How Do Ring Solar Panels Work? (Installation, Charging, Alternatives). Ring solar panel charger

How Do Ring Solar Panels Work? (Installation, Charging, Alternatives)

When you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Running out of power is not an option with the right solar panel, but do you have one that measures 7.75 inches. by 5.50 inches and only a half an inch in width? The Ring Solar Panel has a power rating of 2.2W and 5.2VDC allowing you to power compatible devices throughout the day without losing power.

What is the Ring Solar Panel compatible with? A Ring Solar Panel will keep your Spotlight Cam Battery or Stick Up Cam Battery powered all day long.

Installation is quick and easy, the solar panel is weather-resistant to withstand the elements, and you have two color options upon purchasing. Charging is also a synch compared to battery packs.

Installation

First, let’s take a look at what comes in the box with your new Ring Solar Panel.

• Ring Solar Panel
• Adjustable Mounting Bracket
• Mini Screwdriver
• Drill Bit
• Installation Screws
• Installation Anchors

The installation process is quick and easy with only seven steps.

Step One: Select our Panel Location

The first step in the process is to determine where you will mount and install your new Ring Solar Panel. It is imperative you select a location that gets the most sun exposure throughout the day. Even though you only need a few outs of sun exposure to keep your camera powered throughout the day, you do not want to put the Ring Solar Panel in a location that will be hidden with shade.

Step Two: Properly Line Your Panel

Once you find the spot you want to mount the Ring Solar Panel, use the mountain arm provide as a guide and mark each screw hole with a pen or pencil so that you know where you need to drill your holes. Make sure it is level and straight.

Step Three: Drill the Holes for the Mounting Arm

Depending on the type of wall you are drilling into you may need to use the anchors provided in the box. If you are applying your Ring Solar Panel to brick or concrete you will want to use the anchors provided; however, if you are drilling directly into wood or vinyl the screws will hold the Ring Solar Panel effectively.

I suggest using a drill instead of a screwdriver for easy and effectiveness. Using the drill bit provided, drill holes into the marks you made from the previous step

Next, attach the wall mount using the screws provided. Make sure it is nice and secure.

Step Four: Attach the Solar Panel

The Ring Solar Panel attaches by sliding on the mounting arm from the top. The arm adjusts for better sun exposure by loosening the screw on the mounting arm. Once the angle is adjusting appropriately do not forget to tighten the screw.

Step Five: Remove the Weatherproof Plug from the Camera

The camera will have a weatherproof plug on the back specifically for the Ring Solar Panel charging cable. This plug needs to be removed. To do so, you will need to remove the mounting plate on the camera to get to the plug. Take the plug out and remount the camera.

Step Six: Plug in the Solar Panel Charging Cable

Next, you need to plug the Ring Solar Panel charging cable into the camera where you removed the weatherproof plug.

Step Seven: Mount the Camera

Last, insert your camera back into its mounting bracket and adjust to the angle needed.

Charging

As noted above, the Spotlight Camera and Stick Up Camera are both compatible with the Ring Solar Panel. The Ring Solar Panel is a secondary power source that keeps the two cameras powered throughout the day. It is not necessarily a charger for the cameras.

Ring Solar Panel Charging

Ring states that the Solar Panel is not intended to re-charge the cameras; however, it should provide a “trickle charge” of 1%-2% each day depending on the amount of sun exposure. Now, according to other sources, significant battery charging does take place over the course of a few days.

Within a few hours of heavy direct sunlight, each day your Spotlight Camera or Stick Up Camera will be fully charged again, in most cases. This means at night your cameras will run on battery and be re-charged the next day.

It is important to note, that if the camera’s battery dies the Ring Solar Panel will not power the camera alone. The camera battery is a requirement for the camera to function.

Alternatives

There are several alternatives to the Ring Solar Panel. Each one has a solar panel solution of its own. I have selected a few that are similar to the Ring Solar Panel, have excellent features such a motion detection, facial recognition, two-way audio, alerts, and are all weatherproof.

• Arlo Solar Panel (compatible with the Arlo Pro, Arlo Pro2, Arlo GO, and Arlo Light)
• Reolink Argus Solar Panel (compatible with Argus Pro and Argus 2 Security Cameras)
• Freecam Solar Powered Wi-Fi Camera
• A-Zone Solar Motion Sensor Light Outdoor
• Lynx Solar Weatherproof Outdoor Wi-Fi Surveillance Camera with Solar Panel

If you do not already have a solar panel, it is important to ensure that you choose a solar panel that is compatible with a camera you already have. If not, most of them come as a bundle or pack.

