Arlo is a well-known company for the security they provide. They offer a number of products, including video doorbells, security cameras, and a number of other accessories, such as Arlo solar panels. What can be done if the solar panel does not seem to be working?
1. Direction and Obstructions – One of the biggest issues you may face with your Arlo solar panel is for it not to be collecting enough sunlight. This could be due to obstructions, such as trees or buildings but it may also be due to the pointing of the solar panel.
In order to collect as much sunlight as possible, your Arlo solar panel should have direct access to the sunlight that is provided. Make sure that the panel is pointed in such a way that the sun is striking it directly during the brightest part of the day.
You may also need to adjust the Arlo camera so that it is in an area where obstructions are minimized.
2. No Battery – One of the issues that can occur with an Arlo solar panel does not actually involve the solar panel at all. In order for the camera to charge from the solar panel, there has to be a battery inserted. If no battery is in the camera, it will not charge.
This one can also be difficult because when the Arlo solar panel is receiving sufficient sunlight, it may allow the camera to operate. There may be certain features of the camera that don’t work because they aren’t getting enough power, but the problem is that any backup charge is not being kept due to a lack of battery.
3. Fully Inserted Plug – The plug that runs from the solar panel to the camera or doorbell needs to be inserted fully into both items. To check and make sure this is the case, you need to fully remove the cable and reinsert it again.
The sides of the plug are squeezed together in order for the cable to come loose and go back in again. When you put the cable into place, you will hear a click, which is an indication that the charging cable is now seated properly. Your Arlo solar panel should be working again.
4. Cold Temperatures – Even if your Arlo solar panel is working properly, it will not charge the battery when the temperature is below 32°F. This is done for the safety of the camera.
5. Power Usage – Sometimes, the Arlo solar panel cannot put out enough power to fully operate the unit. If the battery has been charged fully, it will slowly drain over time until you begin to have problems.
To see if excessive camera usage is causing the battery to drain faster, reduce how much you are using the camera for two days and check the battery level.
How To Fix Arlo Solar Panel Not Charging
We rely on our electronic equipment to work without stopping. This is especially true when we have smaller electronic devices that monitor our safety and surroundings, such as video cameras and video doorbells. What can you do with a solar panel that is no longer charging?
A common reason why a solar panel is no longer charging is because of the wrong solar panel setup. Each of these can be set up in a different way and sometimes, you’re using different brand names with different equipment. By simply setting things up properly or switching a wire, you can get things up and running quickly and easily.
Of course, that is quite a mouthful because there are so many different products on the market it can be difficult to choose the exact way that you will make the switch. That is why we are providing you with some different solutions, including some that are specific to solar panel brand names.
As you look down through these different options, you may find that there is one that works well for you. If you don’t find one in the top reasons why solar panels are not charging, then look for the brand you have in the list below and go from there.
This article is owned by SolarPowerGenie.com and was first published on February 6, 2023
Top 6 Reasons Why Arlo Solar Panel Not Charging
There may be a variety of reasons why a solar panel is no longer charging or why it didn’t charge in the first place. Here are the top six reasons, and what to do about it.
1. Bad Weather Can Slow Down Charging – Obviously, if you have a solar panel, you need to have sunlight in order for the panel to charge. Without the necessary sunlight, you are really at the mercy of the battery or a backup power system that may be available.
When you are in a period of bad weather conditions with low levels of sunlight, there is very little you can do to fix the situation. You can, however, reposition the solar panel so that it is getting the maximum amount of sunlight, even if it is low. This may be enough to keep the battery charged.
You can also turn off some of the unnecessary capabilities of the equipment, such as 24/7 recording. This can also help to save battery power until the weather conditions change.
2. Faulty Battery Causing Low Charging or No Charging – Sometimes, it isn’t the solar panel that is causing the problems but rather, it is the battery you are trying to charge. This is one of the common things that need to be checked any time you are having difficulty with the solar panel.
You can remove the battery and check it with a multimeter. If you find that there is a problem with the battery, it can typically be replaced.
3. Faulty Solar Panel Causing Low Charging or No Charging – Along with a problem with the battery, another common issue is for the solar panel to be experiencing problems. These are relatively breakable items and it doesn’t take much to get one on the fritz.
You can also check the solar panel to make sure it is putting out the proper power with a multimeter. If you find that it is broken, contact the manufacturer to see if it is covered under warranty.
4. Faulty Solar Charge Regulator Causing Charging Problems – The solar charge regulator is essentially a piece of equipment that stops the batteries from getting too much charge. The solar panel itself may take in more energy from the sun at certain times of the day or certain times of the year, and you don’t want to put too much into the battery at one time.
Like many pieces of electronic equipment, the solar charge regulator can be replaced if it is faulty. After turning off the equipment, remove the regulator and test it with a multimeter for continuity.
This article is owned by SolarPowerGenie.com and was first published on February 6, 2023
Running a solar panel with a faulty solar charge regulator can do more than keep the battery from charging. It may send too much power to the battery, resulting in the battery failing as well.
5. Wrong Setup Causing Charging Problems – There are certain setups that are necessary from one solar panel to another. These may be different, but you essentially need to make sure that things are flowing properly from the solar panel to the equipment that is being charged.
Sometimes, the best thing you can do is to completely disable and unplug the solar panel and start from scratch. Make sure that you follow all of the instructions, one by one, and don’t skip any steps or jump ahead in the process.
You might also find that some equipment does not work well with generic solar panels and it may be best to use a panel that is also manufactured by the same company if it is available.
6. Thermal Cycling Causing Solar Panel Failure – A problem with thermal cycling can result in a short lifespan for the solar panel. One of the issues that can occur is for the bond of solder to fail. You may also experience solar cell cracking, which would diminish the ability of the solar panel to transfer power.
Since you have the solar panel exposed to sunlight, it likely experiences extremes of temperature from the day to the nighttime. This can cause a significant negative impact on the solar panel and can keep it from charging or sending a charge.
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This article is owned by SolarPowerGenie.com and was first published on February 6, 2023