Running out of power is not an option with the right solar panel, but do you have one that measures 7.75 inches. by 5.50 inches and only a half an inch in width? The Ring Solar Panel has a power rating of 2.2W and 5.2VDC allowing you to power compatible devices throughout the day without losing power.

What is the Ring Solar Panel compatible with? A Ring Solar Panel will keep your Spotlight Cam Battery or Stick Up Cam Battery powered all day long.

Installation is quick and easy, the solar panel is weather-resistant to withstand the elements, and you have two color options upon purchasing. Charging is also a synch compared to battery packs.

Installation

First, let’s take a look at what comes in the box with your new Ring Solar Panel.

  • Ring Solar PanelAdjustable Mounting BracketMini ScrewdriverDrill BitInstallation ScrewsInstallation Anchors

The installation process is quick and easy with only seven steps.

Step One: Select our Panel Location

The first step in the process is to determine where you will mount and install your new Ring Solar Panel. It is imperative you select a location that gets the most sun exposure throughout the day. Even though you only need a few outs of sun exposure to keep your camera powered throughout the day, you do not want to put the Ring Solar Panel in a location that will be hidden with shade.

Step Two: Properly Line Your Panel

Once you find the spot you want to mount the Ring Solar Panel, use the mountain arm provide as a guide and mark each screw hole with a pen or pencil so that you know where you need to drill your holes. Make sure it is level and straight.

Step Three: Drill the Holes for the Mounting Arm

Depending on the type of wall you are drilling into you may need to use the anchors provided in the box. If you are applying your Ring Solar Panel to brick or concrete you will want to use the anchors provided; however, if you are drilling directly into wood or vinyl the screws will hold the Ring Solar Panel effectively.

I suggest using a drill instead of a screwdriver for easy and effectiveness. Using the drill bit provided, drill holes into the marks you made from the previous step

Next, attach the wall mount using the screws provided. Make sure it is nice and secure.

Step Four: Attach the Solar Panel

The Ring Solar Panel attaches by sliding on the mounting arm from the top. The arm adjusts for better sun exposure by loosening the screw on the mounting arm. Once the angle is adjusting appropriately do not forget to tighten the screw.

Step Five: Remove the Weatherproof Plug from the Camera

The camera will have a weatherproof plug on the back specifically for the Ring Solar Panel charging cable. This plug needs to be removed. To do so, you will need to remove the mounting plate on the camera to get to the plug. Take the plug out and remount the camera.

Step Six: Plug in the Solar Panel Charging Cable

Next, you need to plug the Ring Solar Panel charging cable into the camera where you removed the weatherproof plug.

Step Seven: Mount the Camera

Last, insert your camera back into its mounting bracket and adjust to the angle needed.

Charging

As noted above, the Spotlight Camera and Stick Up Camera are both compatible with the Ring Solar Panel. The Ring Solar Panel is a secondary power source that keeps the two cameras powered throughout the day. It is not necessarily a charger for the cameras.

Ring Solar Panel Charging

Ring states that the Solar Panel is not intended to re-charge the cameras; however, it should provide a “trickle charge” of 1%-2% each day depending on the amount of sun exposure. Now, according to other sources, significant battery charging does take place over the course of a few days.

Within a few hours of heavy direct sunlight, each day your Spotlight Camera or Stick Up Camera will be fully charged again, in most cases. This means at night your cameras will run on battery and be re-charged the next day.

It is important to note, that if the camera’s battery dies the Ring Solar Panel will not power the camera alone. The camera battery is a requirement for the camera to function.

Alternatives

There are several alternatives to the Ring Solar Panel. Each one has a solar panel solution of its own. I have selected a few that are similar to the Ring Solar Panel, have excellent features such a motion detection, facial recognition, two-way audio, alerts, and are all weatherproof.

  • Arlo Solar Panel (compatible with the Arlo Pro, Arlo Pro2, Arlo GO, and Arlo Light)Reolink Argus Solar Panel (compatible with Argus Pro and Argus 2 Security Cameras)Freecam Solar Powered WiFi CameraA-Zone Solar Motion Sensor Light OutdoorLynx Solar Weatherproof Outdoor WiFi Surveillance Camera with Solar Panel

If you do not already have a solar panel, it is important to ensure that you choose a solar panel that is compatible with a camera you already have. If not, most of them come as a bundle or pack.

Arlo Solar Panel

As stated above, the Arlo Solar Panel is compatible with the Arlo Pro Camera, Arlo Go Camera, and Arlo Security Light System. The Solar Panel does keep the battery charged on whichever system you have purchased and it is weather resistant. Now, you do need to keep in mind that there is an optimal operating temperature of 32⁰ F to 113⁰ F. With that said, if you live in a very cold part of the country you may need to think about that.