Arlo Solar Panel

As stated above, the Arlo Solar Panel is compatible with the Arlo Pro Camera, Arlo Go Camera, and Arlo Security Light System. The Solar Panel does keep the battery charged on whichever system you have purchased and it is weather resistant. Now, you do need to keep in mind that there is an optimal operating temperature of 32⁰ F to 113⁰ F. With that said, if you live in a very cold part of the country you may need to think about that.

Advantages of this system are:

• Recharges the battery
• Weather resistant
• Adjustable mount
• Simple installation
• Compatible with Arlo Pro, Arlo Go, and Arlo Security Light System
• Works with Google Assistant

Reolink Argus Solar Panel

The Reolink Argus 2 and Argus Pro are both excellent alternatives to the Ring Solar Panel. The Argus 2 and Argus Pro both have rechargeable batteries, they are suitable for indoor and outdoor use, have night vision, 2-way audio, live view, and are both Full HD capable.

However, if you are in a location that has no Wi-Fi, the Reolink Go is 100% portable, outdoor friendly, wire-free, and solar optional. This makes the Argo Go the ego-to camera for trial cams, gam cams, and wildlife cams. This is the ultimate option for those without Wi-Fi capability.

Advantages of this system are:

• Compatible with Reolink Go, Argus 2, Argus Pro, and Argus Eco
• Recharges the battery
• Weather resistant
• 360⁰ Wall Mount
• Easy installation
• Works with Google Assistant and Alexa

Freecam C340 Solar Powered Wi-Fi Camera

The Freecam C340 is another excellent alternative for those that want a wire-free solar-powered alternative. The Freecam C340 needs roughly four to six hours of sunlight for a full battery charge that will last a full week. There is also a two-charge mode capability meaning you can use phone charger to charge the camera. A 5V USB cable comes in the box int hose situations where the sun ins sparse and you need a little bit of juice for the day.

Advantages of this system are:

• Wire Free
• Two Ways of Charging
• PIR Motion Sensor
• Long Standby Time
• Weather Resistant
• Sleep Mode

AZONE Solar Motion Sensor Light Outdoor

The AZONE Solar Motion Sensor Light is an outdoor motion detector flood light that runs on solar power. With five to six hours of sunlight, the light can be powered for 40 hours at a time on low light mode only. The light detects up to 10-26 feet and has a 120-degree range. The light turns on and off with motion detection in 15-20 second intervals. It also turns on and off during the day to conserve battery.

Advantages of this system are:

• Recharges the battery
• Long Operation Time
• PIR Motion Sensor
• Quality Material
• Daytime Mode/Nighttime Mode for Energy Efficiency
• 360⁰ Mount

Lynx Solar Weatherproof Outdoor Wi-Fi Surveillance Camera

The Lynx Solar Weatherproof Outdoor Wi-Fi Surveillance Camera is an excellent outdoor camera that is solar powered and can last up to seven days on one charge if fully charged. The camera has intelligent alerts with facial recognition that notifies you of familiar faces with ‘check-ins’ and motion detection alerts. The security is topnotch with WEP (wired equivalent privacy). Video quality is HD with live streaming and Cloud storage.

Advantages of this system are:

• Recharges the battery
• Weather resistant
• Facial recognition alerts
• WEP network security
• HD video security
• Motion detection alerts
• Support for 802.11b/g/n 2.4Ghz Wi-Fi Band

Benefits of Solar

Solar energy has been a trending topic for a few years now. There are many benefits and advantages of solar energy such as reducing electric bills, solar as a renewable energy source, lowers maintenance costs, and it can be used on or with diverse applications.

Electric Bill Savings

In our case, we are using such small solar panels that you may not see a huge difference on your electric bill, but in general, depending the size of the solar panels your electric and heat usage will cause a drop in your electric bill. In larger solar panel set ups some people even see payments for their excess energy developed from their solar panels that is sent back to the grid. If you generate more power than you use, you will get a payment from your electric company.

Renewable Energy Source

Solar energy is one of the truest forms of renewable energy. The fact of the matter is that it can be used every single day all around the world. The sun is a repeatable form of energy that is accessible as long as the sun is available. Studies show that the sun will be viable for at least another five billion years. As long as it is available it should be used to produce electricity.

