Updated
Updated · ZDNet · Jun 15
$17 EverExceed 5V Solar Panel Keeps Doorbell Camera Fully Charged for Weeks
Updated
Updated · ZDNet · Jun 15

$17 EverExceed 5V Solar Panel Keeps Doorbell Camera Fully Charged for Weeks

1 articles · Updated · ZDNet · Jun 15

Summary

  • $17 bought a 5V EverExceed solar panel that raised a doorbell camera from about 75% to 100% in a day and kept it fully charged for weeks.
  • 10 feet of cable and a weatherproof IP65 design let the panel be mounted away from the camera, with south-facing placement and proper angle key to maintaining charge even in subdued UK weather.
  • The setup is aimed at battery-powered security cameras that otherwise need manual recharging every few weeks, such as for monitoring an honor box on a trail.
  • Compatibility remains the main caveat: Amazon says it may not work with some Arlo, Blink, or Ring models, and some installations may need adapters and extra waterproofing.

Insights

As smart cameras add power-hungry AI, are these tiny solar chargers already facing obsolescence?
Is a $17 solar charger a lasting smart home solution or simply disposable tech destined for a landfill?
What is the hidden environmental price of powering our smart home gadgets with cheap, disposable solar panels?