This article details the installation of the solar panel, which can serve as a source of power supply for battery-powered cameras.

Applies to: Reolink Solar Panel (3W), Solar Panel 2 (6W), Solar Panel 3 (12W) 

How to Identify Solar Panel / Solar Panel 2 / Solar Panel 3

There are different versions of Reolink solar panels. The model is clearly indicated on each solar panel. Identifying the correct model helps ensure proper installation for your panel. 

 solar panel

Note: If the model name is listed as “Reolink Solar Panel” without a numeric suffix, it indicates the Solar Panel (3W).

After identifying your solar panel version, follow the steps to install solar panel. This article will be divided into the following three sections:

  • Install Reolink Solar Panel (3W) and Solar Panel 2 (6W)

    Required Tools & Accessories

    Tools: a screwdriver and an electric drill (excluding Method 2: Using a Strap)

    Accessories:

    Materials

    NOTE: The USB-C to Micro USB cable only comes with the separately sold solar panel.

    Installation Methods and Steps

    There are 3 methods to install the solar panel. Choose one installation method based on your mounting scenario:

    Method 1: Using Screws

    Long Screws:

    Long Screws

    Here is the video for your reference:

    Step 1. Please choose a location for your solar panel that gets the most sunlight throughout the year.

    The Reolink solar panel needs only a few hours of direct sunlight to sufficiently power up your camera daily. The amount of energy that the solar panel can produce is affected by weather conditions, seasonal changes, geographic locations, etc.

    select installation place

    Step 2. Mount the bracket with the mounting template and the long screws provided. For hard walls, insert wall anchors before using the long screws.
    NOTE: Place the foam pad (if included in the package) at the bottom of the bracket to prevent insects and debris from entering.

    Mount the bracket

    Step 3. Slot the solar panel into the bracket, ensuring it is secure.

    Slot the solar panel

    Step 4. Loosen the adjustment knob on the bracket, and adjust the angle of the solar panel to receive the most direct sunlight. Then re-tighten the adjustment knob to secure the panel.

    adjust the panel

    Step 5. Connect the solar panel to the camera with the cable. Make sure the micro USB/USB-C connector is plugged in all the way for a weatherproof seal. 

    (NOTE: If the camera’s charging port and the solar panel connector are different, use a USB-C to Micro USB cable to connect the solar panel to the camera.)

    connect camera

    Method 2: Using Strap

    If you plan to mount the solar panel to a tree, you are recommended to use the strap.

    Strap:

    Strap

    Step 1. Put the strap on the bottom of the bracket. Fix the strap with the mounting plate and secure the mounting plate with screws. Attach the bracket to the tree and fasten the strap.

    through strap

    Step 2. After the bracket is fixed, slot the solar panel into the bracket, adjust the solar panel, and connect the solar panel to camera. (You can refer to steps 3 to 5 in “Method 1: Using Screws”.)

    slot solar panel

    Method 3: Using Bracket

    NOTE: This method applies only to Argus PT Series and Go PT Series cameras with auto-tracking support. This bracket is included only with these cameras featuring auto-tracking and their solar panel bundles. It is not supplied with standalone solar panels or other products.

    Bracket & L-shape bracket:

    Bracket & L-shape bracket

    You have two options for solar panel installation using a bracket. 

    Option 1. Install the Solar Panel Integrated with the Camera

    Mount the solar panel directly on top of the camera. Make sure the panel doesn't block the camera's view when installing.

    Integrated with the Camera

    Step 1. Loosen the ball joint, secure the bracket to the camera L-shape bracket with two short screws, then tighten the ball joint.

    Integrated Step

    Step 2. Align the ball joint screw on the bracket with the hole on the panel, then rotate the solar panel tightly. Loosen the nut counterclockwise to adjust the solar panel angle for maximum sunlight exposure. Tighten the nut clockwise to secure the panel.

     Integrated step

    Step 3. Connect the solar panel to the camera with the cable. Make sure the USB-C connector is plugged in all the way for a weatherproof seal. 

    Type-C port

    Step 4. Align the triangular mark on the camera with the unlock mark on the L-shaped bracket. Then rotate the camera counterclockwise. When you hear a click, the camera is securely attached. 

    Integrated step

    Option 2. Install the Solar Panel Separately from the Camera

    Install the solar panel in a location with the longest and most direct sunlight exposure to ensure optimal sunlight absorption and energy conversion.

    Separately from the Camera

    Step 1. Loosen the ball joint first. Drill two holes in the wall with an electric drill, secure the bracket with two long screws, and then tighten the ball joint securely.

    Separately Step

    Step 2. Align the ball joint screw on the bracket with the hole on the panel, then rotate the solar panel tightly.