Lowers Maintenance Costs

One of the best advantages of solar panels is the low maintenance costs compared to other sources of electricity. As long as you keep them clean, which is only required a few times a year there are no other maintenance aspects besides the inverter and cables. In most cases the inverter should only have to be changed on a five to ten-year basis. A specialist can help maintain the cables on a routine basis to help keep your panels running at maximum efficiency.

Overall there is relatively low maintenance compared to other forms of electricity. Maintenance costs and time are very low. After your initial investment you can expect little cost, especially with your warranty.

Diverse Application

The best thing about solar panels is the ability to put them in various locations. Solar panels can go on residential homes, office buildings, the ground (solar grids), etc. They can be placed in rural locations or urban locations. They can be used to produce electricity for wells, satellites, buildings, etc. The possibilities are endless given that the sun is used to generate the electricity and the ability dictate the size.

Conclusion

In conclusion, with what we have discussed, it is my opinion that solar energy is worth it. Small or large solar is a viable option. In the end, solar is a free clean viable option that works every single day. Even if it is cloudy you will get some amount of electricity.

The ability to mount a security camera or flood light in any location on your house, farm, office, or other important location without compromising battery life, video quality, or other capabilities small solar panels for appliances are an excellent and optimal choice.

How to Know if Ring Solar Panel Is Working (Do This!)

Ring is a popular brand for cam and security cam units. However, there have been many questions about whether the solar panel that charges the cams works.

If you want to know how to tell if your Ring solar panel is working, keep reading as we go through many of the troubleshooting steps to answer that question

Is your Ring solar panel not working? If so, it may be part of its design and an easy fix.

• Why does the solar panel show not connected on the Ring App?
• Some reasons why your Ring Solar Panel is not charging your device
• Safety features built into the Ring Device to Protect the Battery
• Issues that can cause the solar Panel not to charge the battery
• Comparability issues among Ring Devices and Ring Solar Panels.

Your Ring App Shows “Not Connected”

One reason that the Ring App will show Not Connected is when the battery is dead. Also, suppose shading occurs, meaning that the solar panel is not in the sun for a long enough period for the electrolyte process to stop working (not making electricity).

In that case, it will read as not connected in the Ring App.

To test this:

• Inspect your solar panel to see if it is in the sun. If not, it is likely not producing solar energy.
• If the solar panel is in the sun, check each connection to ensure that the connection is good between the panel and the cam.
• If the solar panel is in the sun and still shows as not connected, wait about 20-minutes and recheck the app. The solar panel may have experienced a shading event early and is just warming.

Your Ring Solar Panel Is Not Charging The Device

If the Ring Solar Panel is connected to the device and the panel is in the sun, but the device is not charging, there can be a simple reason.

According to Ring, the device will only begin to charge once its battery level drops below 90 percent. This is because the lithium-ion battery has a much shorter lifecycle when overcharging occurs.

Therefore, the built-in panel regulator will not allow the device to charge until the battery level drops below 90 percent to prevent overcharging.

What Is Overcharging?

Overcharging is a term that we use when a battery receives too much electricity. For example, a 6-volt better will hold over 7 volts of electricity. However, it is completely charged when it reaches 6 volts.

If the battery were to continue to charge, the heat from the extra electricity would destroy the battery’s electrolyte chemistry, and the device or battery would become useless.

If the overcharging continues past the point where the electrolytes burn, the heat inside the battery could become so hot that the battery could explode or catch fire. Overcharging is that dangerous.

How Do You Prevent Overcharging?

Usually, a device will have a built-in solar regulator or charge regulator that shuts off the flow of electricity when the voltage in the battery nears its full capacity.

In the case of the Ring Solar Panel, we know that it has a built-in regulator because the charge from the solar panel will not begin until the battery drops below 90 percent charged.

You can attach one if the device does not have a built-in solar regulator.

What is Wrong if the Solar Panel is in the Sun and the Battery is Below 90 Percent Charged?

Many times with solar electronic devices, the problem is not with the solar panel or that battery. Instead, there is something wrong between the panel and the battery.

Fortunately, if the solar panel is working and the battery is not charging, you can try a few things.

• Disconnect the plug that connects the solar panel to the battery and reinstall it.
• Check the cord that runs from the solar power to the battery for damage. Sometimes the coating becomes cracked, and the wires are damaged. If that is the case, electricity cannot make it to the batter. You will need to replace the cord.

