Wyze solar panel not charging your security camera can be a security liability, as you won’t be able to maintain a video stream.
If your solar panel is not charging your camera, don’t worry; we have you covered with fixes.
To fix your Wyze solar panel not charging the camera, start by checking if the power connections are correct. Next, clean the solar panel and check for proper light exposure.
Now let’s first try to understand what causes such power issues.
Why is My Wyze Solar Panel Not Charging?
You might experience that your Wyze camera can’t hold a charge or that it’s not charging at all.
In some cases, your camera might charge to full, but only on certain occasions. Whichever your scenario is, it’s likely due to the panel setup or power connections.
Here are some of the leading causes of Wyze solar panels not charging your camera:
Now that you are better aware of the underlying issues, we can start with some potential fixes for your Wyze devices.
How to Fix Wyze Solar Panel Not Charging?
Tip: The current cloud cover greatly affects the charging speed of your solar panels.
Solution 1: Check Power Connections For Issues
Wyze solar panel not charging camera happens most frequently because your cable connections are improperly attached or damaged.
Furthermore, you should check if your device requires a power adapter to prevent compatibility issues.
Here is how to check your Wyze solar panel power connections for faults:
- Ensure that the Wyze solar panel is receiving direct sunlight for at least 6 hours a day.
- Check if the solar panel’s power output is securely connected to your Wyze camera.
- Clean the solar panel and camera ports using a dry cloth to remove any obstructions.
- Reconnect any loose connections between the panel and the camera.
- Confirm the camera is turned on by sliding the power button from off to on.
After these steps, you can also check the power adapter and cables included with the Wyze solar panel for any signs of damage.
If you spot damage, don’t attempt to repair them, and order new cables instead.
Note: Camera charging automatically stops when it reaches 100% and resumes at 90%.
Solution 2: Reset The Attached Camera
Wyze outdoor camera solar panel not charging can happen due to a software glitch affecting its charging modes.
A clever workaround in this scenario is to reset the camera to clear it of such errors.
Here are some general steps to reset your Wyze security camera:
- Unplug the Wyze camera from the solar panel.
- Remove the battery from the camera, if applicable.
- Wait for a few minutes before reinserting the battery.
- Reconnect the camera to the solar panel.
- Turn on the camera and check if the charging indicator light is on.
- Observe the battery percentage in the camera settings to see if it’s increasing.
Note: Optimize the angle of your solar panel based on your geographic location and season.
Solution 3: Check Your Solar Panel Positioning
If your solar panel is not appropriately set up, no matter what troubleshooting you attempt, it won’t charge.
Checking your solar panel involves optimizing its angle and positioning as well as some other factors.
Here are the steps to optimize your Wyze solar panel to fix charging issues:
- Place the solar panel in a location where it gets direct sunlight; avoid shaded areas.
- Adjust the angle of the solar panel to around 30 degrees for optimal exposure.
- Ensure there are no obstructions, such as trees or buildings, shading the panel.
- Regularly maintain your solar panel surface clean of leaves and dust.
- Monitor the charging status of the connected camera.
- If the problem persists, consider relocating the solar panel to a more suitable spot.
Furthermore, you could adjust the positioning of the solar panel throughout the day to maximize sunlight exposure.
As a rule, your panel should face south in the northern hemisphere and have a varying angle, depending on the time of year.
Note: Your camera won't charge at night time or in low light conditions.
Solution 4: Inspect Hardware For Issues
In some instances, your Wyze panel might have arrived with damage or a defect from the factory.
In this case, if its integrity is compromised, you might experience issues charging your other devices.
Here is how to perform a checkup for hardware damage for your Wyze panel:
- Inspect the Wyze solar panel base for any visible damage, like cracks or wear and tear.
- Check the wiring, mounting hardware, and inverters for signs of damage.
- Ensure that the panel is properly mounted and secure.
- If you spot any hardware issues, talk with a professional for repair or replacement.
- Check if the charging ports for your camera are bent or if the cables are fraying.
A good practice is to regularly inspect your solar panel setup to prevent future issues, as wildlife or environmental factors can damage it at any time.
Note: Check and fasten your solar panel every month to prevent it from falling.
Solution 5: Thoroughly Clean Your Solar Panel
Even if your solar panel appears clean at a glance, it might still have a layer of dust that can degrade its charging performance.
To remedy this, you have to thoroughly clean its surface.
Here is how to deep-clean your Wyze solar panel to ensure proper charging:
- Turn off the Wyze solar panel and disconnect it from the camera.
- Use a soft cloth dampened with water to gently clean the surface of the panel.
- Dry the panel thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth to avoid smudges.
- Reconnect the panel to the camera.
- Check the panel’s positioning to ensure it’s receiving adequate sunlight.
After these steps, try to monitor the charging status via the camera app to confirm if it’s working better now.
Note: Ensure your charging cables and power connections are waterproofed.
Solution 6: Battery and Camera Inspection
If your Wyze camera that is connected to your solar panel has faulty power, it won’t hold a charge or deplete rapidly.
To prevent this issue, you must check your camera’s power delivery.
Here is how to check your Wyze camera power delivery for issues:
- Check the battery of the Wyze camera for any signs of damage like leakage or bulging.
- Ensure that the camera’s battery is compatible with the solar panel.
- Replace the battery if it shows signs of damage or malfunction.
- Inspect the camera’s USB charging port for any debris or damage.
- Clean the charging port gently with a soft, dry cloth.
- Reconnect the camera to the solar panel and check for charging.
Be aware that based on the camera model and type you have, the steps above might vary for you.
Note: Use the power cables that came with your Wyze device rather than aftermarket ones.
Solution 7: Solar Charge Controller Inspection
Depending on your exact Wyze solar panel configuration, you could have a controller that is responsible for the power delivery and output.
If there is an issue with it, your camera connected to the panel might struggle to charge.
Here are some steps to ensure your Solar panel controller is in working order:
- Inspect the solar charge controller for any signs of damage or malfunction.
- Check the settings of the solar charge controller to ensure they are correct.
- Reset the charge controller if necessary.
- Replace the solar charge controller if it is found to be faulty.
- Ensure that the charge controller is compatible with the Wyze solar panel and camera.
- Disconnect and reconnect the panel and camera to the charge controller.
- Afterward, monitor the charging process to ensure the issue is resolved.
If the issue persists, consider contacting Wyze customer support for further assistance.
Note: If the camera isn't charging in a brand-new unit, consider ordering a replacement.
Quick Recap:
To fix a Wyze solar panel not charging, start by checking the power cables and connections for issues.
Next, ensure your panel is properly set up and clean it thoroughly.
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