    Align the panel

    Step 3. Connect the solar panel to the camera with the cable. Make sure the USB-C connector is plugged in all the way for a weatherproof seal. 

    Type-C port

    Step 4. Loosen the nut counterclockwise to adjust the solar panel angle for maximum sunlight exposure. Tighten the nut clockwise to secure the panel.

    adjust the panel

  • Install Reolink Solar Panel 3 (12W)

    Required Tools & Accessories

    Tools: a screwdriver and an electric drill(excluding Method 2: Using a Strap)

    Accessories:

    Materials

    NOTE: The USB-C to Micro USB cable only comes with the separately sold solar panel.

    Installation Methods and Steps

    There are 3 methods to install the solar panel. Choose one installation method based on your mounting scenario:

    Method 1: Using Screws & Method 2: Using Strap

    Step 1. Assemble the Bracket

    Check if your package includes a pre-assembled bracket. If so, skip this step. Otherwise, follow the instructions below to assemble the bracket.

    Pre-assembled bracket :
    Pre-assembled bracket

    Step 1-1. Thread the tri-star knob through the rod from the narrower end, align the bottom hole with the base’s flange, and secure it by tightening the tri-star knob.

    tightening tri-star knob

    Step 1-2. Align the middle hole of the backplate with the threaded socket of the rod’s ball joint, backplate concave side up, and insert and tighten a screw.

    insert backplate

    Step 2. Mount the Bracket

    • Method 1: Using Screws

      Mount the bracket using the provided long screws according to the mounting template. For hard walls, insert wall anchors before using the screws.

      NOTE: Place the foam pad at the bottom of the bracket to prevent insects and debris from entering.

      Mount the bracket

    • Method 2: Using Strap

      Step 2-1. Thread the strap through the mounting plate.

      Thread the strap

      Step 2-2. Fix the strap with the mounting plate and secure the mounting plate with screws.

      image

      Step 2-3. Attach the bracket to the tree and tighten the strap.

      Attach the bracket

    Step 3. Attach the Solar Panel

    Step 3-1. Align the solar panel’s back holes with the back plate’s, and insert the head cap screws to ensure a firm fit.

    Align the solar panel

    Step 3-2. Loosen the tri-star knob on the bracket, adjust the angle of the solar panel to receive optimal sunlight, and then retighten the knob to secure the panel.

    adjust the panel

    Step 4. Connect to the Camera

    Connect the solar panel to the camera with the cable. Make sure the micro USB/USB-C connector is plugged in all the way for a weatherproof seal. 

    (NOTE: If the camera’s charging port and the solar panel connector are different, use a USB-C to Micro USB cable to connect the solar panel to the camera.)

    Connect to the Camera

    Method 3: Using Bracket

    NOTE: This method applies only to Argus PT Series and Go PT Series cameras with auto-tracking support. This bracket is included only with these cameras featuring auto-tracking and their solar panel bundles. It is not supplied with standalone solar panels or other products.

    Bracket:

    Bracket

    Install the solar panel in a location with the longest and most direct sunlight exposure to ensure optimal sunlight absorption and energy conversion.

    Separately from the Camera

    Step 1. Loosen the ball joint first. Drill two holes in the wall with an electric drill, secure the bracket with two long screws, and then tighten the ball joint securely.

    Separately Step 1

    Step 2. Align the ball joint screw on the bracket with the hole on the panel. Then rotate the solar panel to tighten it.

    Align the panel

    Step 3. Connect the solar panel to the camera with the cable. Make sure the USB-C connector is plugged in all the way for a weatherproof seal. 

    Type-C port

    Step 4. Loosen the nut counterclockwise to adjust the solar panel angle for maximum sunlight exposure. Tighten the nut clockwise to secure the panel.

    adjust the panel

  • Important Notice on Using Solar Panel

    • Make sure the solar panel is not blocked. The energy harvesting efficiency drops drastically even when a small portion of the solar panel is blocked.
    • Please don’t install the solar panel completely horizontally. Otherwise, your solar panel might accumulate dust and other debris easily. It’s advised to install the solar panel angularly to receive the most direct sunlight.
    • Wipe the solar panel regularly to remove dust or debris.
    • Please charge the batteries in a temperature between 0°C and 45°C (32-113°F). The solar panel won't charge the camera at temperatures below 0°C (32°F).
    • If you want to connect the extension cable,  please connect the camera to the solar panel for proper charging.

    note

Related Articles

How to Install Reolink Cameras

How to Charge Reolink Battery-powered Cameras

How to Check Whether Reolink Camera is Charging

How to Initially Set up Reolink Battery-powered WiFi Cameras via Reolink App

How to Initially Set up Reolink 4G Cameras via Reolink App