arlo solar panel not charging

arlo solar panel not charging

 

How to Troubleshoot Arlo Solar Panel Charging Issues

This article provides a comprehensive guide for troubleshooting charging issues with your Arlo Solar Panel. The instructions apply to the following Arlo camera models:

VMC4040P, FB1001, VMC2030, VMC2020, VMC2032, VMC4041P, VMC4050P, VMC5040, VML2030, VMC2050, VMC3050, VMC2052, VMC3052, VMC4060P, VMC4030, VML4030, VMC4030P, AL1101.

 

Initial Setup and Compatibility

Before troubleshooting, ensure that:

  • Your Arlo camera is fully charged before connecting it to the Arlo Solar Panel.
  • The Arlo Solar Panel is compatible with your specific Arlo camera model.
  • The Arlo Solar Panel is designed to maintain the charge of your camera's battery rather than charging it from low to full.

Troubleshooting Steps

1. Check Charging State in the Arlo Secure App

To determine the charging state of your Arlo camera via the Arlo Solar Panel, check the solar icons in the Arlo Secure App:

Solar and Battery Icons

  • Solar Icon: 

    Battery Icon: 

  •  

    Meaning: Battery Fully Charged

    Note: These icons may display briefly before reverting to gray.

  • Solar Icon: 

    Battery Icon: 

    Meaning: Battery Charging

  • Solar Icon: 

    Battery Icon: 

    Meaning: Battery Not Charging

    Note: The battery will not charge if it is too cold or too hot.

  • Solar Icon: No Icon

    Battery Icon: 

    Meaning: Battery or Charger Status Unavailable

2. Inspect and Reconnect the Solar Panel Cable

  1. Unplug the Arlo Solar Panel cable from your camera.
  2. Check the condition of the cable for any exposed or damaged wires.
  3. Reconnect the cable securely to your camera.

3. Positioning the Solar Panel

Ensure your Arlo Solar Panel is:

  • Pointed directly toward the sun.
  • Free from obstructions such as trees or buildings.

For optimal positioning tips, refer to How do I position the Arlo Solar Panel to get the most sunlight?

4. Check Ambient Temperature

Verify that the outside air temperature is within the operational range:

  • Above 32°F (0°C) and below 113°F (45°C).

The Arlo Solar Panel will not charge the camera battery outside of these temperature ranges.

5. Verify Battery Insertion and Charging

Ensure that:

  • The Arlo camera battery is fully inserted.
  • The camera battery is being charged by the Arlo Solar Panel.

The Solar Panel provides trickle charging to maintain the battery level and cannot power the camera directly if the battery is not installed.

6. Reduce Solar Camera Usage

To help determine if the issue is due to excessive usage:

  • Reduce camera usage for 1-2 days.
  • Monitor the battery level to see if it improves.

Heavy camera usage can drain the battery faster than the Solar Panel can recharge it, especially in poor sunlight conditions.

7. Clean the Solar Panel Surface

Ensure the surface of the Arlo Solar Panel is free from dirt and debris:

  • Clean the panel regularly to ensure maximum sunlight absorption.

By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve any issues with your Arlo Solar Panel not charging your camera effectively.

 

 

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