Ring Solar Camera Setup: Never Charge Your Battery Again

Picture this: it's February, it's freezing, and your Ring app just notified you that your outdoor camera battery is at 10%. Now you get to climb a ladder in the cold to remove a battery, wait five hours for it to charge, then climb back up to reinstall it. Or - and hear me out - you could let the sun do this job for you. A Ring solar panel turns "charging day" into a distant memory.

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What is a Ring Solar Camera?

"Ring solar camera" isn't actually a specific product - it's what happens when you pair any battery-powered Ring camera with Ring's solar panel accessory. The panel connects to your camera with a 13-foot cable and delivers a constant trickle of power. As long as the sun does its thing for a few hours a day, your battery stays topped off indefinitely. It's the kind of "set it and forget it" solution that actually lives up to the cliche.

Ring Solar Panel Options

Ring makes this decision simple: there are exactly two panels to choose from, and the difference between them comes down to wattage and how much sun your location actually gets:

Compatible Ring Cameras

Here's the catch: solar panels only work with battery-powered cameras. If your Ring camera plugs into an outlet or hardwires into your electrical system, it doesn't need solar - it's already got unlimited power. Here's who can actually use a solar panel:

Pre-Made Solar Bundles

If you're starting fresh, Ring sells camera-plus-panel bundles that shave about $20 off the total compared to buying separately. It's not a massive discount, but free money is free money:

Ring Solar Panel Installation

Sunlight Requirements

Solar panels need actual sunlight - not ambient daylight, not "it's pretty bright out," but direct sun hitting the panel. Before you drill any holes, honestly assess your location:

Step-by-Step Installation

Optimal Panel Placement

Placement matters more than you might think. A solar panel mounted in a so-so spot might charge your camera in summer but leave you high and dry in December. Here's how to set yourself up for year-round success:

Angle Considerations

• Summer: Panel can be more vertical (sun is high)
• Winter: Angle panel more toward horizontal (sun is low)
• Year-round average: Match your latitude angle (e.g., 40° for New York)

Common Placement Mistakes

We've seen these mistakes over and over. Don't be the person who mounts a solar panel and wonders why it's not working:

• Shaded locations: Even partial shade significantly reduces output
• North-facing walls: Receive minimal direct sunlight
• Under eaves: May block sun during optimal hours
• Too far from camera: 13-foot cable limits placement options

Solar Performance by Season

Expectations, meet reality. Solar performance isn't constant - it fluctuates with the seasons, and knowing what to expect prevents frustration when January rolls around:

Troubleshooting Solar Charging

When solar charging isn't working as expected, it's almost always one of these culprits. The good news: most fixes take about five minutes.

Panel Shows "Charging" But Battery Drains

This one's frustrating because technically everything is working. The panel is charging... just not fast enough to keep up with your camera's appetite:

• Camera activity may exceed solar input
• Reduce motion sensitivity or recording length
• Upgrade to Super Solar Panel
• Verify panel receives direct sunlight

No Solar Status in App

If the Ring app doesn't show your solar panel at all, the camera and panel aren't communicating. Nine times out of ten, it's a connection issue:

• Check cable connection at both ends
• Ensure barrel connector is fully inserted
• Try unplugging and reconnecting
• Clean solar panel surface

Reduced Winter Performance

Winter is the Achilles' heel of solar charging. Shorter days, lower sun angle, and snow cover all conspire against you. Here's how to fight back:

• Clear snow from panel surface promptly
• Adjust angle for lower winter sun
• Consider manual charging as supplement
• Reduce camera settings to conserve power

Solar vs. Manual Charging Comparison

Is a $50-60 solar panel worth it? Let's be real about what you're getting - and what you're avoiding:

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the solar panel keep my camera charged 24/7?

If you've got a spot that gets 3-4 hours of direct sunlight daily, yes - you should never need to manually charge again. But if you live in Seattle or your camera faces north under a big oak tree, you might need to supplement with a manual charge once or twice during the darker months. Solar is about reducing charging trips, not necessarily eliminating them in every climate.

Can I use a third-party solar panel?

Technically, some work. Practically, Ring's official panels are purpose-built with the right voltage and connector. Third-party panels are a gamble - they might work perfectly, or they might fry your camera's charging circuit. Your warranty won't cover it either way. For $50-60, the peace of mind is worth it.

Does the solar panel work in cloudy weather?

It works, just not well. Think of cloudy days like running on fumes - the panel generates some power, but nowhere near its rated output. A single cloudy day is fine. A week of overcast skies in a row? Your battery's going to feel it.

How do I clean the solar panel?

Soft damp cloth, periodic wipe-down, done. Bird droppings and pollen buildup can genuinely affect performance - a dirty panel is a lazy panel. Skip the harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers unless you want to scratch the surface and make things worse.

Related Guides

• Complete Ring Outdoor Camera Guide - Compare all Ring outdoor camera models
• Ring Stick Up Cam Review - The versatile indoor/outdoor camera
• Ring Camera Troubleshooting - Fix common problems fast