What Is Wrong if My Solar Panel Does not Keep My Ring Battery Charged?

Per Ring, the solar panel is never meant to replace charging the battery. Instead, its design features are a way to extend the time between charging.

It takes about five hours for the solar panel to charge a ring battery fully, and that process requires 4-5 hours of direct sunlight. Another problem that you may face is overactivity.

The more the doorbell rings, the faster the battery drains. The range between full and dead for the Ring Battery is very short. The solar panel supplements energy, not replacing or recharging the battery.

If you find that the battery is going dead, look at the doorbell’s usage. Ring makes three versions of its Ring Solar Panel, and you may need to upgrade to a larger solar panel.

.How Many Types of Solar Panels Does Ring Make?

They make two different solar panels for their Doorbell Cam or Spotlight Cam. Those are:

• A 2 Watt Solar Panel — Fits doorbell activity less than ten rings per day with 3-4 hours of direct sunlight will produce 5-6.4 kWh per square meter of panel per day. If you have more direct sunlight and the panel makes more than 6.5kWh per day, a 2 Watt Ring Solar Panel can handle around 30 doorbell events per day.
• A 5 Watt Super Solar Panel — You will need the 5 watt Super Solar Panel for low-light conditions. It produces twice as much energy as the 2 watt Ring Solar Panel. You will need the 5 watt Super Solar Panel for heavy use with regular sunlight and for excessive use in sunny situations where the panel receives more than 5 hours of direct sunlight.

If the solar panel is not keeping up with doorbell activity, you may need the 5 watt Super Solar Panel.

The problem may be that there is too much usage. The more the device activates, the faster the battery drains.

So if there is too much usage, the solar panel cannot keep up, and the battery drains.

• Extend the battery life of your Ring Video Doorbell 3, Video Doorbell 3 Plus, Video Doorbell 4, or Battery Doorbell Plus with…
• Keeps your doorbell charged up to 35% longer than previous solar charger generations.
• Includes a secure mounting bracket for easy installation with weather-resistant built-in solar panels.
• This bundle contains Spotlight Cam Plus, Battery and a Solar Panel.
• Look in anytime – Watch over your home day or night in wide-angle, 1080p HD video with Color Night Vision and check in at…
• Stop intruders in their tracks – With 2 motion-activated LED spotlights that turn on when they detect motion, and sound the…
• The latest Ring Solar Panel with upgraded solar technology keeps your camera charged longer with up to 60% faster charging…
• Works with Ring Spotlight Cam Plus and Spotlight Cam Pro using the built-in USB-C connector.
• Includes USB-C to Barrel Plug Adapter for backwards compatibility with Ring Stick Up Cam (2nd and 3rd Generation) and…

Is The Solar Panel Now Not Keeping Up With Demand?

If the solar panel was working fine and now is not keeping up with battery usage, you may be experiencing a seasonal change.

• The brightest times of the year are late spring through summer and early fall. Late fall into winter and early spring are the darkest times of the year.
• If your area has had a seasonal shift, the problem might be that the solar panel is not receiving enough direct sunlight.
• The Ring Solar Panel must have direct sunlight. Therefore, the panels will not work in ambient light.

Other common issues that have to do with poor lighting are stormy weather and cloudy days.

If the doorbell or door cam is not working, there might not be enough direct sunlight for the solar panel to function.

That situation is especially true if you have the standard ring solar panel rather than the Super Solar Panel.

Is Your Ring Solar Panel Designed For Your Device?

Not all Ring Solar Panels work with all Ring Devices.

If your solar panel is working but not charging your device, it may be that it is not the right Ring Panel for your device.

The Ring Stickup Cam had a different solar panel from the Doorbell Cam and the Spotlight Cam. Ring does sell an adapter which you can find on their website Ring.

Ring offers several ways to communicate with them if troubleshooting does not fix the problem.

What Problems Do Solar Panels Solve?

In environmental terms, solar panels can potentially solve a handful of problems, including;1. Air pollution2. Water pollution3. Greenhouse gases4. Reduction in fossil fuel use

For individuals, solar energy allows you to become completely self-sufficient when it comes to your electricity needs and can save you a lot of money in the long run.

What Are 3 Important Uses Of Solar Panels?

