Essential XL 2nd gen stopped charging with solar panel

[Amcgrath815]

We have an Ultra 2 Arlo camera that stopped charging using solar. We have three other Arlos, same age, on solar that are still working fine.

We tried the following so far:

1. Reset the camera using reset button (aka, CTRL-ALT-DEL)
2. Removed and Re-added camera
3. Removed, re-added battery
4. Purchased a new Solar panel (no difference, still not charging)
5. Checked the contacts to make sure no corrosion

Note that if we bring in the camera and charge it on AC power, that works. The camera then also retains the charge from AC.

The camera itself, although it won't charge, is working fine.

OK, so what could be wrong? It's baffling why these cameras just stop charging.

Not sure what to try next.

[Amcgrath815]

Update:  it is finally charging.  We still get the message “unable to charge” intermittently, but have always had that problem with this camera, no idea why.

[Amcgrath815]

Update 2:  it stopped again.  It is still losing charge.  Ideas?

[jguerdat]

The usual suggestion is to use isopropyl alcohol on both parts of the connection. Inspect each connector for any signs of dirt/debris or corrosion.

[Amcgrath815]

We did that

[StephenB]

Did you try swapping two of the cameras, just to see if the problem follows the camera (or not)?

[Amcgrath815]

Not yet!  Waiting for some sun today, to see if it charges.  If not, that’s the next step.

[Amcgrath815]

I tried to upload a picture, but it wouldn’t upload.  One of the three tiny squares on the camera housing is not cleanable, so that appears to be the problem.  We’ve had arlo cameras for years, never had this problem before, but apparently we need to get a new housing for that camera!

[StephenB]

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@Amcgrath815 wrote:

One of the three tiny squares on the camera housing is not cleanable

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That is essential for charging.

You can get a replacement housing here:

• https://us.arlo.com/products/vma5202h-10000s
• https://www.amazon.com/Arlo-Certified-Accessory-VMA5202H-Designed/dp/B08516RRST

(They are also available in black).

If recharging remains a concern, you might also consider upgrading to the XL, which has 2.5x the battery capacity.  Note it is longer/heavier, and can't be used with the magnetic mount.

This sku includes both the battery and the housing:

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

[kvr1185]

Have the same issue. Ordered 2 new cameras and solar panels from arlo to replace 2 older arlo cameras with solar panels.  The old ones woked great snd kept the cameras charged. The 2 new cameras will charge if i restart the camera or unplug and replug in. Once a camera reaches 100% or if the sun goes down they will not charge again unless i restart. i have received a new solar panel from arlo and will see if this will do anything. One camera was working sometimes until a week ago and now will not charge unless it is restarted.  

[BrookeN]

Have you received the new solar panel and if so are you still seeing the same behavior?

[Ziegfeld]

I have 1 essential xl connected to a Arlo solar panel.  It has been installed approximately. 3 weeks.  I live in southeastern PA. Temps are below freezing at night. Daytime highs in the mid to upper 30/s and low 40's. 

The solar panel charges the camera fine all the way to 100%.  Then when the camera starts to discharge, the solar panel does not start charging again.  It discharged down to 86% over the next 4 days and I had to restart the camera to get it to start charging again.

Firmware is up to date  (1.8.0_2307_c9df779), All cables are secure. I have a 2nd solar panel that I swapped to see if it would correct the problem.  No Go.  Same.   

Other posters who have the same problem have commented that it appears to be a firmware problem. Is there a fix?

[BrookeN]

The solar panel starts trickle charging when the battery gets around 65%. It will charge slower once the battery reaches between 80-85% to prolong battery life. 

[kvr1185]

Yes received the new solar panel. The cameras will still not recharge unless I unplug and re-plug or restart the camera then over the next few days they will go up to 100% charging every day when the sun is up and then once it reaches 100% they will never recharge again no matter how low the battery goes until I unplugged or restart 

[BrookeN]

@kvr1185 is this a Arlo solar charger or a third party charger?

[kvr1185]

It’s the Arlo solar panels.  Last summer, I updated two older outdoor Arlo cameras with solar panels with two new ones and the old ones work fine it would keep the batteries charged up, but the new ones will not charge unless I unplug or restart

[BrookeN]

@kvr1185 Can you please dm me a callback number as well as a good time to call. That way I can have support look into this further. You send a dm by clicking on the envelope icon on the top right of the forum page.If you don't see it, then go into your profile settings and select preferences, then "Private Messenger." Then select "Turn on private messages" if it is turned off. 

[BrookeN]

Thank you for your message. I have reached out to support. They will be reaching out to you as soon as possible.