This Solar Powered Security Camera Is Now on Sale for 30% Off.
Home security cameras usually involve compromises. You either have to run wires through walls or climb up a ladder every few weeks to charge the battery. The TP-Link Tapo SolarCam C402 kit eliminates both of these issues. It’s currently on sale on Amazon for $39.98, down from its regular price of $59.99, and according to price tracking, this is the lowest price recorded to date.
Installation is simple: install the camera, position the panel where it receives consistent sunlight, and let it take care of the rest. TP-Link claims that about 45 minutes of direct sunlight per day is enough to maintain the battery charge, and thanks to the IP65 rating, the housing is protected from rain and dust. This makes it a budget-friendly option for a backyard, driveway, or shed where running power lines would be inconvenient.
Video resolution up to 1080p isn’t ultra-smooth, but it’s detailed enough to detect someone approaching your door. A 125-degree field of view allows you to capture a wide swath of your yard without the severe distortion typical of some wide-angle lenses. At night, you can switch between standard infrared mode for black-and-white video or use the built-in floodlight to capture color video. Color mode looks best when there’s at least some light nearby, such as a porch light or street lamp, according to a PCMag review . There’s also two-way audio for communicating with visitors and a built-in siren if you need an audible alert.
For storage, you can use a microSD card up to 512GB (sold separately) or choose Tapo’s cloud plan for $3.49 per month after a 30-day trial, which adds 30 days of video history and intelligent clip organization. On the plus side, it supports people, pets, and vehicles even without a paid subscription (which isn’t always the case with budget cameras). Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT are also supported, though Apple HomeKit is not included. The main tradeoff is the 15 fps video and reliance on sunlight, so installation location is important. However, for $40, it’s one of the easiest ways to add a wireless outdoor camera that doesn’t require ongoing maintenance.