Solar Panel VMA5600s stopped charging floodlight cameras

[archieab]

I purchased 2 VMA5600 solar panels to charge 2 floodlights in May 2024 and now they've both stopped working within 3 weeks of each other. I've swapped floodlights (I have several) and swapped batteries, cleaned the connections and they are still not charging. What is the typical lifespan of the solar panels? Please and thank you.

[StephenB]

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@archieab wrote:

I purchased 2 VMA5600 solar panels to charge 2 floodlights in May 2024 and now they've both stopped working within 3 weeks of each other. 

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What is the outdoor temperature?

[archieab]

Oh sorry I should have added that. I live in Central Florida so we're 60-80 degrees right now. Firmware is 1.080.33.1_40_of7e1e1 for both.

[StephenB]

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@archieab wrote:

I live in Central Florida so we're 60-80 degrees right now. 

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Ok, so not weather for sure.

Can you charge the cameras using the AC charger?

Also, have you made sure the connectors are clean?

[archieab]

Yes, I can charge them with the power cord and I've also changed out batteries and even cameras themselves because I have several and they all have the same issue - lose charging capability. I've cleaned the connectors very carefully. And at this current moment, both show charging (green lightening icon) but they aren't charging properly. Percentage is fluctuating.

[StephenB]

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@archieab wrote:

Yes, I can charge them with the power cord and I've also changed out batteries and even cameras themselves because I have several and they all have the same issue - lose charging capability. I've cleaned the connectors very carefully. And at this current moment, both show charging (green lightening icon) but they aren't charging properly. Percentage is fluctuating.

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Odd, especially seeing the same thing with multiple cameras and multiple panels.

FWIW, I did have one 5600 panel fail, but the issue there was that the cable insulation broke.

I'm tagging the mods - @BrookeN , @ShayneS , @JamesC - in hopes they can provide some information or suggestions.

[archieab]

Thank you kindly! I appreciate it.

[archieab]

FYI - I just checked them again and one is still showing at 81% but the icon is gray. The other one has the orange low battery icon still at 19%

[archieab]

One is completely dead this morning and the other went from 81% to 73%. I charged the one that is still on with the AC adapter. 

[archieab]

I haven't closed this thread yet because I purchased new solar panels and want to see if that fixes the issue with cameras not charging.