The three most important uses of solar panels are;1. Solar electricity. This can be used to power almost any appliance in your home, including TVs, computers, and fridges.2. Lighting. In addition to the use of low-power, LED lightbulbs, solar panels can provide an efficient, low-cost, and environmentally friendly way to provide lighting to homes. 3. Portable solar. In our modern, always-connected lives, our phones, tablets, and computers are almost always with us, and all run on batteries. Portable PV chargers can help keep our batteries topped up no matter where we are, as long as there is some sun to charge them.

Do solar panels give you free electricity?

Once the cost of the array is paid in full, the energy it produces is free. There are ongoing maintenance costs, too, such as annual panel cleaning, etc.

How much will my electric bill be with solar panels?

Suppose your solar array includes a solar battery backup system, and it is large enough to fully cover your energy usage per day. In that case, your monthly electric bill will be next to zero dollars, even with a grid-tied system.

If your solar array does not include a solar battery backup system, then at night, your house or business will use grid electricity. That cost will vary but expect to pay from 1/3-2/3 of your average electric bill, and that cost will fluctuate seasonally.

Do you save money with solar panels?

The simple answer is, Yes, you save money with solar panels. There is an initial upfront cost, but since solar panels are warrantied for 25 years, you will save money over time. You will also begin to see monthly savings in energy bills, but there are other ways that solar panels pay you back. Those include:1. Adding value to your home or commercial building 2. Monthly decreases in energy costs3. The ability to add more energy appliances without increased monthly costs4. The potential for tax credits for going solar

Can solar panels power a house 24-7?

Most definitely! Solar panels can certainly power a house 24-7, with the addition of a high-quality inverter and a suitable battery bank, of course. To power, a house under normal usage will require a massive solar array, though, and there will be a very expensive initial financial outlay.

Do I need to tell my energy supplier I have solar panels?

This depends on where you live, but in most cases, it’s not necessary to inform your energy supplier that you have solar panels. That said, you may be producing excess power with your solar system, in which case you may be able to sell that excess power back to energy companies.

In this case, you’ll naturally need to be in contact with them.

What Are Solar Cells Known as and Why?

Solar cells are also called photovoltaic (PV) cells. They are called so because the term ‘photovoltaic’ literally means light i.e. photo and electricity i.e. voltaic.

These cells generate electricity through the photovoltaic effect. This effect basically causes the generation of free electrons from the semiconducting silicon material of the solar panel when sunlight hits its surface.

What Type of Solar Panels Are Most Efficient and Why?

There are currently three types of solar panels available in the market that are:1. Monocrystalline2. Polycrystalline3. Thin-filmed

Among these, monocrystalline solar panels are known to be the most efficient among all others.

Does heat enter your home through the roof?

Absolutely. Heat enters your home through your roof, and on a hot day your attic can get up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit or more. Through conduction, heat from the sun warms your roof which then warms your attic and the rest of your home.

Sol Voltaics is an affiliate and an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. at no extra cost to you.

Review: Ring Video Doorbell 4 with Solar charger plate

Video doorbells have revolutionized security and convenience. Now you can get notified immediately when a package is delivered, view any motion detected near your door, and greet guests or shoo away salespeople from anywhere in the house. The Ring Video Doorbell 4 makes all of this possible, as it comes with a bevy of new and upgraded features that make it the best in its class. I’ll take a look at what you get with Ring Video doorbell 4, how it compares to the 3 and if you should upgrade, why you might even want or need a video doorbell, and if you stick with me we’ll talk price and whether I think it’s a good buy overall.

Ring Video Doorbells: easy to set up and use

I’ve reviewed numerous Ring doorbells, lights, and security devices. Everything ties in to Ring’s app and Cloud-based interface. I have found these devices to be universally easy to set up, easy to use and manage through the app, and very handy to have both day to day, and in any security situation.

Many of Ring’s doorbell settings are customizable and adaptable to your property and circumstances, and the app is very easy to use to view videos.

You really need Ring Protect plan

One last caveat; while you can access the live video feeds of your doorbell anytime, if you want to go back and review footage you really need access to Ring’s Protect Cloud recording plan. Starting at 3 per month (or 30 per year) for one Ring device, a basic Protect plan allows for up to 60 days of recording storage, Snapshot capture, special notification features, and more

Ring Video Doorbell 4: improvements on the inside

The Ring Video Doorbell 4 has several new features, all improving on the Doorbell 3. Inside where you can’t see them, faster guts inside the Doorbell 4 should make set up and pairing marginally easier, and help with marginally faster notifications and connectivity.

