Having trouble with your SimpliSafe solar panel not charging your outdoor camera’s battery? You’re not alone. This can be frustrating, especially when you rely on your outdoor camera for security. The good news is, there are steps you can take to troubleshoot and possibly resolve the issue.
Immediate Action for Charging Challenges:
First off, it’s essential to understand that SimpliSafe’s solar panel is designed to maintain the battery level of your Wireless Outdoor Camera, not to charge it from low to full. The solar panel functions optimally when the camera’s battery is fully charged before connection. Therefore, if your solar panel doesn’t seem to be charging the camera, ensure the battery was fully charged at the outset.
Troubleshooting Steps to Get You Back in Charge:
- Ensure Direct Sunlight: The solar panel requires about three hours of direct sunlight daily. Make sure it’s positioned in a spot free from shadows caused by buildings, trees, or other obstructions.
- Check Firmware and Battery Health: A recent firmware update (version 1.20) introduced a performance mode that might affect battery drainage if your camera frequently triggers false motion events. Ensuring your camera and solar panel firmware are up to date can help resolve some of these issues.
- Reposition for Better Exposure: If possible, try repositioning your solar panel to get more sunlight. This might be particularly helpful if your setup area receives limited direct sunlight.
- Inspect and Clean the Solar Panel: Dust, dirt, or damage can impede the solar panel’s ability to charge effectively. Regularly cleaning the panel and checking for any visible damage can improve its performance.
- Secure and Check Connections: Ensure the connection between the solar panel and the camera is secure. It might be worth unplugging and then reconnecting both ends of the cable to ensure a proper connection.
- Temperature Considerations: The solar panel is designed to charge the camera battery within the temperature range of 32°F to 120°F. Charging might be affected if the temperatures are outside this range.
- Consider Using a Power Adapter: If repositioning the solar panel or other troubleshooting steps don’t resolve the charging issue, using a power adapter accessory as a temporary or permanent solution might be beneficial, especially during periods of extended bad weather or shorter days in winter.
Support and Warranty Claims:
If you’ve tried these steps without success, it might be time to contact SimpliSafe’s support team. They can offer more personalized troubleshooting or information on warranty claims if your solar panel or camera is defective.
Remember, SimpliSafe’s solar panels and outdoor cameras are designed to work together seamlessly. Sometimes, a little troubleshooting can go a long way in ensuring your security system runs smoothly without the hassle of frequently charging your camera batteries manually.
