SP301 Series - Solar-Panel for Battery-Operated Cameras (4.5W & 7W) - Troubleshooting Guide

Encountering issues with your Lorex solar panel setup? Here's how to address them:

For additional support, check out the installation guide or frequently asked questions (FAQs).

Solar Panel Not Charging the Camera

• Position the solar panel to receive at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily, ideally between 10 AM and 3 PM. Avoid shaded areas caused by trees, buildings, or other obstructions.
• Confirm that the USB-C or Micro-USB connection is secure and correctly matched to your battery camera's power port. Use the provided Micro USB adapter if necessary.
• The solar panel is designed to maintain the battery camera's charge, not to recharge a fully depleted battery. Fully charge the battery camera using the provided USB cable before connecting the solar panel.
• Ambient light (cloudy or through windows) isn't enough. Relocate the solar panel to an outdoor area with direct exposure to the sky.
• The solar panel’s USB-C cable and the included micro-USB adapter feature a waterproof design tailored specifically for Lorex battery-operated cameras. To ensure weather-resistant performance and maintain the stated IP65 rating, please only use the provided cable with Lorex devices.
  
  Important: Using the cable or adapter with non-Lorex cameras may result in loss of waterproof protection and is not covered under our IP rating guarantee.
  
  

Intermittent Charging

• Dirt, dust, or debris can obstruct sunlight. Gently wipe the solar panel with a soft cloth and water; avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
• Adjust the solar panel's tilt angle to match seasonal sun positions:
  • Winter: Steeper angle (closer to vertical) to capture lower sun angles.
  • Summer: Flatter angle (more horizontal) to align with higher sun positions. 
  • Use the Adjustment Ring to easily change the panel’s tilt.
• Monitor the camera usage. High activity levels, such as frequent motion detection events, can drain the battery faster than the panel can recharge it. Adjust camera settings to reduce unnecessary triggers.

How to Check If Your Battery Camera Is Charging

1. Open the Lorex app connected to your battery-operated camera.
2. Go to your camera’s live view or device settings.
3. Look at the battery icon:
   • If the battery is fully charged, you'll see a checkmark icon.
   • If the battery is currently charging, you'll see a lightning bolt (⚡) icon.
     

Can’t Connect the Solar Panel to Battery Camera

If the cable doesn't fit, your camera might use a Micro-USB port instead of USB-C.

Here’s how to fix it:

1. Open the battery camera’s power port cover.
2. Check the port shape:
   
   • If the port is rounded and larger, it's a USB-C port. Plug the solar panel's cable directly into the battery camera.
   • If the port is smaller and flat, it's a Micro-USB port. Attach the provided Micro-USB Adapter onto the solar panel cable, then plug it into the camera.