Ring Video Doorbell 4: power and charging options

With the Ring Video Doorbell 4, you’d got several options for power and charging… You can Use it hardwired, or battery-powered – or go solar! Hardwiring it means never having to worry about charging.

While a battery may not seem like the most convenient solution at first glance, these rechargeable batteries are a great option for those without existing doorbell wiring, if you want to place it somewhere else to get a better view of the door, if you have outdated wiring, or for those in areas that often experience power outages.

Travel often, or looking for an option for the lesser used cottage or cabin? If you are worried about having to remember to charge the battery, you can purchase the Ring Solar Plate. It snaps in behind the doorbell and uses the sun’s energy to charge up the internal battery.

However you choose to charge it, in my experience, a Ring battery can last for 3-4 months on a single charge.

Ring Video Doorbell 4 features: Quick Replies, preroll video, Smart responses

Perhaps the most exciting is the new Pre-Roll feature, which starts recording four seconds before motion is actually detected, so you get more information and can see what happened immediately before a package was delivered or a person was at your door.

Not only is the video in color, but the Ring Video Doorbell 4 is the only video doorbell on the market with this feature, which was first introduced in the Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus, which also only recorded pre-roll video in black and white.

Ring Video Doorbell 4 has some new features too including the ability to leave a message at the door and use Quick Replies.

Ring bills it as “an answering machine for your door” and lets you choose from about half a dozen predetermined messages.

When it comes to that leave a message feature, only owners who are subscribed to Ring’s Protect plan with Cloud recording will be able to view recorded messages, so that’s probably worth noting. While this feature was not initially available on the Doorbell 3, I understand Ring is making it backwards compatible to that device.

The Ring Video Doorbell 4 also has improved motion detection with Customizable Motion Zones. Integrated Advanced Motion Detection ensures that all motion in your preset zones is recognized and that you are notified. When paired with the Pre-Roll feature, the new Ring Video Doorbell 4 ensures your doorbell never misses a thing.

When compared to its predecessor, the Ring Video Doorbell 4 also stands out for its upgraded Night Vision and HD video resolution. The Live View feature allows you to check the area at any time, perfect for not only deliveries and notifications but also to monitor any noises heard in the night. The Live Video feed is 1080 HD color video, offering best in the market quality so you never miss a detail.

Why get a video doorbell like Ring Video Doorbell 4

Now if you’re wondering Why get a video doorbell like Ring Video Doorbell 4, here’s what I think…

Modern problems, like package theft, require modern solutions. With video doorbells you can monitor what happens at your door, so you never miss a visitor, guest or package. Video doorbells offer added security, so you can quickly check who is at your door or be alerted of any activity near your door. The live feed allows you to watch deliveries in real time, even allowing you to talk to them if special instructions are needed – perfect for receiving surprise deliveries or guests! Video doorbells, like the Ring Video Doorbell 4, also allow you to keep tabs on the comings and goings of your household, great for ensuring kids get home safely.

And finally if you get annoyed at having salespeople or solicitors come to the door, you can screen them, and then tell them you’re not available if you want, without having to get mired in conversation if you’ve already opened the door. Here’, you’re safely behind a closed door with no need to make awkward excuses.

Ring Video Doorbell 4: should I upgrade?

The Ring Video Doorbell 4 is not only easy to set up—and you can watch my YouTube video to see exactly how to do that—but it offers great quality video and previewing capabilities with Pre-Roll, Night Vision, and Live View. This video doorbell can easily be integrated into your Smart home environment, and options for the power management ensure you never lose functionality.

If you’re wondering if you should set swap out your video doorbell 3 for an upgraded video doorbell 4, the answer is that’s probably not necessary. While there are some improvements, they are not must-have features nor massive upgrades. If you have a much older Ring video doorbell, this will definitely be an upgrade for you, but if you’re only one generation behind, you can safely stick with your older ring video doorbell three and not feel like you’re missing out.

Downsides? It’s hard to see any. Ring products work very well, rarely have any kind of glitches, you get fast notifications about motion and rings, and all your footage is safely in the Cloud. Perhaps some folks will see the need to pay for Cloud storage as a problem, but it’s actually standar operating for most video doorbell solutions.

Overall review: Ring Video Doorbell 4 and Solar Charger plate

I’ve been constantly upgrading my Ring video doorbell’s from the original first generation all the way up to video doorbell 4, I’ve added their Smart lights and cameras, and you can see all those reviews here on the channel too – I’ll make sure they’re linked up here on screen and below.

