Solar Panels Not Keeping Batteries Charged

[viclife]

We have three Pro4 cameras at our church. They are mounted higher (which requires a tall ladder) and it’s difficult to replace the batteries. We do use the solar panels but the batteries loose power quickly. I am curious if larger solar panels would help our situation?

[StephenB]

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@viclife wrote:

 I am curious if larger solar panels would help our situation?

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There is new panel that is physically a bit larger - but I don't know how its power output compares with the older one.

• https://us.arlo.com/collections/accessories/products/universal-solar-panel-charger

FWIW, I found that adding an XL battery+housing kit to the camera connected to my panel helped quite a bit, as it takes a lot longer for the battery to discharge.

• https://us.arlo.com/collections/accessories/products/vma5410-10000s

But I think this depends a lot on how much recording the cameras are doing, and also how well placed the solar panel is.  Mine is not a great spot - attached to the same tree trunk that the camera is connected to.  So there are seasons when it gets quite a bit of shade.

[RichWood]

I just swapped the small to the large on all my cameras. I'd say about 25% better battery life. They are worth it.