Eufy makes a popular line of solar-powered security cameras that promise wireless operation without any electrical wiring. But what if you install your new Eufy solar camera, and the panel doesn’t seem to be charging the battery? Troubleshooting a Eufy solar panel that’s not charging can be frustrating.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover the most common reasons a Eufy solar panel fails to charge along with the steps you can take to get your solar-powered security camera up and running again.
How Eufy Solar Security Cameras Work
To understand why your solar panel isn’t charging, it’s helpful to first understand how these cameras harvest and use solar energy:
- A solar panel converts sunlight into electricity to charge the built-in battery integrated into the camera.
- The rechargeable lithium-ion battery stores power and delivers it to the camera at night when the solar panel is inactive.
- A charge controller regulates the solar charging process and battery voltage.
- The battery powers the camera, motion sensor, and any networked communication functions.
- A battery level indicator shows the charging status and remaining runtime.
With this overview in mind, let’s explore the most common reasons the Eufy solar charging system may stop working properly.
Troubleshooting a Eufy Solar Panel Not Charging
If your Eufy solar security camera fails to charge from the solar panel, systematically work through these troubleshooting steps:
1. Check Solar Panel Positioning
Ensure the solar panel is positioned optimally to receive sunlight throughout the day. It should point south if in the northern hemisphere. Avoid shade from trees, awnings, and other obstructions. Adjust the angle to be perpendicular to the midday sun.
2. Inspect Solar Panel Surface
Examine the solar cells for any debris, dust, snow, or other blockage that could be preventing absorption of sunlight. Clean gently with a microfiber cloth if needed.
3. Verify Light Reaching Solar Panel
Test by shading and unshading the solar panel during daylight. The battery indicator should respond and show charging activity when illuminated. If not, a connection issue is likely.
4. Check Electrical Connections
Inspect cables between the solar panel and camera for any damage or loose plugs. Contact corrosion can also cause connectivity issues.
5. Reseat Electrical Connections
Unplug and firmly reseat all connectors between the solar panel, camera, and battery to ensure proper contact. Cables can work loose over time from the weather.
6. Reset the Camera
Power cycle the camera and solar panel system fully by disconnecting cables and removing/reinserting the battery. Leave disconnected for 15-30 minutes before rebooting.
7. Update Camera Firmware
Check for any firmware updates for your Eufy camera model, and update to the latest version. Outdated firmware can sometimes cause glitchy solar charging.
8. Test Alternate Batteries
Try swapping in known-good fully charged replacement batteries to determine if the charging issue is related to the battery rather than the solar panel or camera.
9. Contact Eufy Support
If still not charging after the above steps, reach out to Eufy tech support. They can provide further troubleshooting or arrange warranty replacement of defective system components.
Preventing Eufy Solar Panel Charging Problems
Once you’ve got your solar-powered security camera working again, keep it charging properly long-term with these maintenance tips:
- Periodically clean solar panel surface to remove any accumulated dirt or debris.
- Check that cables are clear of moisture and that waterproof connections are maintained.
- Confirm solar panel angle is optimal for each season as the sun’s path changes.
- Upgrade camera and solar panel firmware when updates are released.
- Proactively replace lithium-ion batteries every 2-3 years for best performance.
- During long periods of camera inactivity, connect to external power to maintain battery health.
- If adjusting the camera position, take solar angle into account to keep the panel aligned.
Alternatives If Eufy Solar Panel Won’t Charge
If you’ve exhausted troubleshooting and the Eufy solar panel still fails to charge the battery, there are a couple of options to consider:
Try a Higher Wattage Solar Panel
Some users find that the small 5W Eufy solar panels don’t provide sufficient power in certain conditions. Upgrading to a 10W or 20W third-party solar panel can resolve charging issues in low sunlight areas.
Connect a Power Cable
While eliminating the convenience of 100% wireless operation, connecting the camera to a standard DC power adapter will enable continuous operation without reliance on solar.
Key Takeaways on Troubleshooting Eufy Solar Cameras
Getting a Eufy solar-powered security camera working again after charging issues can be frustrating. But methodically working through positioning, connections, rebooting, and other troubleshooting steps can typically resolve common solar panel problems. Maintain your solar system properly to maximize operational uptime. Consider wired power as an alternate charging source if needed.
If your solar panel still refuses to play nice and charge the camera battery after everything, it may be time to have a little chat with that misbehaving panel. Wait until nobody is around, then walk up and say sternly, “Now look here Mr. Solar Panel, I’ve provided you a perfectly good spot to soak up the sunshine all day. But you seem to think that laziness is a virtue. Well, I’ve got news for you, buddy – no charge, no peace around here!” Hey, it’s worth a shot. Even solar panels need some tough love now and then. Just keep at it, and you’ll be monitoring your property in no time with a happy, fully-charged solar security camera.