I can definitely say I am very happy with Ring products, how well they work,, ability to withstand the weather, and overall longevity. I can definitely recommend one of their video doorbells for you. Ring Video Doorbell 4 sells for about 200USD/259CAD.

A note about Affiliate Links: Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using this link.

Ring Doorbell Solar Charger Not Working

Ring devices are intended to keep you safe. It goes without saying that they should be on at all times. After all, they wouldn’t be as safe if they cut out on a regular basis. To ensure this, Ring devices include a built-in solar panel feature that charges them during the day. But what can you do if your Ring Doorbell Solar Charger is not working?

Ring is well-known for devices that include a built-in camera and motion sensors, as well as a slew of other useful features. To keep your home and family safe, it is a good idea to install a solar panel that can keep your ring video doorbell, floodlight cameras, or other devices running even when you are not there to monitor them.

What makes this doorbell even more appealing is the ability to remotely allow people into your home if you recognize them. You won’t have to be concerned if you’ve locked someone out of the house or if a similar situation arises in which you need to grant access to someone.

How to Fix a Ring Doorbell Solar Charger That Is Not Working

First things first, you have to keep in mind that the Ring Solar Charger is a supplement to your Ring device’s battery. Having a solar charger connected does not eliminate the need to recharge your doorbell’s battery. However, it will extend your battery’s life and the time between recharges.

If you’re sure that your solar charger is properly hooked up to your Ring Doorbell and the Ring app still shows “Not Connected” on the Device Health page, remember that the Ring Solar Charger will only show up as “Connected” in the app when it has stored power. This means that when your Ring Doorbell’s battery is over 90% charge, the solar charger will show up as “Not Connected”.

You also need to make sure that you’re getting direct sunlight, as this is a requirement for optimal performance. If your solar charger is in the shade or under a covered porch, move it to a location where there is sunlight.

One other thing that can affect your doorbell battery is the sensitivity of your device. If your doorbell’s detects a lot of motion events in a day, the power drain can be higher than what the solar panel can provide. You can adjust the sensitivity inside the Ring app so it won’t detect unnecessary motion events. To do so, follow these steps:

• Tap the three lines on the top left;
• Tap “Devices”;
• Tap the “Motion Settings” tile;
• Tap “Advanced Settings”;
• Tap “Frequently”, “Regularly” or “Periodically”;
• Tap “Save” in the upper right corner.

• Frequently: Motion detection always stays active, shortest battery life.
• Regularly: Motion detection takes a short break after each Motion Alert. Medium battery life.
• Periodically: Motion detection takes a longer break after each alert. Maximum battery life.

Unfortunately, there have been reports of the solar panel failing to function properly and leaving you unable to charge your devices. If this appears to be the case with your Ring solar panel, don’t worry; there are a few things you can do to try to resolve the issue.

Attempt to reinstall the solar panel.

The first thing you should do if your solar panel isn’t charging your devices is to see if there’s something physically preventing it from doing so. You’ll do this by manually detaching the solar panel and inspecting it for debris or other types of blockages. If you’ve already checked and there doesn’t appear to be anything blocking it, look at the wires themselves.

There is a possibility that the wires are not properly connected or that there is a loose wire. Reattach the solar panel once you’ve confirmed that all of the wires are properly connected.

Check to see if the solar panel is in good working order.

If you’ve cleaned out the debris and properly connected the wires, but the solar panel still isn’t charging, the issue could be that the solar panel or the Ring device is damaged. You can confirm this by opening your Ring app on your phone and scrolling down to ‘Device health.’

From there, you can determine whether or not your device is connected to a solar panel. If the app tells you that it’s not connected while the solar panel is physically connected, there’s a chance your solar panel is broken. Unfortunately, this means you’ll have to replace it. We recommend that you connect the solar panel to another device first to ensure that the solar panel is working.

Conclusion

These are two simple solutions for fixing your Ring Doorbell Solar Charger if it’s not working at all. Following the steps outlined above will give you a good chance to fix your solar panel. And if that isn’t the case, it may be time to call in the experts. We would not recommend looking into the issue further unless you have prior experience with solar panels. Make sure to tell the Ring support team about the methods you tried so you can get to the solution faster.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Does a Ring Solar Charger need direct sunlight?

According to Ring, their solar powered devices require three to four hours of direct sunlight per day. If your installation area is frequently cloudy or receives a lot of rain or snow, the amount of sunlight that your solar power device receives may be limited. Please keep in mind that the solar charger or solar panel requires direct sunlight.