Advantages of this system are:

  • Recharges the batteryWeather resistantAdjustable mountSimple installationCompatible with Arlo Pro, Arlo Go, and Arlo
  • Security Light SystemWorks with Google Assistant

The Reolink Argus 2 and Argus Pro are both excellent alternatives to the Ring Solar Panel. The Argus 2 and Argus Pro both have rechargeable batteries, they are suitable for indoor and outdoor use, have night vision, 2-way audio, live view, and are both Full HD capable.

However, if you are in a location that has no Wi-Fi, the Reolink Go is 100% portable, outdoor friendly, wire-free, and solar optional. This makes the Argo Go the ego-to camera for trial cams, gam cams, and wildlife cams. This is the ultimate option for those without Wi-Fi capability.

  • Compatible with Reolink Go, Argus 2, Argus Pro,
  • and Argus EcoRecharges the batteryWeather resistant360⁰ Wall Mount Easy installationWorks with Google Assistant and Alexa

Freecam C340 Solar Powered WiFi Camera

The Freecam C340 is another excellent alternative for those that want a wire-free solar-powered alternative. The Freecam C340 needs roughly four to six hours of sunlight for a full battery charge that will last a full week. There is also a two-charge mode capability meaning you can use phone charger to charge the camera. A 5V USB cable comes in the box int hose situations where the sun ins sparse and you need a little bit of juice for the day.

  • Wire FreeTwo Ways of ChargingPIR Motion SensorLong Standby TimeWeather ResistantSleep Mode

AZONE Solar Motion Sensor Light Outdoor

The AZONE Solar Motion Sensor Light is an outdoor motion detector flood light that runs on solar power. With five to six hours of sunlight, the light can be powered for 40 hours at a time on low light mode only. The light detects up to 10-26 feet and has a 120-degree range. The light turns on and off with motion detection in 15-20 second intervals. It also turns on and off during the day to conserve battery.

  • Recharges the batteryLong Operation TimePIR Motion SensorQuality MaterialDaytime Mode/Nighttime Mode for Energy
  • Efficiency360⁰ Mount

Lynx Solar Weatherproof Outdoor WiFi Surveillance Camera

The Lynx Solar Weatherproof Outdoor WiFi Surveillance Camera is an excellent outdoor camera that is solar powered and can last up to seven days on one charge if fully charged. The camera has intelligent alerts with facial recognition that notifies you of familiar faces with ‘check-ins’ and motion detection alerts. The security is topnotch with WEP (wired equivalent privacy). Video quality is HD with live streaming and cloud storage.

  • Recharges the batteryWeather resistantFacial recognition alertsWEP network securityHD video securityMotion detection alertsSupport for 802.11b/g/n 2.4Ghz Wifi band

Benefits of Solar

Solar energy has been a trending topic for a few years now. There are many benefits and advantages of solar energy such as reducing electric bills, solar as a renewable energy source, lowers maintenance costs, and it can be used on or with diverse applications.

Electric Bill Savings

In our case, we are using such small solar panels that you may not see a huge difference on your electric bill, but in general, depending the size of the solar panels your electric and heat usage will cause a drop in your electric bill. In larger solar panel set ups some people even see payments for their excess energy developed from their solar panels that is sent back to the grid. If you generate more power than you use, you will get a payment from your electric company.

Renewable Energy Source

Solar energy is one of the truest forms of renewable energy. The fact of the matter is that it can be used every single day all around the world. The sun is a repeatable form of energy that is accessible as long as the sun is available. Studies show that the sun will be viable for at least another five billion years. As long as it is available it should be used to produce electricity.

Lowers Maintenance Costs

One of the best advantages of solar panels is the low maintenance costs compared to other sources of electricity. As long as you keep them clean, which is only required a few times a year there are no other maintenance aspects besides the inverter and cables. In most cases the inverter should only have to be changed on a five to ten-year basis. A specialist can help maintain the cables on a routine basis to help keep your panels running at maximum efficiency.

Overall there is relatively low maintenance compared to other forms of electricity. Maintenance costs and time are very low. After your initial investment you can expect little cost, especially with your warranty.

Diverse Application

The best thing about solar panels is the ability to put them in various locations. Solar panels can go on residential homes, office buildings, the ground (solar grids), etc. They can be placed in rural locations or urban locations. They can be used to produce electricity for wells, satellites, buildings, etc. The possibilities are endless given that the sun is used to generate the electricity and the ability dictate the size.

Conclusion

In conclusion, with what we have discussed, it is my opinion that solar energy is worth it. Small or large solar is a viable option. In the end, solar is a free clean viable option that works every single day. Even if it is cloudy you will get some amount of electricity.

The ability to mount a security camera or flood light in any location on your house, farm, office, or other important location without compromising battery life, video quality, or other capabilities small solar panels for appliances are an excellent and optimal choice.