The Arlo Solar Panel is designed to provide continuous power to compatible Arlo cameras, ensuring they remain charged and operational without the need for manual battery swaps. This device is an excellent low-maintenance solution for outdoor camera installations, especially in hard-to-reach areas where regular access for charging might be inconvenient.

Function Description

The primary function of the Arlo Solar Panel is to convert sunlight into electrical energy, which then trickle-charges the battery of a connected Arlo camera. This continuous charging mechanism helps maintain the camera's battery at a full or near-full state, extending its operational life and reducing the need for manual recharging. The solar panel is designed to keep the camera battery charged, rather than to charge a completely depleted battery from low to full. This means that for optimal performance, the camera battery should be fully charged before connecting it to the solar panel.

The amount of energy the solar panel can produce is influenced by several external factors. These include the average sun exposure of the chosen location, prevailing weather conditions (such as cloud cover or rain), the tilt angle at which the panel is mounted, and the presence of dust or debris on its surface. For instance, a solar panel in the same location might generate different amounts of energy at different times of the year due to variations in sun intensity and duration. Similarly, geographic location plays a significant role, with some areas receiving more sunlight than others.

Usage Features

To maximize the effectiveness of the Arlo Solar Panel, careful consideration of its placement and orientation is crucial.

Location Selection: It is essential to choose an outdoor location that receives abundant sunlight throughout the day. Areas that are frequently shaded for significant portions of the day should be avoided to ensure consistent energy generation.
Orientation and Tilt Angle: For optimal sunlight absorption, the solar panel should be mounted facing true south in the northern hemisphere or true north in the southern hemisphere. The tilt angle of the panel also needs to be adjusted according to the specific latitude of the installation site. To assist users in determining the correct orientation and tilt angle, the free SimplySolar app is available for both iOS and Android devices. This app provides guidance to help users achieve the most efficient setup.
Mounting Options: The Arlo Solar Panel comes with a metal security mount that offers versatile installation options. It can be securely attached to various outdoor surfaces such as walls, fences, roofs, gutters, or eaves. The adjustable nature of the mount, combined with the included weather-resistant Micro USB cable (6-foot or 1.8 m for VMA4600, and 8-foot or 2.4 m magnetic power cable for VMA5600), provides a wide range of flexibility for positioning the panel to capture maximum sunlight.
Compatibility: Different models of the Arlo Solar Panel are compatible with specific Arlo camera models.
- The VMA4600 solar panel is compatible with Arlo Pro 2, Arlo Pro, and Arlo Go cameras. It connects to the Micro-USB port on these cameras using its included water-resistant 6-foot (1.8 m) cable. It is important to note that an Arlo Pro or Arlo Go rechargeable battery must be inserted into the camera for the solar panel to function.
- The VMA5600 solar panel is compatible with Arlo Ultra and Arlo Pro 3 cameras. This model connects to the camera using an included weather-resistant 8-foot (2.4 m) magnetic power cable.
Operating Temperature: The Arlo Solar Panel is designed to operate within a specific temperature range, typically 32° to 113°F (0° to 45°C). For safety reasons, the solar panel cannot charge the camera battery at temperatures below freezing. In locations with consistently low average sun exposure or freezing temperatures, the solar panel might not always be able to keep the battery fully charged.
Initial Setup: Before connecting the solar panel, it is recommended to ensure that the Arlo Pro Wire-Free or Arlo Go camera battery is fully charged. The solar panel is designed to maintain this charge, not to bring a low battery to full. Once the camera battery is charged, the cable from the solar panel can be connected to the Arlo camera.
Charging Confirmation: The charging icon will not immediately appear in the Arlo app upon connecting the solar panel. It may take some time for the panel to gather enough sunlight and for the charging status to update. Users can confirm that their camera is charging by waiting for the icon to appear or by regularly checking the camera's battery percentage in the Arlo app.

Maintenance Features

Maintaining the Arlo Solar Panel is straightforward and primarily involves ensuring its surface remains clear to optimize sunlight absorption.

Cleaning: To prevent dust, dirt, or debris from accumulating on the panel's surface, it is recommended to wipe the panel every few months. Accumulations can significantly reduce the solar energy-harvesting efficiency of the panel, impacting its ability to keep the camera battery charged.
Cable Management: Users should avoid unplugging the cable from the Arlo Solar Panel unnecessarily, as this could potentially cause damage to the cable or the solar panel itself.

By following these guidelines for positioning, usage, and maintenance, users can ensure their Arlo Solar Panel operates effectively, providing reliable, continuous power to their Arlo cameras and enhancing the overall security system experience.

Arlo VMC4030 - Page 3

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