Wyze Launches Solar Cam With 2K Resolution and Hourly Sunlight Charge

Wyze has launched a new Solar Cam that provides 2K video resolution while requiring only one hour of direct sunlight to maintain its power levels, according to 9to5Google. The device is designed for outdoor use and aims to eliminate the need for manual battery recharging by utilizing an integrated solar panel for continuous energy harvesting.

The camera houses a 5,200 mAh battery to ensure operation during periods of poor weather or when the solar panel is obstructed, according to 9to5Google. Wyze states that the 1.77W solar panel needs just one hour of direct sunlight to keep the battery charged, allowing for potentially limitless battery life in optimal conditions.

Technical Specifications and Features

The Wyze Solar Cam includes a 2304 x 1296 2K camera sensor with a 130-degree field of view and color night vision, according to 9to5Google. It also features a built-in 100-lumen spotlight and supports optional local recording via a microSD card. This resolution matches the best Google Nest cameras currently on the market, offering high-quality video capture for security monitoring.

This is not Wyze’s first solar-powered device, as the company launched the Solar Cam Pan with similar charging promises last year, according to 9to5Google. Other brands also offer solar charging solutions, including add-on solar panels for Nest Cam devices. The new model distinguishes itself primarily through its higher resolution and integrated feature set rather than the novelty of solar charging.

Market Context and Availability

The Wyze Solar Cam is available for purchase today at a price of $69.98, with a version without the solar panel available for $10 less, according to 9to5Google. This launch represents the second announcement of the week from Wyze, following the release of a new weight scale. The company has teased one more product announcement for Thursday as part of its "Wyze Week" promotional event.

The recent Wyze Scale BodyScan tracks more than just weight and includes Google Health support, launching at $79.98, according to 9to5Google. Additionally, Wyze released a new Indoor Cam Pan with 360-degree tracking and built-in privacy features for under $40. These launches highlight Wyze’s strategy of expanding its smart home ecosystem with affordable, feature-rich devices that integrate with broader health and security platforms.

What should you do?

Security professionals should monitor the deployment of solar-powered cameras for potential power-related vulnerabilities, such as battery drain attacks or solar panel obstruction, according to general security practices. Organizations should verify that local storage options like microSD cards are encrypted to protect footage if the device is physically compromised. Users should also ensure that firmware updates are enabled to patch any discovered security flaws in these connected devices.

What to do and how to stay safe

• Verify that the camera’s firmware is updated to the latest version to address any known security vulnerabilities.
• Enable encryption for any local storage media, such as microSD cards, to protect recorded footage from unauthorized access.
• Monitor the device’s power levels and solar panel exposure to ensure continuous operation and detect potential tampering.
• Review network configurations to ensure the camera is isolated from sensitive internal network segments.

Step-by-step guide: Mobile Device Security: How to Protect Data Beyond Passwords

General security guidance from the Threat Times newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.

Frequently asked questions

How much sunlight does the Wyze Solar Cam need to stay charged?

Wyze states that the camera needs just one hour of direct sunlight to keep its battery charged, according to 9to5Google.