third outdoor camera. They have worked flawlessly and no more as asking people to charge my batteries when I am out of the country
0 votes
by (3.1k points)
If you’re in a cold climate you will have issues charging the batteries.  
0 votes
by (150 points)
I personally use a handy grabber/reaching tool to grab my Arlo off the mount. I mounted them about 8 feet up. Cheaper than a solar panel and less hassle than using a ladder.  
+4 votes
by (230 points)
I have 2 and so far so good for 2 weeks now
0 votes
by (240 points)
I have had 2 solar panels hooked up to cameras on rooftops for 2 years now and they have worked flawlessly. I am in South Carolina, so there is plenty of sunlight and I have never had to charge or change the batteries.  
0 votes
by (650 points)
Buy the 30ft charging cables
0 votes
by (4k points)
If you tilt the cameras a bit down to avoid traffic on the street your camera will detect less motion.  
0 votes
by (1.2k points)
I have had the Arlo branded solar panel for about 5 months. Still at 100% battery
0 votes
by (1.4k points)
I can’t comment on if they are worth it. I have been considering installing them as well. However, what I can recommend is buying a couple of extra Arlo batteries and their charging dock and keeping two batteries charged that you can switch out the dying ones at anytime. Takes me just a couple minutes every 2-4 months (depending on which camera) and has cut down on frustration
0 votes
by (150 points)
Solar works great! Keeps the camera charged for sure! Time and effort are worth something and if you can do something else with it I'd say they are worth it.  
0 votes
by (620 points)
We’ve had solar on one of ours for nearly 12 months. Just did one as it was getting lots of traffic, so ran down quicker. Had no issues with it. Best thing ever. Thinking of adding more solar panels to others, so we can really “set and forget”.  
0 votes
by (1.1k points)
We bought solar panels, we love them. We also had to get ladder out to charge them. Also while they are charging, you also have no camera. I think it's worth it. We have never had a problem, always fully charged now.  
0 votes
by (400 points)
I bought 2 solar panels for my arlo pros. Set and forget, best thing mate.  
0 votes
by (150 points)
I have 4 solar panels. I love not having to worry about charging them. If you are thinking about continuous recording, you need to hardwire and purchase a CVR plan.  
0 votes
by (240 points)
I got mine at the same place I bought the cameras - Best Buy
0 votes
by (160 points)
I'd recommend lowering the camera to just above 10ft, it will improve your range and make it easier to recharge
0 votes
by (1.5k points)
We’re gonna do it today for one. Thanks all for you input it swayed hubby over to solar and hard wire 4 (I think) as I doubt we can run two camera off 1 solar panel
0 votes
by (1.5k points)
Might be worth it if you are planning on leaving those rims sitting out.  
0 votes
by (300 points)
In South Dakota mine did great summer time. Winter it's been dead for a couple months now.  
The Arlo Cameras Group is where you can always find questions, answers, advice, reviews & recommendations from other community members about smart home security with the Arlo camera and alarm system.
...