For deployments that don't have a dedicated power source available, a solar panel can be used to power a Verkada camera. This article describes the basic requirements to power a Verkada camera using solar energy, and provide it with internet connectivity using a cellular-based connection.
We strongly recommend to test all equipment at the planned location for a few days or weeks to ensure everything is working as originally planned. There are usually unexpected variables that you may run into, such as a solar panel not producing the expected power or devices consuming more power than originally planned.
Equipment list
Solar panel
Battery to store solar energy with a DC power output
802.3af, 802.3at, or 802.3bt PoE switch or injector
802.3at required for the PoE heater to function on outdoor Verkada cameras
802.3bt required to fully power a CH52-E
Ethernet cables
Cellular Gateway (required, assuming an ISP connection isn't available)
Surge protector (recommended)
Water-resistant hardware enclosure for battery, cradlepoint, PoE switch, or injector (strongly recommended)
Backup gas powered generator (optional)
Example: Verkada camera running on solar energy
Considerations for type capacity of equipment to use
Amount of devices being powered and their expected power consumption
Amount of direct sunlight expected to hit the solar cells on the solar panel
Amount of time sunlight may not be available
Possible weather conditions the deployment may be exposed to such as wind, rain, snow, or sleet
Weight and size of equipment (if the deployment needs to be fully mobile)
Camera power consumption varies by model. See Camera Power Requirements for more information.
Deployment assistance
If you still have further questions regarding your deployment after reading this article, please contact Verkada Sales ([email protected]) and phone numbers:
North America: +1 (650) 514-2500
Latin America: +52 (5) 565991555
Europe: +44 (20) 30486050
Asia / Pacific: +61 (2) 83105777
Need more help? Contact Verkada Support.