Arlo Essential Solar Panel 2nd Gen Review: Mixed Verdict
Launching with a reality check: despite marketing promises of “continuous charging,” the Arlo Essential Solar Panel Charger (2nd Generation) lands at a conditional 6.5/10 based on cross-platform user feedback. While installation receives near-universal praise, charging performance often depends heavily on location, sunlight exposure, and realistic expectations for “maintenance” rather than “full recharging.”
Quick Verdict: Conditional — Ideal for low-to-moderate camera activity in sunny locations, but not a full battery replacement in most scenarios.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy, straightforward installation | Inconsistent or slow charging in partial sun |
| Long 8 ft cable offers flexible placement | Struggles to fully recharge drained batteries |
| Compact and discreet design | Not effective in cold/cloudy conditions |
| Official Arlo certified accessory | Some compatibility confusion (wrong cameras sold) |
| Weather-resistant construction | Smaller panel size vs. 1st gen leads to slower charge |
| Saves time by reducing manual charging | Divisive reliability — some units praised, others called “trash” |
| Adjustable mount for optimal sunlight | Limited warranty (1 year parts, 30-day issues reported) |
Claims vs Reality
One core manufacturer claim is that the charger will “keep your battery charged with direct sunlight.” In practice, multiple users interpret this as a maintenance charge, not a primary power source. A Best Buy reviewer noted: “You’re better off charging your cam to full battery by plugging it in and then let the panel maintain that charge.” That’s a significant gap from marketing language suggesting continuous, full charging.
Arlo also touts the compact design as a benefit, but Reddit users question its downsizing from earlier models. One comment observed the new version is “about the size of your cell phone,” leading to slower replenishment compared to 1st generation panels.
The weather-resistant claim holds true for many — community members across climates mention it withstanding “extreme cold & extreme heat” for over two years. But cold-weather charging is hit-or-miss: an Amazon user reported it “works awesome if the temperature is above 33°F… when cloudy and cold it’s basically useless.”
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Ease of installation is the standout win. A verified Best Buy buyer said: “Easy to use, easy to install… excellent pictures.” The included long cable gets regular praise for enabling strategic placement. Another remarked: “8 ft cord so that you can place this anywhere to catch the sun.”
For animal monitoring or high-activity zones, some found it transformative. One reviewer shared that placing the panel near their dog’s area “saves me a lot of time” as the battery used to drain daily before installing the charger. Compact size earns style points: “Small and mighty… not very noticeable like some overly big panels.”
Common Complaints
Battery life complaints dominate negative reviews. A Reddit user said their panel “seems to last longer without the panel plugged in,” bluntly calling it “useless.” Similar frustration appears when heavy camera activity outpaces the panel’s charging rate, leading to gradual drain even in sun.
Slow charging is repeatedly flagged — one Best Buy customer documented a jump from only 15% to 58% over four days in direct sunlight until 3 p.m. Many compare this unfavorably to 1st gen models.
Cold weather and cloudy sky performance is limited; even Arlo community moderators acknowledge panels provide only a trickle charge under such conditions. The size reduction from previous versions is linked by multiple reviewers to this diminished performance.
Divisive Features
A split emerges among users with ideal sunlight conditions. One Amazon buyer reports “backyard solar panel has been keeping its camera charged to 100%,” nudging them to buy more for other locations. But others in similarly sunny climates report inconsistency: “Sometimes it charges, sometimes it doesn’t… had to remove the camera multiple times and charge manually.”
Compatibility confusion also divides experiences — a few lament buying it for unsupported models such as the Essential Spotlight, only to return it.
Trust & Reliability
Durability reports span from glowing to damning. Trustpilot-like feedback mentions panels holding up for “over 3 years” without significant degradation. Yet, warranty complaints pop up when units fail early. One Arlo forum user described rust on panel connectors within months, leading to functional failure and reliance on off-brand cords as a workaround.
Return windows are short — Best Buy buyers face a 2-week limit, showing up in regrets where charging disappointment surfaced too late. Limited responsiveness in support exchanges leaves some labeling it a “poor quality… lousy investment” despite being an official accessory.
Alternatives
Wasserstein solar panels surface repeatedly as the main alternative. Criticism of their quality is severe in Arlo’s community: “Within 2 weeks it was dead… sits somewhere in the dump.” Yet, some frustrated Arlo buyers use Wasserstein as a benchmark for better sustained levels after rain.
The main competitor advantage lies in larger panel sizes and sometimes longer cables, increasing placement flexibility. However, compatibility and weatherproofing parity are disputed. Upgrading within Arlo’s own ecosystem to the Pro/Ultra-compatible panel (VM5600) is another community suggestion for heavier-duty charging needs.
Price & Value
Currently listed at $39.99 on Amazon and Best Buy, with occasional markdowns to $33.99, the second-generation charger sits in midrange territory. eBay resale shows modest discounts (~$63 dual-pack), implying limited second-hand demand.
Users suggest buying only if you can place the panel in near-constant direct sunlight. For shaded properties or heavily active cameras, the value drops when factoring in the need for occasional manual charging.
FAQ
Q: Will this panel fully recharge a drained battery?
A: Rarely. Multiple users stress it’s better suited for maintaining charge on an already full battery in sunny conditions, especially with moderate camera activity.
Q: Does cold weather stop it from working?
A: Yes, in many cases. Reports confirm charging stops in sub-32°F weather, and efficiency drops under prolonged cloud cover.
Q: Is it smaller than the previous generation?
A: Yes. Reviewers note the downsized panel is “about the size of your cell phone,” potentially limiting output compared to older models.
Q: Can it work with cameras outside the listed Essential (2nd Gen) models?
A: No — compatibility is strict. Buyers who tried to connect it to unsupported units like the Essential Spotlight were forced to return it.
Q: How durable is the Arlo-branded option vs. off-brand?
A: Feedback favors Arlo’s build quality over cheaper alternatives, though off-brand connectors are sometimes used to replace faulty cables.
Final Verdict
Buy if your Essential (2nd Gen) camera sits in consistent direct sunlight and activity is moderate — installation ease and maintenance charging shine here.
Avoid if your camera faces shade, high motion events, or cold/cloudy climates — reports point to inconsistent and slow recharging.
Pro tip from an experienced Amazon user: “Charge the camera fully first, then let the panel maintain that charge.” This aligns expectations with reality and limits frustration.