How Long Does a Ring Solar Panel Last?

You can use Ring solar panels for more than a year on average. Ring also offers a 1-year parts and labor and lifetime theft protection.

How Do You Clean a Ring Solar Panel?

Cleaning a Ring solar panel is as simple as wiping it down with a dry microfiber cloth. You can clean stubborn grime with glass cleaner or a small amount of water.

Why Is My Ring Doorbell Flashing Blue When Charging?

If your Ring Doorbell flashes blue, it means that the firmware is still being updated and installed. Give it a few minutes to complete it.

Ring Solar Panel Not Charging [Solved]

Various companies now offer different methods of keeping your devices running. Some plug into outlets, run on batteries or utilize a solar panel. In this post, we will touch base on the reasons a Ring Solar Panel is not charging and the reasons that might be happening.

A solar panel can keep your device running, especially in a sunny state like Florida. The best thing about it is the utter removal of replacing the battery and recharging it once in a while.

Not only is it a greener and better alternative altogether, but it is efficient for customer use and will always have your camera charged and ready to go.

Nevertheless, there will be situations in which the panels seize to work and can cause your camera’s battery to run out. Now you might be wondering why your Ring Solar Panel is not charging. But there isn’t just one answer.

Let’s go through the top two most common reasons why your panel might not be charging your camera.

Ring Solar Panel is not charging.

To protect your home and family at all times, having a solar panel can be beneficial. Installing a camera with a connected solar panel can keep your Ring video doorbell or your cameras running at all times.

Thus allowing you to keep an eye on your house even when you aren’t there. It is an effective method during the day; as the panel will charge your device, keeping it on during the night.

Therefore, whether it is day or night, sunny or rainy, your camera will continue to have battery and power through. Nevertheless, it is possible that you can encounter a couple of issues on the way.

Broken or damage

Most times, when someone purchases a solar panel, they end up installing it out in the open without any form of shelter or roofing above it. Though most panels are built for this, it can cause them to get damaged easier.

There is a slim chance it might be a faulty solar panel; however, broken cables and wires can also influence the connection of the camera and the panel. Furthermore, dirt and debris inside the solar panel can interfere with its connectivity.

If you are worried, it might be something along these lines; launch the Ring App, which can be downloaded from the Google Play Store or the App Store. Once in the app, take a look in the “Devices health.”

This will show you if your solar panel is connected; thus letting you know that there is something you need to clean, fix or replace. An excellent way to differentiate whether it is the camera or the panel is simply connecting the panel to another camera.

If the solar panel is still not working, you can reach out to the Ring company. And they will tell you what your options are. If you purchased or have a warranty, it is the perfect time to utilize it.

Reinstalling the Solar Panel

If you have checked that there is no visible damage to your panel, another way to check it is working is by reinstalling it from the start. To do this, you will need to reattach the cable and connect it once again.

Before connecting, check for any debris inside, and reassure yourself the wire is tightly secured. Make sure you are using the proper cables and that they connect correctly.

Once you have checked all the above, the problem should be gone. If the problem persists and your panel is still giving you trouble, move on to the next step.

Reach out

In a case in which none of the above have fixed your issue, it might be a good idea to reach out. Contact Ring through chat or by phone to let them know what your issue is.

Depending on what is happening, they might walk you through fixing it or even send a technician to help you set it up.

Nevertheless, you might have to use your warranty to replace your solar panel altogether as it might be a faulty one.

How much battery does the Ring Solar Panel provide the camera?

Keep in mind that the Ring Solar Panel is not made to charge your battery from 0 to 100%, but to have a steady battery flow at all times.

Its job is to make sure that your battery does not decrease and your camera does not die. Ultimately, your camera should always be around 90-100% charged with the panel enabled.

The method used by the panel is called “Trickle charging.” This means that the panel will charge your battery around 1-2% every day and keep your camera’s battery charged in the long run.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to fix a Ring solar panel that is not charging your camera, you can be better prepared to work around it and fix it.

There are various little things that might be affecting your panel, so check each one carefully.

Nonetheless, Ring is an incredibly reliable company with top-of-the-line products, which are great investments.

Amanda is an editor with a deep passion for Smart home gadgets and loves the idea of worry-free life. She is dedicated herself to provide trendy and useful home security information for readers and helping viewers find the best solutions to their problems.