If your Reolink battery-powered camera is connected to the Reolink solar panel but you find that the solar panel is not charging the battery, you can refer to this article for troubleshooting.
Applies to: Reolink battery-powered cameras except Reolink Argus, Keen, and Reolink Doorbell (Battery)
Symptoms of Reolink Solar Panel Not Charging Camera
When a Reolink battery-powered camera is connected to a DC adapter, it charges normally. However, when connected to the Reolink solar panel, the battery may not charge as expected. The battery level may remain unchanged or even decrease, indicating that the camera is not receiving sufficient power from the solar panel.
If you are only using the solar panel for charging, we recommend testing the camera with a DC adapter. Since the DC adapter provides a higher charging current, it can help determine whether the camera itself is not functioning properly or if the situation is related to the solar panel.
If you observe the above symptoms, please proceed to the troubleshooting steps below.
Troubleshooting Steps for Camera Not Charging by Solar Panel
1. Check Sunlight and Position
Ensure the panel is installed in a location with direct sunlight and minimal shading from trees, walls, or roofs. Adjust the angle or move the panel if necessary.
2. Check Cable Connection
Make sure the cable on the Reolink solar panel is firmly connected to the camera and the connector is fully inserted. Inspect for any damage or loose connections.
Ensure that the sun icon of battery status appears in the Reolink App or Client.
3. Check Temperature Conditions
The performance of charging or directly powering the camera may vary depending on the type of solar panel and the surrounding temperature.
- If you connect the Reolink Solar Panel (3W)/Solar Panel 2 (6W)/Solar Panel 3 (12W) to your camera, the charging temperature is 0°C to 45°C (32°F to 113°F). Charging may temporarily stop when the current temperature is below 0°C to protect the lithium battery. This is normal behavior, and charging will automatically resume once the temperature returns to normal.
- If you connect the Reolink Solar Panel 2S (6W) to your camera, the powering temperature is -20°C~58°C (-4℉~136.4℉). When the current temperature exceeds this range, the Solar Panel 2S will stop powering the camera. This is also normal behaviour. Once the temperature returns to normal, the Solar Panel 2S will power the camera again.
4. Reduce Excessive Camera Power Consumption
The Reolink solar panel charges the camera battery with sunlight, while camera power usage may influence the battery level. Frequent detection events and live viewing may increase power usage and affect charging balance.
To improve charging efficiency and maintain a stable battery level, you may optimize the camera settings by:
Reduce unnecessary live viewing: Limit unnecessary live viewing to maintain a better power balance.
Disable Continuous recording & pre-recording (Supported on some models only): Continuous recording and pre-recording will increase the camera’s power consumption, so disable continuous recording and pre-recording.
Reduce detection events: Frequent motion detection increases power consumption and reduces charging efficiency. Lower the PIR Sensitivity to reduce unnecessary triggers and you may also set the object size and non-detection area to reduce unnecessary detection for those cameras with smart detection.
-
Disable detection alerts: Disabling the detection alerts, such as push, spotlights, or sirens, can help improve charging efficiency. Refer to How to Set Up Smart Detection Alerts.
Note: These adjustments may temporarily affect motion detection and alerts, which might not fully meet your monitoring needs. However, they help the solar panel charge/power the camera more effectively. Once the battery is fully charged or the camera can be powered again, you can restore your previous settings.
5. Charging Test Observation
First, use a DC 5V 2A adapter to charge the camera until the battery level exceeds 50%. Next, reconnect the camera to the solar panel, ensuring the connection is secure. Place the solar panel in a location with direct sunlight and monitor the battery level to see if it increases, which will help determine whether the solar panel is functioning properly.
6. Swap Testing
If the camera still does not charge after the previous steps, try connecting it to another Reolink solar panel that is known to be functioning properly. Place another working panel in the same spot and observe whether the camera begins charging. This can help determine whether the behavior is related to the original solar panel.
If the above suggestions don't work, please click “Submit a request” below to contact the Reolink Support Team and provide the following information for further guidance:
- The camera's model, quantity, and UID. Refer to How to Find the UID of Your Cameras and NVRs
- The S/N number of the solar panel. Refer to How to Find Model and Serial Numbers on Reolink Devices.
- Details of the troubleshooting steps you've already taken and their results.
Related Articles
How to Check Whether Reolink Camera is Charging
The Battery Level Keeps 100% All the Time
Introduction to the Battery Status Light for Battery-powered Cameras
Why does the Red/Orange and Green light at the Back of the Camera Flash Alternately?