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Arlo's Solar Camera: Year-Round Power?
30 Sep
Summary
- New $100 camera boasts integrated solar panel for continuous power.
- Offers 2K video, two-way audio, and siren, but requires subscription for AI features.
- Competitors offer similar solar cameras with included detection features.
Arlo has introduced the Essential Solar Security Camera, priced at $100, featuring an integrated solar panel designed to provide year-round power. This new camera records in up to 2K resolution at 24 frames per second and includes a 130-degree field of view, dual-band Wi-Fi, a spotlight, and a siren. Arlo claims the solar panel can enable continuous operation with as little as two hours of sunlight daily.
The camera is equipped with a 14,790mAh battery, which Arlo states can last up to six months on its own. The solar panel is intended to extend this duration significantly, though actual performance depends on usage settings and environmental activity. Despite its advanced hardware, the Essential Solar camera lacks onboard local storage and advanced detection features like person or package detection without an Arlo Secure subscription, which starts at $10 per month.
Users can opt for local storage by purchasing an Arlo SmartHub, such as the $150 Ultra 2 or $100 Pro model, which support MicroSD or USB storage, respectively. However, these hubs do not enable object detection. Competitors like Reolink's Argus Solar and Eufy's SoloCam S220, also priced at $100, offer integrated solar power along with features like person, vehicle, and animal detection, and support for microSD cards, without mandatory subscriptions. The Essential Solar Security Camera is now available for preorder on Arlo's website and is scheduled to ship in mid-October.
