Arlo has launched the Essential Solar Security Camera, a new outdoor camera that incorporates a solar panel built directly in the camera body rather than as a separate accessory.
The Essential Solar Security Camera is designed to run year-round on just two hours of sunlight a day, and Arlo says a full charge can keep it powered for up to six months with no sun at all.
Hardware
The camera pairs a 1.2W integrated solar panel with a massive 14,790mAh battery cell. Arlo says this is category-leading battery capacity,
The camera specs are solid on paper. It offers 2K resolution recording at 24fps with a 130-degree field of view, colour night vision, an integrated spotlight, two-way audio, triggerable siren, and dual-band Wi-Fi to ensure the best connection.
Its IP65 rating ensures the camera is safe from rain, heat, and cold, and three mounting holes with a slimline shape mean it’s flexible enough to mount right where you want it.
Software
Arlo’s Secure Early Warning System serves as an AI-powered layer for filtering notifications, ensuring you don’t get unwanted alerts like passing cars and swaying trees.
Features like Smart Object Recognition are available to help categorise alerts, but locked behind a Basic or Plus subscription.
It’s easy to connect into a smart home ecosystem, with compatibility for Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, and IFTTT.
Arlo Essential Solar Security Camera
The Arlo Essential Solar Security Camera is available in white at an RRP of $189 (NZD $229). Preo-orders open from 19th October with units shipping from 2nd November.
8 comments
Kym
This is something I may well be interest in. Looks and sounds great.
Sameer
Very good
Ian H
Does it have any movement detection so it only records with movement ?
I was thinking of using it indoors to monitor a storage cage in a car park….
Scott Hunt
Hey Ian, that’s how the camera works, yes. When movement is detected it will save a clip and send a notification.
There may be more suitable options than this for indoor usage, as you would otherwise be paying for a solar panel you’re not using.
Ian H
Yes, I currently use a trail camera, but rechargeable battery only lasts a month.
I like the idea of 6 months on a charge.
Can it use the solar panel and charge from a fluro tube ?
Does it have local storage, or cloud only ?
Scott Hunt
Yes, the 6 months is a solid figure; though your mileage may vary depending on other factors like how many events it records.
Fluorescent light is not enough to keep it meaningfully charged.
There is no microSD card slot in the camera, so you could use it with motion notifications and live view for free, add an Arlo SmartHub with USB drive attached, or with a cloud subscription for storage.
Ian H
Thanks, but no power (hence 6 months battery ideal), and no Wi-Fi so Smart Hub not viable.
Guess will have to stick with Trail Camera.
Scott Hunt
No Wi-Fi makes it difficult. Another option might be a camera with cellular connectivity like the Go 2: https://au.arlo.com/products/arlo-go-2-cameras