13 Messages
Outdoor Camera Solar Panel Charging
I have two cameras I have a solar panel attached to each. They both get direct sunlight 11-12 hours a day. (I live on top of a mountain) One camera never will charge above 74% the other would go from 70% to Zero within minutes - waiting for replacement camera - it was over night shipment from FedX on Feb. 9 - guess they have long nights!! I have other cameras I run on solar and never an issue. Seems that the solar panel doesn't charge these batteries well? Anyone else have an issue? I even got up on the ladder and checked the solar panels and connections - everything appears to be connected fine.
davey_d
Community Admin
•
4.8K Messages
2 years ago
Hi sherriff_4,
The Solar Panel is designed to keep your SimpliSafe Wireless Outdoor Camera topped up - and with up to 12 hours of direct sunlight, it shouldn't be having trouble with that.
What it does suggest to me is that your cameras are both using up way more power than they should. Do they see a lot of activity? e.g. triggers, or if you livestream from them frequently.
We did recently start rolling out a major firmware update that resolves some performance issues - including with battery life. So it's possible that when that update gets to your devices, they'll perform much better.
2
0
BMoye08
1 Message
1 year ago
I am also having issues. The app shows that the camera is plugged into a source (the battery shows a lightning bolt for charging while my back door camera just shows a full battery), but yet my front door camera (likely due to lots of cars driving past the house), is continually dying and giving the critical low battery warning. But I knew it'd get lots of traffic that's why I have the front connected with solar.
I wish there was a firmware update to allow sections of the camera to be more sensitive than others or even an overall sensitivity function to alter. It's just strange that the one hooked to continuous solar power is the one requiring the most recharges of the battery.
0
0
svinet6050
1 Message
1 year ago
My outdoor camera does not seem to charge with the solar battery either. I have to wait around for someone to change it for me. I’m very disappointed with it.☹️
1
0
Seawolf
11 Messages
1 year ago
I read somewhere of a similar issue that was corrected by starting off with fully charged batteries before attaching the solar. I have no experience on this.
0
0
danabees
1 Message
11 months ago
ALL THREE of my solar panels are NOT keeping the battery charged up all of a sudden. It seemed to work fine at first but after 2-3 months, it is suddenly not really keeping the batteries charged. This defeats the purpose of purchasing this expensive component. The purpose of purchasing this expensive component is so that I do NOT have to go out and get on a ladder to deal with battery problems. I feel ripped off completely. Please advise.
2
0