What if my Tapo Solar Panel Does Not Charge my Battery Cameras?
Recent updates may have expanded access to feature(s) discussed in this FAQ. Visit your product's support page, select the correct hardware version for your device and check either the Datasheet or the firmware section for the latest improvements added to your product.
If your Tapo Solar Panel is not charging your Tapo Battery Camera(s), please open the Tapo app and navigate to Device Settings > Battery Status page > Battery Level to determine if the issue is:
1. The solar panel is unable to charge the camera battery at all.
2. The solar panel only charges the camera battery intermittently.
The horizontal axis represents the dates, and the vertical axis represents the battery level as a percentage.
Unable to charge the Battery Cameras at all
Please remember the following instructions:
1. Check if it's a solar panel or a camera issue. Does the original power adapter charge the camera properly?
2. Ensure that the surface of the solar panel is not damaged.
3. Ensure the solar panel and camera charging cable are plugged in tightly.
4. Ensure the installation location is unobstructed and has enough sunlight.
5. Make sure there is no dust, dirt, or other deposits on the panel that might obstruct it. Please use a dry cloth to clean the panel and monitor the results.
Intermittent non-charging
1. Make sure the camera’s firmware is fully up to date.
2. Re-insert the charging cable to ensure a secure connection and prevent poor contact. Make sure the solar panel is stably connected to the camera.
3. Adjust the Installation location and angle for better performance. The position and tilt angle of the solar panel significantly affect solar efficiency.
- Choose a location where the solar panel receives the most sunlight throughout the year.
- Position the panel south-facing in the Northern Hemisphere or north-facing in the Southern Hemisphere. The recommended tilt angle between the panel and the horizontal ground is 35° ~ 45°.
- Regularly wipe the panel to remove dust and debris.
- Avoid obstructions such as tree branches dense with leaves, buildings, etc.
4. Make sure the environmental temperature is within specifications.
Note: The suitable temperature for the Tapo Solar Panel is about -20℃~45℃, while the range for battery charging should be maintained at about 0℃~45℃.
The camera's battery has multiple safeguards, such as over-charging protection, short-circuiting protection, over-heating protection, and more, that secure battery charging. Sometimes, the battery doesn’t charge; it may be because the battery protection mechanism is triggered.
Please get in touch with TP-Link technical support with the following information if you are still encountering issues with the solar panel after the above suggestions.
Please make a note of the following:
1. Was it previously working normally? If so, for how long have you been using it before the problem occurred?
2. Has there been any extreme weather, such as heavy rain?
3. Has the solar panel been dropped before?
4. Please provide photos of the solar panel’s installation location and surroundings.
5. Please provide clear photos of the solar panel's front and back, as well as the label, so that we can check the serial number code.
6. Please provide screenshots of the Battery Level graph from the Tapo app.
