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I installed a $17 solar panel onto my doorbell camera, and it's easily my best smart home investment

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Why This Matters

This article highlights the practical benefits of using affordable, weatherproof solar panels to power smart home devices like doorbell cameras, reducing maintenance and enhancing sustainability. It underscores the growing importance of renewable energy solutions in the tech industry, especially for outdoor and security applications, offering consumers more reliable and eco-friendly options.

Key Takeaways

EverExceed 5V weatherproof solar panel 4 / 5 Very good pros and cons Pros A solar panel that actually works, even in subdued weather

Lengthy cable allows flexibility in placement

Fully weather-resistant. Cons The wall mount is plastic (albeit tough plastic)

Claims to not work with some cameras. View now at Amazon

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Trust, but verify.

I was asked to help set up an honor box along a popular trail here in the UK. You know the drill — a box that offers cakes, drinks, and snacks to weary hikers, who, in turn, are trusted to pay for the stuff they take, either by putting cash in a box or using an electronic payment method.

Also: I've tested solar power at home for years - 12 myths you shouldn't fall for in 2026

While I think most people are honest and trustworthy, with honorable intentions, there are a few who aren't. So I suggested installing a security camera in this box. I had a bunch of cool battery-powered cameras sitting here doing nothing, so I suggested using them.

The problem is, these would need to be taken down and recharged every few weeks. While there's nothing backbreaking about that task, it is "something else to remember." That got me wondering if I could MacGyver a solution and leverage the power of the sun!

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