Full comparison

FeatureSolar cameraWired camera
InstallationNo works or cablesRequires power outlet
Initial costโ‚ฌ60โ€“200โ‚ฌ40โ€“120
Monthly costโ‚ฌ0 (SIM only if 4G)โ‚ฌ0 (~โ‚ฌ1โ€“2/year electricity)
24/7 recordingโŒ Limited by batteryโœ… Yes, unlimited
Works in shadeโš ๏ธ Reduced efficiencyโœ… Always
Works without mains powerโœ… YesโŒ No
Power cut immuneโœ… Yesโš ๏ธ Turns off
โœ…
Solar camera if...

No outlet nearby, area gets 4+ hours direct sun daily, you want no-works installation, or need it to work even if mains power fails.

โœ…
Wired camera if...

You need 24/7 continuous recording, area is mostly shaded, or you want the most stable solution without battery worries.

Final verdict

๐Ÿ† Final verdict

No outlet available

Solar camera

The only practical option when there's no electricity. Install in direct sun and it runs itself.

Outlet available

Wired camera

More stable, continuous recording, no battery worries. If you can run cable, run cable.

Power cut risk areas

Solar camera wins: if the mains fails, solar keeps running on its battery and panel.

The ideal combo

Wired where there's electricity + solar where there isn't. Best of both worlds.

FAQ

With a 6,000 mAh battery in motion detection mode: 3โ€“7 days without solar charging. With 10,000+ mAh: up to 10โ€“15 days.